An electronic bike, more commonly known as an e-bike, is a traditional bike equipped with a rechargeable battery and small electric motor. Like the state of Maryland, the City of Gaithersburg recognizes three classifications of e-bikes:

• Class 1 - Pedal- Assist Only: In this class, the motor assists only when the rider pedals and completely stops at 20 miles per hour.
  
  
• Class 2 – Throttle-Actuated: In this class, the motor can propel the bicycle via a throttle without pedaling but completely stops at 20 miles per hour.
  
  
• Class 3 – Speed Pedal-Assist: In this class, the motor assists only when the rider pedals and stops at 28 miles per hour.

In addition to e-bikes, there are electronic low-speed scooters, or e-scooters, which are a standing or sitting device with handlebars, a deck, and a motor that tops out at 20  miles per hour.

 The City of Gaithersburg has specific laws related to the use of e-bikes and e-scooters. These laws are different from Montgomery County. Residents and visitors using e-bikes or e-scooters in the City of Gaithersburg must abide by the City’s laws.

• It shall be unlawful for any person to ride upon the sidewalks in the City, except when crossing such sidewalks at alleys, driveways or other intended crossings, any motorcycle, motor scooter, motorized minibike or any other motor-propelled or electric vehicle transporting persons or things, except conventional children's toys, Segway self-balancing scooters, a mobility aid used for a handicapped person or as specified in this section.
  
  
• An e-bike or e-scooter may not be operated in the City:
  • In an unsafe manner or unreasonable rates of speed
  • On a sidewalk at speeds exceeding 20 miles per hour or 10 miles per hour if a pedestrian or pedestrian is present;
  • On any sidewalk which provides less than three feet of flat, paved area for safe operation;
  • By a person who is under 16 years of age who is not wearing an ASTM-compliant helmet;
  • Without the use of a front light, headlight or headlamp and a taillight or other rear illumination after dusk, before dawn, or any time the safe operation of a vehicle requires the use of a headlight or headlamp and taillight;
  • While the operator is carrying a package, bundle, or other article which prevents the user from keeping both hands on the handlebars of the e-bike or e-scooter;
  • While the operator is physically controlling more than one e-bike or e-scooter, including by connecting more than one e-bike or e-scooter by piggybacking; or
  • With a passenger or any other person in addition to the operator, except those e-bikes or e-scooters using designed or attached passenger seating, which is compliant with safety and manufacturer standards, including attached seating for children.
    
    
• Bicycles, e-bikes, e-scooters, and vehicles may be operated on the sidewalks in the city, except where prohibited by signage, but operator(s) must operate in a safe manner and at reasonable rates of speed, and shall:
  • First give an audible signal when overtaking a pedestrian;
  • At all times yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian; and
  • Not exceed speeds of 20 miles per hour when operating an e-bike or e-scooter propelled solely by the electric motor and without any manual power or 10 miles per hour if a pedestrian or pedestrians are present.
    
    
• The city manager or designee may, by signage, prohibit the operation of all vehicles, or specific types of vehicles, including but not limited to bicycles, skateboards, scooters, e-bikes, e-scooters or any other device upon the sidewalks in specific areas of the city, based upon:
  • Sidewalk width and usage; or
  • A finding that such operation is a danger to the safety of the public.

Individuals using an e-bike or e-scooter are not required to have a driver’s license.

For questions about e-bikes or e-scooters, contact the Gaithersburg Police at 301-258-6400.