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What classifies e-bikes, where to buy them, and where to ride them are all key elements in safety.
ATHENS, Ga. — As warmer weather arrives, more cyclists are heading outdoors — and many are considering upgrading to electric bikes. But knowing which e‑bike fits your needs, and where you’re legally allowed to ride it, can be confusing.
We spoke with John Devine, Executive Director of Go Georgia, a mobility advocacy group, to break it all down.
E‑Bike Classes: What’s the Difference?
E‑bikes come in three classifications based on speed and how the motor assists the rider.
Class 1: Pedal-assist only, up to 20 mph
Class 2: Throttle-assisted, also capped at 20 mph
Class 3: Pedal-assist up to 28 mph
“The first two only allow you to go up to 20 miles per hour with an assist … and the class three e‑bike allows you to go up to 28 miles per hour with pedal-assist,” Devine said outside of Go Georgia’s Athens headquarters.
Generally, e‑bikes are allowed in:
Bike lanes
Streets and highways (but never interstates)
Shared-use paths, including the Atlanta BeltLine, but not Class 3 e-bikes, are not allowed on the BeltLine.
Sidewalks, however, are off limits for most riders. “If you are 12 years old or over, you are not allowed to ride a bike on a sidewalk anywhere in Georgia,” Devine said.
The same rules apply to e‑scooters, though some cities give younger children sidewalk exceptions.
Rules of the Road
If you’re riding in the street:
Stay as close to the curb as safely possible.
Ride predictably, avoiding sudden moves.
Drivers must leave at least three feet when passing cyclists.
This helps everyone — drivers, cyclists, and e‑scooter riders — share the road more safely.
Ambiguity after level three
Anything that can top 28 mph isn’t classified as an e‑bike and can’t be in bike lanes or on multi-use trails.
Georgia’s state law remains unclear on whether these faster electric two‑wheelers qualify as mopeds or motorcycles — but either way, they require a valid driver’s license, and for motorcycles, a separate motorcycle license.
“There has also been plenty of confusing and misleading advertising… in the sales arena of non-e-bike electric vehicles,” Devine said.
Buying an E‑Bike? Seek experts at local shops
Devine strongly recommends visiting a local bike shop instead of buying online or from a big box store. Local shops can:
And no matter what you ride, Devine urges all cyclists and e‑scooter users to wear helmets — even though Georgia law doesn’t require adults to do so.
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