E-Bike Resources for Riders and Owners (USA & Canada)

1. PeopleForBikes:

Focus: A leading national advocacy group and industry trade association that works to make biking (including e-biking) better for everyone. They are involved in policy, infrastructure development, and rider education.

Website: peopleforbikes.org

Resources: E-bike policies, industry news, local partner programs, and safety initiatives like the "eBike eCourse".

2. League of American Bicyclists:

Focus: Promotes bicycling for fun, fitness, and transportation through advocacy and education. They address e-bike issues within their broader scope.

Website: bikeleague.org

Resources: Information on bike laws (including e-bikes), educational programs, and finding local advocacy groups.

3. E-BIKE ACCESS:

Focus: A non-profit advocating for safe, legal, and equal access to pedal-assist e-bikes, particularly e-mountain bikes on trails.

Website: ebikeaccess.org

Resources: Information on trail access issues and advocacy efforts.

4. Local and Regional Advocacy Groups:

Many states and cities have their own bicycle advocacy organizations that are increasingly addressing e-bike specific issues. Search for "[Your State/City] Bicycle Coalition" or "[Your State/City] E-bike Advocacy."

1. Vélo Canada Bikes:

Focus: Canada's national cycling advocacy organization, working to get more people cycling, more often. They cover various aspects of cycling, including the growing e-bike segment.

Website: velocanadabikes.org

Resources: Policy information, national cycling strategy, and links to provincial/territorial groups.

2. Provincial Cycling Associations:

Each province often has its own cycling association that may advocate for cyclists and provide resources. (e.g., HUB Cycling in British Columbia, Vélo Québec). Search "[Your Province] Cycling Association."

3. Canadian Electric Bicycle Association (CEBA):

Focus: Historically focused on promoting the e-bike industry and ridership in Canada. Information is sometimes found via the National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA) directory. (Note: may be less active or integrated into broader groups, but worth checking for local chapters or historical info)

4. Local E-bike Groups and Clubs:

Similar to the USA, many Canadian municipalities have local clubs focused on e-biking.

1. eBike eCourse (by Motorcycle Safety Foundation & PeopleForBikes):

Focus: A comprehensive online course designed to equip riders with the knowledge and skills to ride e-bikes safely. Covers rules of the road, interacting with traffic, crash avoidance, battery safety, and maintenance.

Website: eBikeCourse.com

2. CyclingSavvy:

Focus: Offers courses and resources aimed at empowering cyclists to ride safely and confidently in various traffic conditions. They have specific e-bike safety resources.

Website: cyclingsavvy.org/ebike-safety-resources/

3. League of American Bicyclists (Smart Cycling Program):

Focus: Offers a suite of courses taught by certified instructors nationwide, covering various aspects of safe cycling, which are applicable to e-bike riders.

Website: bikeleague.org/ridesmart

4. Local Bike Shops & Community Programs:

Many local bike shops offer basic e-bike safety clinics or can point you to local resources.

1. HUB Cycling (British Columbia):

Focus: Offers a range of in-person and online cycling courses, including specialized e-bike education and skills courses in Metro Vancouver and across BC.

Website: bikehub.ca/resources/e-bike-education

2. CAN-BIKE (Cycling Canada):

Focus: A national program offering courses on all aspects of cycling safely and enjoyably. While not exclusively e-bike focused, the principles are highly relevant.

Website: Check Cycling Canada's website (cyclingcanada.ca) for information or search for local CAN-BIKE instructors.

3. CAA (Canadian Automobile Association):

Focus: Provides information and resources on e-bike safety, rules, and general tips for riders.

Website: caa.ca (navigate to driving/cycling safety sections; specific content may vary by regional club).

4. Local Municipalities & Public Health Units:

Often provide cycling safety information and sometimes workshops.

1. PeopleForBikes E-Bike Law Map:

Focus: Provides an excellent overview of e-bike laws across all 50 states, including classifications, helmet laws, and where you can ride.

Website: peopleforbikes.org/e-bikes/policies-and-laws/ (or search their site for "e-bike laws")

2. State Department of Transportation (DOT) / Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Websites:

These are the primary sources for the most current and detailed state-specific laws. Search "[Your State] e-bike laws DOT" or "[Your State] e-bike laws DMV."

3. Local Municipal Websites:

City and county ordinances can further regulate e-bike use on local paths, sidewalks, and trails. Always check your local government website.

1. Transport Canada:

Focus: Sets the federal definition for power-assisted bicycles (PABs). However, provinces and territories have the authority to regulate their use on roads and trails.

Website: Search tc.canada.ca for "power-assisted bicycle."

2. Provincial Ministry of Transportation Websites:

This is where you'll find specific regulations for your province regarding e-bike definitions, age restrictions, helmet laws, and where they can be operated. Search "[Your Province] e-bike laws" or "[Your Province] Ministry of Transportation e-bike."

3. Municipal Bylaws:

Similar to the US, cities and towns may have their own bylaws affecting e-bike use. Check your local municipal website.

1. Your Local E-Bike Shop:

Focus: The best resource for hands-on maintenance, repairs (especially for motor and battery systems), and specific advice for your e-bike model. Many offer service packages.

2. Manufacturer's Website & Manuals:

Focus: Your e-bike manufacturer will provide specific maintenance schedules and basic troubleshooting guides for your model.

