Can You Use Your eBike Like A Car In Idaho?

Traffic in Idaho isn't the best, especially if you live in the Boise area. If you get in your motor vehicle expecting to arrive to your destination in a timely manner, you're going to have a bad time.

So, why not just hop on your ebike and take to the road?

Yeah, about that.

So, can I just ride my ebike on Idaho roads like a car?

We can see how you'd come to that assumption. It has a motor, right? It's usually faster than a traditional bicycle, right? While those things may be true, the law treats ebikes the exact same way it does any ol' bike on the road.

Here's an excerpt from Google's AI overview:

In Idaho, electric bikes (ebikes) are generally treated like traditional bicycles, with some exceptions. They are allowed on roadways, bike paths, and multi-use paths, but restrictions may apply on certain trails. Ebikes are not considered motor vehicles and are exempt from licensing, registration, and insurance requirements.

Meaning, all the rules that apply to a human-powered bicycle also apply to your ebike. You don't get to take it on the road like a motorcycle. You must adhere to all bike lanes, laws, and rules, just like any ol' bicycler would.

Sorry.

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If you missed it, one of the biggest cycling events around took place in Boise just a few years ago. It's one of those things you really have to witness in person, but the photos give you a good idea of what you missed.

Do note that none of the riders are on ebikes, lol.