Electric Bicycles (E-Bikes)
What is an e-bike?
E-bikes are electric bicycles with a motor that gives riders a boost. E-bikes use rechargeable batteries and travel up to 28 m.p.h. When you use an e-bike to get around, you can:
- Save money on fuel and maintenance by replacing daily car trips with e-bike rides
- Bike greater distances and across harder terrain
- Set aside worries about arriving sweaty at your destination
- Reduce your carbon footprint while running errands or commuting to work
- Enjoy fresh air and exercise. It’s fun!
E-Bikes Class
- Class 1: an electrical assisted bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 m.p.h.
- Class 2: an electrical assisted bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance regardless of whether the rider is pedaling but ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 m.p.h.
- Class 3: an electrical assisted bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 28 m.p.h.
- E-Cargo Bikes: built to carry heavy loads and often two or more people. The bikes vary in size and shape, may have two or three wheels, and commonly have a longer wheelbase than a standard bicycle, with space for hauling cargo either in the front or back (great for carrying kids, groceries, etc.,).
Advantages of Owning an Electric Bicycle
Environmentally Friendly
Compared to traditional vehicles, electric bicycles are more environmentally friendly. Traditional vehicles produce greenhouse gasses such as nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons, whereas electric bicycles use minimal amounts of electricity per mile.
Flexibility of Use
Having an electric bicycle can be more flexible than a traditional bicycle. One can use an electric bicycle for exercise by lowering the level of pedal assistance the motor gives, just like a regular bicycle. However, with the electric motor aiding/replacing your pedaling, these bicycles allow for transportation without the worry of being late or sweaty.
Recreation
Electric bicycles give you the best of both worlds in terms of recreation. They allow for the freeing feeling of riding a bicycle downhill and on flat land without the dread of slowly climbing up the next hill. For avid bicyclists, you can lower the level of pedal assistance to keep the same amount of exercise while allowing you to go farther with the extra boost from the motor.
Decrease in Fuel Cost
When substituting traditional transportation for an electric bicycle, fuel costs decrease substantially. Charging an electric bicycle often costs less than a cent per mile, outcompeting traditional vehicles.
Video Profiles
E-Bikes Across Rhode Island: Meet Elizabeth
E-Bikes Across Rhode Island: Larry Davis
Electric Bicycle FAQs
E-bikes simply amplify your pedaling effort. They pedal like a regular bike, but the wind is always at your back and hills melt away.
No. Rhode Island recognizes three classes of electric bicycles. Class 1 provides motor assistance only while pedaling, stopping at 20 mph. Class 2 uses a throttle-actuated motor that stops assisting at 20 mph. Class 3 provides assistance only while pedaling, stopping at 28 mph. Devices outside these definitions—including electric motorcycles and many products marketed as “e-motos”—are not eligible for OER’s e-bike rebate. The applicable legal definitions are in R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-19.7-1, with “electric motorized bicycle” also defined in § 31-1-3(g).
E-bikes can make riding more accessible and practical. They help people travel farther, tackle hills, commute, run errands, and enjoy riding with less effort when they need it.
Under Rhode Island’s class definitions, Class 1 and Class 2 motors stop providing assistance at 20 mph, and Class 3 motors stop providing assistance at 28 mph. These are motor-assistance limits, not necessarily the maximum speed a bicycle can travel when coasting or pedaling downhill. Check the manufacturer’s specifications and follow posted speed limits.
In Rhode Island, Class 1 e-bikes are permitted on state bicycle paths, including the East Bay Bike Path and Blackstone River Bikeway, under R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-19.7-2. Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes are generally used on roads, shoulders, and designated bike lanes, subject to applicable traffic laws. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) may establish additional rules for properties under its jurisdiction. Cities and towns may also have their own restrictions, so always check posted signs and local regulations before riding.
In Rhode Island, an electric motorized bicycle may not be operated by a person younger than 16. This is different from the OER rebate requirement: applicants must be Rhode Island residents who are at least 18 years old. See R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-2.2 and the E-Bike Rebate Program eligibility requirements.
Rhode Island law requires e-bike operators and passengers under age 21 to wear a properly fitted and secured helmet meeting Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards in the public locations covered by the law. OER recommends wearing a helmet at every age. See R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-19.7-3.
Qualifying electric motorized bicycles are exempt from Rhode Island motor-vehicle registration under R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3-2.2. They are generally treated as bicycles rather than registered motor vehicles; a driver’s license is not required to ride a qualifying e-bike.
