Recreational & Family - What is legal?

Hi

I am in the UK, but I would be interested to know how the law works in America. I have issues with my electric bike being too powerfull for the UK cycle rules.
But what does the law say in regard to trailers, extra passengers and just things that would be very difficult to class as a bike?

S

Guessing you need to ask the riders here:

http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php?258-Electric-Bikes

Or maybe ask these folks.
http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php?242-United-Kingdom

Hi

Thanks for the links, but I am interested in what is legal in general. I have seen some of the fantastic pics of peoples longtails and trailers and bikes conected to other bikes with kids on.
How is all this in regard to the law?

S

I've never come across a single law or reported trial regarding bike trailers, tagalongs, sidecars, etc., so don't worry thysen lad.

To be exempt from laws, concerning helmets, vehicle tax, etc. the speed is limited to 15mph under elecric power alone. If you're pedalling, you can go faster than that.

See http://www.electricbikesales.co.uk/info/faqs/

Hi

I am in the UK, but I would be interested to know how the law works in America. I have issues with my electric bike being too powerfull for the UK cycle rules.
But what does the law say in regard to trailers, extra passengers and just things that would be very difficult to class as a bike?

S

sevenhills,

The only federal laws in the US pertain to safety standards imposed on ready-made e-bikes sold to the public. Prior to 2001, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration asserted authority to impose moped/motorcycle safety standards on electric bikes. In 2001, the US Congress (in response to lobbying) passed legislation that defined two categories of ready-made e-bikes for purposes of safety regulations, "low-powered" electric bicycles and other electric bicycles that don't fit this category. The term "low-powered" electric bicycles is defined as a bicycle with an electric motor of no more than 750W and speeds no more than 20 MPH. Those ready-made e-bikes that meet this definition only have to meet consumer bicycle safety standards set forth in regulations issued by the Consumer Product Safety Administration. Other, more powerful ready-made e-bikes with motors over 750W or speeds over 20 MPH must meet safety standards for mopeds/motorcycles set forth in regulations issued by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The more powerful e-bikes must have beefier frames and better brakes as well as signal lights and headlights and tail lights. At present, conversion kits aren't covered, but I expect that to change in the near future as more powerful hub motors continue to become available. The Congress has left it to the 50 states to decide whether to allow electric bicycles to be operated on public roads and whether to require licensing and insurance. One state, New York, has a complete ban on riding e-bikes on public roads. (There is legislation pending in the NY Legislature that would overturn this ban, but it's stalled in the Senate.) Many states treat e-bikes that can travel over 20 MPH as moped and require them to be licensed and insured.

Have you confirmed that your e-bike isn't in compliance with the EU guidelines I provided in the post to you other questions in the e-bike forums?

Hi

I am now thinking that it does comply with UK law. The Tesco 'Meercat' has a 200w motor, so my Izip could be the same. I have read that they should have a plate stating the stats of the bike, but things being so varied it seems that this is seldom adhered to. And things like towing another bike and having a child seat might not be legal, but the police cannot be bothered with so many rules.
Now I can fix a broken spoke and start riding.

Thanks .. S

Regarding laws on the USA, those can be different from state to state, and even different in certain jurisdictions.

In South Carolina, you would need a moped license or better to operate any motorized bicycle. In Hilton Head Island, SC, you cannot use any motorized equipment on a leisure path (MUP) including motors attached to bicycles and Segways, but Hartsville, SC allows motorized bicycles on their paths.

There is no federal level regulation regarding the use of motor assisted bicycles. I would need to give you a brief lesson in American Civics to understand it all, but, supposedly, the Constitution regulates what powers the fedral government has, and the rest is left up to the individual states.

That's why gambling is allowed in some states and not others. There are even some dry counties in Georgia.

I hope this stays out of P&R.

Hi

Its only electric powered cycles that are allowed on the UK roads, perhaps thats because its seen as a green issue?

S