3. Online E-Bike Forums & Communities (see section VI):

Focus: Great for asking specific maintenance questions and getting advice from experienced owners.

4. YouTube Channels:

Many channels are dedicated to bicycle maintenance, with some focusing specifically on e-bikes. Look for reputable mechanics and channels.

Examples (General Bike & some E-bike): Park Tool, Global Cycling Network (GCN Tech). Search for e-bike specific channels too.

5. Books on Bicycle Maintenance:

While e-bikes have unique components, general bicycle maintenance principles still apply to many parts (tires, brakes, chain).

Example: "Zinn & the Art of Road Bike Maintenance" or "Zinn & the Art of Mountain Bike Maintenance" by Lennard Zinn (he also addresses e-bikes). "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Bike Maintenance and Repair."

1. ElectricBikeReview.com (EBR):

Focus: One of the most comprehensive e-bike review sites, with detailed written and video reviews of a vast number of e-bike models, plus active forums.

Website: electricbikereview.com

2. Bicycling Magazine / Bicycling.com:

Focus: Often features e-bike reviews, comparisons, and buyer's guides.

Website: bicycling.com

3. CyclingNews / BikeRadar:

Focus: Reputable cycling news and review sites that cover e-bikes.

Websites: cyclingnews.com, bikeradar.com

4. Consumer Reports (USA) / Protégez-Vous (Canada - Quebec):

Focus: Occasionally publish e-bike reviews and buying advice, known for their independent testing.

Websites: consumerreports.org, protegez-vous.ca

5. Specialized E-Bike Publications/Blogs:

Many dedicated e-bike blogs and online magazines offer reviews and guides. Search for "best e-bike reviews" or "e-bike buyer's guide."

1. Electric Bike Review (EBR) Forums:

Focus: Very active and comprehensive forums covering all aspects of e-biking, from specific models to DIY builds and legal discussions.

Website: electricbikereview.com/forum/

2. Reddit:

• r/ebikes: A large and active community for all things e-bike.
• r/[YourCity]Biking or r/[YourRegion]Cycling: Often have local riders, including e-bike owners.

Website: reddit.com

3. BikeForums.net:

Focus: A long-standing cycling forum with a dedicated section for electric bikes.

Website: bikeforums.net/electric-bikes/

4. Facebook Groups:

Numerous groups exist for e-bike enthusiasts, often categorized by brand, region, or interest (e.g., "E-bike Touring," "[Your City] E-Bike Riders," "[Specific E-bike Brand] Owners Group"). Search on Facebook.

5. Local Cycling Clubs:

Many traditional cycling clubs are welcoming e-bike riders, or dedicated e-bike clubs may be forming in your area. Check Meetup.com or search locally.

1. Trailforks:

Focus: Extensive database of mountain biking, hiking, and other multi-use trails, often with information on e-bike permissibility. User-generated content, so verify local rules.

Website: trailforks.com

2. AllTrails:

Focus: Popular app for finding hiking and biking trails. Users often comment on e-bike suitability and legality.

Website: alltrails.com

3. Komoot:

Focus: Route planning and navigation app popular with cyclists, allowing you to plan rides suitable for different bike types, including e-bikes.

Website: komoot.com

4. Ride with GPS:

Focus: Powerful route planning and navigation tool favored by many cyclists.

Website: ridewithgps.com

5. Google Maps (Cycling Layer):

Focus: Can show bike lanes, bike-friendly roads, and some trails. Good for urban navigation.

Website: maps.google.com

6. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (USA):

Focus: Provides maps and information on multi-use trails converted from former rail lines, many of which are e-bike friendly.

Website: railstotrails.org

7. Trans Canada Trail / The Great Trail (Canada):

Focus: A national network of multi-use trails. Check specific sections for e-bike regulations.

Website: tctrail.ca

1. IRS (Internal Revenue Service):

Focus: Keep an eye out for any federal tax credits related to e-bike purchases (e.g., the proposed E-BIKE Act, though its status can change).

Website: irs.gov (search for relevant keywords if a program is active).

2. State & Local Energy/Transportation Departments:

Focus: Some states or municipalities offer rebate programs or incentives for purchasing e-bikes to encourage sustainable transportation. These programs are often limited-time or budget-dependent. Search "[Your State/City] e-bike rebate."

Example Resource: Velosurance sometimes compiles a list of state/local rebates: velosurance.com/ebike-rebates-tax-credits/

3. National Park Service (NPS) / U.S. Forest Service (USFS) / Bureau of Land Management (BLM):

Focus: These agencies manage public lands and have specific policies regarding e-bike use on their trails and roads. Always check the website of the specific park or forest you plan to visit.

Websites: nps.gov, fs.usda.gov, blm.gov

1. Transport Canada:

Focus: While the federal iZEV program for zero-emission vehicles historically did *not* include e-bikes, it's good to monitor Transport Canada for any future programs or changes in policy regarding micro-mobility incentives.

Website: tc.canada.ca

2. Provincial and Municipal Governments:

Focus: Similar to the US, some provinces or cities may offer pilot programs, rebates, or incentives for e-bike purchases. Search "[Your Province/City] e-bike rebate" or "[Your Province/City] sustainable transportation incentives."

3. Parks Canada / Provincial Parks:

Focus: Manage national and provincial parks; have specific rules for e-bike access on trails. Check the specific park's website before you go.

Websites: pc.gc.ca, and individual provincial park websites.