Many e-bikes can accommodate accessories such as racks, fenders, lights, locks, and baskets. Compatibility varies by make and model. Ask your local bike shop or check the manufacturer’s recommendations, especially for cargo weight limits.
A watt-hour is a measure of battery energy capacity. In general, a higher watt-hour rating can support longer rides, although actual range also depends on motor use, terrain, rider and cargo weight, weather, and other factors.
General range is 20-100 miles/32-160 kilometers depending on power modes, terrain, and other riding conditions like load or wind. Bosch has a handy e-bike range calculator that will help you estimate range for specific riding conditions.
Most are controlled from the handlebar. Others have a power switch on the side of the battery that serves as the on/off switch for the whole system.
Approximately 3-5 hours to charge, depending on the state of the battery prior to charge and which charger is being used.
The battery charges like any personal computer or cell phone. Plug the charger into a wall outlet and connect the charger to the battery. Most Trek e-bikes don’t require you to remove the battery to charge, but it’s always an option. Lights on the side of the battery indicate when it is completely charged.
E-bike lithium-ion batteries are safe when used as directed, but a damaged, overheated or improperly charged battery can catch fire. Use only the charger and battery made for your e-bike, and never modify them. Don't charge overnight or while you're away, and unplug once the battery is full. Charge on a hard, non-flammable surface, away from exits, beds and couches, in a room with a working smoke alarm. Store the battery at room temperature, out of direct sun and hot cars. Stop using the battery right away if it swells, leaks, smells odd, gets very hot, changes color or makes noise, and have it checked by your bike shop after a crash or drop.
Never put an e-bike battery in the trash or a curbside recycling bin. Batteries can be crushed and spark fires in garbage trucks and recycling facilities. Cover the terminals with non-conductive tape (electrical or packing tape), then bring the battery to your bike shop or find an e-bike battery drop-off location at call2recycle.org. Rhode Island households can also bring batteries to a free RIRRC Eco-Depot event (appointment required) at rirrc.org/ecodepot. If a battery is damaged or swollen, don't use a store drop-off bin. Keep it outside, away from anything flammable, and call RIRRC at (401) 942-1430 for instructions. If it is smoking or hot, call 911.
Most e-bike batteries are water-resistant, not waterproof. Riding in the rain is fine, but don't submerge your e-bike or pressure-wash it, and let a wet battery dry completely before charging.
It depends on the model. Some e-bikes have removable batteries secured by a key or lock; others have integrated batteries that are not intended for routine removal. Ask your retailer about security and replacement options.
Contact the bicycle manufacturer or the local bike shop that sold the e-bike. They may be able to order a replacement key using the bike or lock identification information.
Usually not. Most e-bikes do not recharge their batteries when you pedal. A small number of models may offer regenerative braking, but this is not typical.
Yes. The battery management systems stop the motor from drawing power when the battery’s capacity reaches a certain point, but there is still ample power available to operate the lights.
The standard rebate covers 30% of the eligible e-bike purchase price, up to $350. The income-qualified rebate covers 75%, up to $750. Funding is limited and eligibility requirements apply.
Eligible purchases must be new e-bikes or e-cargo bikes that meet the program’s requirements, including a motor, battery, and functional pedals. Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 e-bikes may qualify. Electric scooters, mopeds, motorcycles, Segways, conversion kits, and children’s e-bikes are not eligible. Review the program guidance before purchasing.
Yes. The program requires purchases through an eligible bicycle retailer with a physical location in Rhode Island. This supports local bicycle businesses and helps ensure applicants have access to service and support.
Sometimes. An online purchase can qualify when made through the website of an eligible Rhode Island bike shop, or through a third-party manufacturer or seller with a pre-existing arrangement with an eligible Rhode Island bike shop and delivery to that shop for assembly and/or pickup. Ordering online for direct home delivery generally does not meet the program rules. Check the program guidance or contact OER before purchasing.
Applicants must be Rhode Island residents at least 18 years old. Purchase an eligible new e-bike first, then apply within 180 days of the date on the sales receipt. You will need documentation such as proof of Rhode Island residency and age, an itemized sales receipt showing Rhode Island sales tax, the bicycle make/model/serial number, and a W-9. Income-qualified applicants must also provide the required income documentation or self-attestation.
Under the currently published program rules, a household may receive up to two rebates over the lifetime of the program. Please check the latest program guidance for any changes before applying.
Visit OER’s Erika Niedowski Memorial Electric Bicycle Rebate Program page for program rules and the application. OER also publishes an E-Bike Program Statistics dashboard with program participation information.