Electric bike standards in the USA and India

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regulations classify low-speed electric bicycles as consumer products. Electric bicycle products fall under the jurisdiction of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission stipulates that low-speed electric bicycles or tricycles manufactured for commercial use must be equipped with pedals that can be stepped on. The output power of the electric motor does not exceed 750 watts, and the maximum speed is 20 miles (32 kilometers) per hour. And the weight of the whole vehicle does not exceed 50 kg.

Compared with other countries, the United States has the most lenient regulations and restrictions on electric bicycle products. However, the definitions and regulations of electric bicycles vary from state to state in the United States.

In India, all electric vehicles must pass ARAI certification. Electric vehicles with an output power of less than 250W and a speed of less than 25 kilometers per hour are easier to pass. Electric vehicles with larger horsepower need to pass a complete CMVR regulatory test process. This is very time-consuming and costly. As a result, the Indian electric vehicle market has not been on track for a long time.