I called one of my local game wardens and he said he'll need to double check the laws because a lot of things have changed and there are different types of ebikes.
However, I did read this. I'm no expert but from what I can tell, if your ebike meets these specifications, then by federal law, it's not considered a motorized vehicle and overrides any state laws that are more stringent.
``Sec. 38. > (a) Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, low-speed electric bicycles are consumer products
within the meaning of section 3(a)(1) and shall be subject to the
Commission regulations published at section 1500.18(a)(12) and part 1512
of title 16, Code of Federal Regulations.
``(b) For the purpose of this section,
the term `low-speed electric
bicycle' means a two- or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable
pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p.), whose
maximum speed on a paved level surface, when powered solely by such a
motor while ridden by an operator who weighs 170 pounds, is less than 20
mph.
``(c) To further protect the safety of consumers who ride low-speed
electric bicycles, the Commission may promulgate new or amended
requirements applicable to such vehicles as necessary and appropriate.
``(d)
This section shall supersede any State law or requirement with
respect to low-speed electric bicycles to the extent that such State law
or requirement is more stringent than the Federal law or requirements
referred to in subsection (a).''.
Shown Here:
Introduced in House (02/27/2001)
Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA) to provide that low-speed electric bicycles are consumer products and shall be subject to Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations.
States that, for purposes of Federal motor vehicle safety standards,
a low-speed electric bicycle as defined by CPSA shall not be considered to be a motor vehicle within the ambit of Federal transportation law.
Text for H.R.727 - 107th Congress (2001-2002): To amend the Consumer Product Safety Act to provide that low-speed electric bicycles are consumer products subject to such Act.
www.congress.gov