Electric bicycles
A search doesn't turn up much here about electric bikes. I'm very interested in them, possibly to get a couple for RV-ing. I don't want folding models or recumbents. What are the decision conside...
Forum Discussion
wny_pat wrote:Markiemark32 wrote:wny_pat wrote:
You want to be careful where you ride electric bikes. Some states do not permit them on the roads or sidewalks. Your home state does.
Here is a good place to find out what is what in different states: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_bicycle_laws
and at http://www.electricvehiclemall.com/scooterlaws.htm.
You have to be careful riding a bicycle, in general:
First, bicycles need to follow automobile rules:
- Don’t ride on side-walks
- Follow the rules of the road (obey signs, ride on correct side & flow of traffic)
- Don’t ride on limited access, high-speed highways.
Second- Little common sense, don’t be a fool on a bicycle (regular or electric), ride in safe areas, use a helmet, don’t ride at night unless lighted up appropriately, don’t race through heavy pedestrian areas, etc.
Third-Many to most of these electric bikes are pedal assist, most will not know it is electric:
- Very low Horse-power
- Many will not realize they are electric, you still have to pedal some.
- Since new, many to most do not know how to classify (bike, moped, and/or motorcycle)
So far, big bicycle manufactures, yet to release many in the US, do too regulations and how to classify, although technology is starting to pop up & we will soon many options.
Markiemark:C
And in my home state, if caught riding one of these, I would get a ticket for illegally operation of a motor vehicle which is not permitted on the streets or sidewalks. I believe that would be a moving violation which would go on my driving record for at least 18 months, and raise my insurance rates!!!
Yes, there lies the GRAY area, with these vehicles, whether or not they can be tagged & registered to be legal mode of transportation. or since LOW horse-power & low speed vehicle, treat them like a bicycle, no tag required, but follow the rules of the road.
Still fall back on, the newer ones resemble a bike, really closely & some common sense usage, I would not foresee an issue, but I'm crazy like that.:p
Markiemark:C
