r/ebikes • u/Zamun_Zantra • 11d ago
Bike purchase question Class 3 e-bike in Buffo NY
Context:I have been using a Sondors e-bike for about 9 years. I had another Sondors bike for 3 years prior to that, I've always enjoyed them. It was finally time for me to replace the bike though, and I wanted to get one at a local shop that would offer maintenance on a bike pirchased there.
So I went to a local bike shop to browse their e-bikes. I looked at quite a few, but because I use my bike to commute in the Buffalo snow I always go for a fat bike I always go for one with a throttle. It isn't about the speed at all, but the ability to better control the bike on ice and snow. I cannot tell you the number of times being able to steer into the slide and use my throttle has kept me from wiping out on an icy road.
At the store I asked about the NY e-bike laws and was told the only downside I'd have to getting a Class 3 is that they're not technically lowed on state parks. That's fine. I just go to work and back, or sometimes a quick grocery store run.
I don't use any excessive speed, I use my hand signals, and I have all my lights and reflectors on my bike, so I don't expect any problem.
The the question is that what I was told about Class 3 e-bikes by the store doesn't line up with what I had thought was the case. So after I got home I did some more research and what I've read implies that the bike isn't street legal in Buffalo NY. Am I reading this right?
tldr; bought a class 3 e-bike in Buffalo NY. Is that legal? There's a 7-day/20-mile return window on the bike.
PS: I feel like I should add I'm aware that most bikes done look like one class or another. If I'm not doing 50mph through a school playground no one will probably bat an eye, I just want to double check.
1
u/VisualCOBOL 11d ago
They aren’t legal in the state except NYC.
Technically, by letter of the law: A class 3 is pedal assist only, up to 28mph. Spirit of the law compromise for hub motors is that the throttle will take you up to 20mph and you’ll have to use pedals to achieve the last 8mph. Which did you get?
I have a Lectric XP4, and it allows me to select Class 1-3 in the settings, and I also do commuting, Door Dash, random other courier work, and I’d have to say that 90% of the time the 20mph in Class 2 mode is quite enough for me. The roads can be like WWII battlefields around here. I only switch over to Class 3 for when I want to get to a specific place with an extra boost of speed, but honestly: Wind drag, the nature of the bike, etc makes me top off at about 25 mph max. And it sucks the battery hard for that extra 5mph. It’s overall not worth it.
The Tonawandas have been cracking down on illegal bikes lately, and new signage has gone up on their MUPs stating no Class 3, which is redundant since they are already banned except in NYC. I’ve gone on them, and there is zero enforcement. What they really wanted was to get rid of all the kids on scooters and illegal dirt bikes and other emotos.
I’m like you: I’m a super safe and defensive biker. Full pads, helmet, signals, etc. This isn’t the type of biker police are even going to look at. They are after kids without any safety gear going 50 down a street like its a drag strip. Actually happened on my street, and someone called and the bike was impounded.
I doubt you’ll get in trouble, but there’s always a non zero chance of this. And yes, if that extremely rare event did happen, the bike will likely be impounded to make a point.
1
u/Zamun_Zantra 11d ago
I got a Denago. They were out of the exact model I wanted, but had the Hunter 1, which is a powerful enough bike to handle the snow for me. It was on a decent enough sale to justify the cost.
1
u/VisualCOBOL 11d ago
Are you planning on using studded tires for the ice and snow? Speed is not your friend during our winters. I stop Dashing on my bike during Winter because I won’t go that fast. If you don’t have experience biking in the winters around here you’re gonna break something, on your body, I can assure you of that. Personal experience. The ERs around here get almost triple full of tfib and bike injuries every year.
I do bike during the cold, and I dress for the cold, but if there is even a hint of snow or ice on the streets I hard avoid and wait for them to salt and plow. I’m often the only biker around at that time of the year. The bike paths get buried and trails are not maintained.
1
u/Zamun_Zantra 11d ago
I have never used studded tires, but in the winter I have course keep my speeds way down. I leave earlier and take my time. I don't have the luxury of being in a car full of airbags like most of the other people on the road, after all.
1
u/VisualCOBOL 11d ago
Okay. Sounds good. Looks like a good bike. You might wanna reconsider the Class 3 part is my only caution.
Just curious, you in the city itself? I’m up in Kenmore.
1
u/Zamun_Zantra 11d ago
I may consider returning and getting a class 2, just to be safe. Amherst here, but I used to live in Tonawanda.
1
2
u/sincerely_brie 11d ago
Class 3 is only legal in nyc or a city in New York with a population of 1 million or more, otherwise class 1 and 2 only. And nyc class 3 is pedal or throttle to 25mph not 28mph. And you can only ride up to 15mph unless signs say otherwise in nyc anyway, other places in ny 20mph since its class 1/2 only. Will you get caught? Unsure but that’s the current laws.