Help Can i legally ride my ebike if:
06-18-14, 07:46 AM
#26
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I doubt that a claim that federal law trumps state law is going to hold any water. Federal law works fine if the feds are after you (think marijuana laws), but the state and local laws are going to be what local police are going to enforce. Just look at what is happening with ebikes in NYC.
To the original question, no one is going to hassle you if you are not riding above 20mph, and are not pissing people off. A small 250-500watt hub motor below 20mph is fairly inconspicouls and isn't going to bother anyone under normal circumstances (assuming you are not intoxicated - then all bets are off).
Technically for federal law, the bike should not go more than 20mph on its own, but can go faster with pedal assist. That way the "specialized turbo" (or my bike which has similar specs) can be legal even though a good rider can do mid to upper 20's on it.
To the original question, no one is going to hassle you if you are not riding above 20mph, and are not pissing people off. A small 250-500watt hub motor below 20mph is fairly inconspicouls and isn't going to bother anyone under normal circumstances (assuming you are not intoxicated - then all bets are off).
Technically for federal law, the bike should not go more than 20mph on its own, but can go faster with pedal assist. That way the "specialized turbo" (or my bike which has similar specs) can be legal even though a good rider can do mid to upper 20's on it.
06-18-14, 09:01 AM
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Im just curious, how far is your commute ?
06-18-14, 01:55 PM
#28
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Generically,
Electric assist, it stops adding power right after you stop turning the pedals , is more likely still a 'bicycle'.
than if the motor runs whether you are pedaling or not, that can make it a Motor Vehicle.
Electric assist, it stops adding power right after you stop turning the pedals , is more likely still a 'bicycle'.
than if the motor runs whether you are pedaling or not, that can make it a Motor Vehicle.
06-18-14, 03:14 PM
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Keep in mind that whether an electric-assist bicycle must have a license and whether the operator of an electric-assist bicycle must have a license are separate issues. My understanding is that the State of Oklahoma currently requires a driver license to operate an electric-assist bicycle on a public street/highway/etc.
-HANK RYAN-
Norman, Oklahoma USA
-HANK RYAN-
Norman, Oklahoma USA
07-03-14, 06:52 PM
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We are going to see more and more municipalities forced to make determinations on what, who, and how ebikes a are to be operated. In y location try ebike falls in the moped category. Most of us, excepting the high power hobbyists are just rolling to work at low speed and don't pose much of a nuisance unfortunately laws are written for those on the edge of common sense. I empathize with your plight, but like an earlier poster mentioned I wouldn't risk it, get a regular bike, or find a more stealthy rig.
07-08-14, 07:37 PM
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Keep in mind that whether an electric-assist bicycle must have a license and whether the operator of an electric-assist bicycle must have a license are separate issues. My understanding is that the State of Oklahoma currently requires a driver license to operate an electric-assist bicycle on a public street/highway/etc.
-HANK RYAN-
Norman, Oklahoma USA
-HANK RYAN-
Norman, Oklahoma USA
A driver’s license is required to ride motorized
bicycle; however a motorcycle endorsement is not.
There are two types of motorized bicycles, defined
in Utah’s Traffic Code section 41-6a.
1.
Moped
– A motor-driven cycle having pedals to
permit propulsion by human power and a motor
which produces not more than two brake
horsepower. The motor is not capable of
propelling the cycle at a speed in excess of 30 MPH
on level ground. If an internal combustion engine
is used, the displacement may not exceed 50 cubic
centimeters and the moped must have a power
drive system that functions directly or
automatically without clutching or shifting by the
rider after the drive system is engaged.
2.
Electric assisted bicycle
– A moped with an
electric motor with a power output of not more than
1,000 watts and is not capable of propelling the
device at a speed of more than 20 MPH on level
ground, or increasing the speed of the device when
human power is used.
bicycle; however a motorcycle endorsement is not.
There are two types of motorized bicycles, defined
in Utah’s Traffic Code section 41-6a.
1.
Moped
– A motor-driven cycle having pedals to
permit propulsion by human power and a motor
which produces not more than two brake
horsepower. The motor is not capable of
propelling the cycle at a speed in excess of 30 MPH
on level ground. If an internal combustion engine
is used, the displacement may not exceed 50 cubic
centimeters and the moped must have a power
drive system that functions directly or
automatically without clutching or shifting by the
rider after the drive system is engaged.
2.
Electric assisted bicycle
– A moped with an
electric motor with a power output of not more than
1,000 watts and is not capable of propelling the
device at a speed of more than 20 MPH on level
ground, or increasing the speed of the device when
human power is used.
What it comes down to is that you need to check your local laws. You have a DUI so I am going to treat as a given that you already have an attorney. Find as much information as you can, including code numbers, then take that information to your attorney and ask.
Last edited by Robert C; 07-09-14 at 07:07 AM.
07-08-14, 07:56 PM
#32
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The sellers in Florida claim they are legal for those with DUI license suspensions. It's a big sales point. Whether or not it's actually true, I don't know.
If you think you might get stopped, I wouldn't risk it. But if you're in a place where the cops aren't likely to look twice at you, I'd ride it during the day obeying all the laws and not worry too much about it.
If you think you might get stopped, I wouldn't risk it. But if you're in a place where the cops aren't likely to look twice at you, I'd ride it during the day obeying all the laws and not worry too much about it.
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