If you see someone riding a sleek-looking bike without exerting any effort to pedal, be it in the woods or the city, chances are you are looking at the glorified electric bikes. E-bikes are now famous among hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and homeowners who need reliable transportation for their weekend trip.Are you planning to buy an e-bike for yourself? While it is a solid investment, there are things that you need to know first. Do electric bikes need a license? How does it work? Is it even legal to drive an e-bike in New York?Read on to find out everything you need to know about e-bikes before buying your first model.

DO ELECTRIC BIKES NEED A LICENSE?
The first question that needs to be answered right away: do electric bikes need a license? It makes a lot of sense to invest in an e-bike. However, you need to know if you are required to apply for a license before you invest.
In most states, e-bikes are seen as a regular bicycle. Hence, the same traffic rules and regulations apply, which means you don't need a license for it. However, in some countries, e-bikes are treated as a motor vehicle. That means you need to check the license requirement first before riding your e-bike downtown. Here's a quick list of the countries and their regulations about e-bikes:

1. AUSTRALIA
E-bike in this country is designed as a regular bike operated by an auxiliary motor no more than 200W. Each state here is allowed to make its own e-bike regulations. However, the general consensus is that a license is not required.

2. CHINA
When in China, do you need a license to ride an electric bike? No. There's nothing to worry about getting a license when you have an e-bike in China. A few years ago, registration was required, but now it is no longer required.

3. CANADA
All of the major provinces in Canada allow you to ride your e-bike without a license. But you still need to be wary because some provinces are allowed to have their own local regulations regarding an e-bike. Your electric bike must have an engine of less than 500W as well. Wearing a helmet is mandatory.