E-Bike Guidelines

1. Only Class 1 low-speed electric bicycles as defined by New Jersey law (“E-Bikes”) may be used on club rides.^(*) This means, among other things:
   • The electric motor provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that assistance ceases when the E-bike reaches 20 miles per hour (regardless of the rider’s weight), the rider stops pedaling, or the E-bike comes to a stop.
   • The E-Bike must not have any throttle. The motor provides assistance only while the rider is pedaling.
   • The E-Bike must have fully operable crank-set and pedals, a single electric motor and that motor is less than 750 watts.
2. Class 2 low-speed electric bicycles as defined by New Jersey law may not be used on club rides due to the terms of our insurance policy.
3. E-Bike riders will observe and follow JSTS rules and policies governing ride safety and etiquette absent the provision of any other rules specific to E-Bikes.
4. The role of ride leaders remains unchanged. They are responsible for ensuring that all riders are made aware of the ride rules and their responsibility for obeying them and establishing traffic laws. As such, ride leaders are not responsible for determining whether a rider is using an E-Bike or what class of E-Bike a rider may be using.
5. Similar to conventional cyclists that participate in group rides, ride leaders have the authority to speak with any rider of an E-Bike if, in their judgment, they feel that rider is compromising the safety of others on the ride. This authority also includes making them aware of what they are doing incorrectly or to request that the E-Bike rider maintain a position at the back of the group ride to ensure the safety of others.
6. E-Bike riders that participate in group rides are responsible for knowing the ride rules and following those rules, with particular emphasis on ride pace.
7. E-Bike riders may participate in all group rides regardless of speed. However, E-Bike riders are encouraged to participate in group rides where the established pace is equal to or slower than rides they have demonstrated experience with, preferably experience they have developed previously on a conventional cycle.
8. E-bike riders may not assume the front position on a paceline or accelerate the pace of the group. They may only maintain the established pace, or safely reduce it in the event a hazard exists that should be prudently observed to protect other riders in the group.
9. E-Bike riders should not aggressively pass regular bike riders when proceeding up grades or in noticeably adverse wind conditions.
10. E-Bike riders are encouraged to ensure they have sufficient battery reserves to enable them to complete the ride they have chosen. If a spare battery is carried by the rider or affixed or upon the E-bike, it must be securely attached.

^(*) “Low-speed electric bicycle” means a two or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts, that meets the requirements of one of the following classifications: "class 1 low-speed electric bicycle" which means a low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour; or “class 2 low-speed electric bicycle'' which means a low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour. (https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2018/Bills/PL19/121_.PDF, accessed May 26, 2021).