If you've had a bike for a long time, and you want to try something new without investing lots of money and worrying about repair costs, we suggest you try electric bikes. They are a great way to stay fit and save money while doing something you find enjoyable. One more thing we suggest is that you inform yourself about electric bike regulations before you actually start to ride e-bikes.
How does the state of Montana declares what an electric bike is.
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The state of Montana defines an electric bike as an electrically assisted bicycle. You have to make sure that your electric bike does not exceed the maximum speed of 20 miles per hour. The motor shouldn’t require shifting. However, this is a rule Montana has both for electric bikes and regular bicycles.
Unlike many other states in the United States of America, Montana does not classify electric bikes in different categories. Needless to say, you still need to be aware of some key information we've provided in the upcoming paragraphs.
Key Points
How powerful can my bike be? In the state of Montana, there are no limits as to how powerful your bike can be, but the speed limit that you must obey is 20 miles per hour. That means that very fast and powerful bikes will not be of much use.
Do I need a license or insurance? Electric bicycles do not require registration, you don't need special licenses, and insurance is a personal choice, not a prerequisite.
Do I need to wear a helmet? Although the state of Montana does not require helmets as a must-have, your local Police Department will still probably suggest you get one for your own safety, in case something happens.
Are there age restrictions to look out for? There are no age minimums or restrictions that you need to look out for, which makes electric bikes really good gifts.
Can I ride on the road? In Montana, you can ride your electric bike on the road, but also on bicycle paths, and State Park paths. You still need to be very careful when it comes to sidewalks - as of now, there are no explicit warnings about sidewalks, but local policemen can be very wary of electric bikes near pedestrians.
Do I ride in the same direction as traffic? For your own safety and the safety of those around you, it's suggested that you right in the same direction as other traffic participants.
Do bike riders need to obey all the traffic signs? Just like other participants in traffic, you need to follow traffic signs and traffic lights. This is usually of great importance only when you are on the road.
What about electric mountain bikes? Electric mountain bikes are still not very well known in the state of Montana. There is no active eMTB policy and you'll have to consult the local land management department for the up-to-date info. On federal lands, you can access motorized trails. We suggest you check some great rides made specifically for electric mountain bikes – Bangtail Divide, Windy Mountain Loop, Pioneer Loop NRT, and Lewiston Gravel Route.
Conclusion
Although electric bikes might not be the best choice for everyone, many people enjoy them and ride them daily. To make sure that you stay safe, you should most definitely follow the above-written rules applying to the state of Montana.