Rhode Island defines a “Bicycle” to include any exclusively human-powered, two wheeled vehicle, with the exception of except scooters and similar devices.
Rhode Island defines an “Electric motorized bicycle”, commonly called an Ebike or Electric Bicycle, as a two-wheel (2) vehicle that may be propelled by human power or electric motor power, or by both, with an electric motor rated not more than two (2) (S.A.E.) horsepower, that is capable of a maximum speed of not more than twenty-eight miles per hour (28 m.p.h.).
There are three classes of electric bicycles:
Class 1: Motor provides assistance only when rider is pedaling (pedal-assist), stopping when the bicycle reaches 20 mph.
Class 2: Equipped with a throttle and pedal-assist; motor stops providing assistance when the bicycle reaches 20 mph.
Class 3: Motor provides assistance only when rider is pedaling (pedal-assist), stopping when the bicycle reaches 28 mph.
In Rhode Island, bicycles are defined as vehicles, and a person riding a bicycle generally has the same rights and responsibilities as the driver of any other vehicle, except for regulations specific to bicycles, and regulations that cannot by definition apply to bicycles.
Cyclists also have the same duties with regards to pedestrians as any other drivers, including yielding right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks and on sidewalks, and exercising due care to avoid collisions.
Cyclists should always travel in the same direction as general traffic.
Cyclists on a roadway must obey all traffic control devices (traffic lights, signs, pavement markings, etc.).
Rhode Island requires cyclists on the road to ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable and exercise due caution when passing vehicles stopped or traveling in the same direction.
A fine of $100 may be given for violation of traffic laws applied to bicycles.
Cyclists have a right to use the road, even in the presence of separate facilities. Rhode Island does not require cyclists to use any lane or path other than a normal vehicular traffic lane.
Police in Rhode Island may stop cyclists and submit their bicycles to inspection, if they have reasonable cause to believe the bicycle is unsafe or not properly equipped as required by law -- for example, to determine the legal class of an ebike.
Bicycles: Anyone 15 years of age or younger is required to wear a helmet while operating or riding as the passenger on a bicycle.
Ebikes: Anyone under the age of 21 is required to wear a helmet while operating or riding as a passenger on an electric bicycle.
Rhode Island law explicitly states in both cases: "In no event shall failure to wear a helmet be considered as contributory or comparative negligence, nor shall the failure to wear a helmet be admissible as evidence in the trial of any civil action."
Rhode Island provides that any vehicle operated by human power may be ridden upon and along a sidewalk or crosswalk, unless prohibited by posted signs or other official traffic control devices.
A person riding on a sidewalk has all of the rights and duties of a pedestrian in the same circumstances.