Frequently Asked EBIKE Questions

RedPlate eBikes take special care during transport and are only available for delivery and pick up from a RedPlate staff member.

RedPlate highly recommends to always where a bicycle helmet on any bicycling activity. 

Maryland law states:

• Age requirement: Riders under 16 must wear a helmet. 
• Location: The law applies on public roads, trails, and sidewalks. 
• Recommendation: All cyclists, regardless of age, are strongly encouraged to wear a helmet for safety, as they can reduce the risk of serious head injuries by up to 85%. 
• Other devices: The law also requires children under 16 to wear helmets for other wheeled devices like scooters and inline skates. 
• Local laws: Some local jurisdictions may have different age requirements for helmet use. For example, Montgomery County has an age requirement of 18 or under

For bicycles:  An "MTB" is a type of rugged bicycle built with features like suspension, knobby tires, and powerful brakes for handling off-road riding conditions. 

For the sport:  "MTB" is used as shorthand for the sport of "mountain biking," that includes various disciplines like cross-country, downhill, and enduro

E-bikes are categorized into three main classes based on their speed and motor assistance: Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3. 

Class 1 is pedal-assist only up to 20 mph 

Class 2 has a throttle and pedal-assist up to 20 mph ( just buy/rent a motorcycle )

Class 3 is pedal-assist only with a higher top assisted speed of 28 mph. 

These classifications determine where each type of e-bike can be legally ridden, and local regulations can vary.

C&O Canal:    

Class 1 pedal-assist up to 20 mph 

Rail Trail:        

Class 1 pedal-assist up to 20 mph 

GAP Trail:       

Class 1 pedal-assist up to 20 mph

MD Parks:      

Class 1 pedal-assist up to 20 mph

Battlefields:   

 Class 1 pedal-assist up to 20 mph on bike trails

 Class 3 pedal-assist up to 28 mph on auto tour routes ( recommended )

Public Roads:

 Class 1 pedal-assist up to 20 mph on bike trails

 Class 3 pedal-assist up to 28 mph on auto tour routes ( recommended )