NY Times Article 2-10-10 on Electric Bikes
 

Hasn't happened yet. That would be 2/1/2010.

I have a Magic ball or two

Too bad they didn't focus more of the article on the legislation pending before the NY Legislature that would lift the ban on e-bikes (the bill in the NY Senate would only life the ban on those bikes that meet the definition of "low-powered electric bicycles" for purposes of applying Federal safety regulations--those with motors under 750W and speeds of 20 MPH or less). I wonder if the publicity wil cause the NYPD to start issuing more citations to e-bike riders. From posts on other forums, they seem to no longer be turning a complete blind eye, at least to those NYC e-bike riders who travel at fast speeds.

They also seemed to ignore the fact that it was bicycle manufacturers and Madison Avenue that pushed the image of the bicycle as "expensive" sports equipment in an effort to sell more costly bikes in North America for the past several decades. Those same parties are now going to have to reverse the damage they've done to the public view of cycling and begin marketing the bicycle for it's primary purpose--a mode of transportation--and begin marketing to women, who tend to be more concerned about safety.

Apparently California law recognizes two different classes of Ebikes: Those with a top speed of 20mph, and those with a top speed of 30mph. Anyghint faster than that isn't an Ebike, it's a motorcycle.

The 20mph Ebikes don't have many rules, except that you have to be 16 or older to rise them, and you must wear a helmet (bicycle helmet is fine). To ride at night, you must have a headlight and taillight.

The 30mph Ebikes have more rules. They must have headlight, taillight, brake light, side reflectors, and a horn. Fortunately all those things are readily available if you don't mind buying from China. You must register it with Calif DMV, by filling ouot a short form and sending it in with $18. They will then send you a small license plate and ID card. And you must have a Moped license (called an M2, a motorcycle license is an M1) to ride them on the street. To get that license, you go to DMV and take a written test. If you pass, you get a permit that lets you ride on the street. Then within a year, you must go back and demonstrate riding proficiency by riding in a straight line, weaving between cones, riding in a circle, and riding a figure 8.

The idea that 30mph Ebikes are illegal for the street, is mistaken. You just have to jump thru some more hoops than for a 20mph Ebike.

The above applies only to California, of course. Other states have different laws, YMMV.

ON EDIT:
Oops, I goofed. 30mph ebikes don't need turn signals. They only need the headlight, taillight, brake light, and horn. I've fixed my post above.

Thank you, very informative. Now time to call my NY State Senator again.

If you intend on bicycling at speeds faster than 20 mph in New York City during rush hour, get the most costly hospital insurance possible! I think only a few messengers with fixed gear bikes are reaching that kind of speed in this town and they are constantly getting into accidents.

To date, I have yet to see any of the chinese delivery men get tickets. We have more police in 42nd street than most towns have in the entire county yet they ignore the e-bikers. It's kind of like J-walking in the city. Millions do it but no one is given a ticket.

If Albany lifted the ban on low powered e-bikes than it's legal! The e-bikes being driven around town are doing about 15 mph or less and I've yet to see one going fast or approach 20 mph. There's no need to be concerned about this law unless you're to intend to hit 25 mph or more!

Quite frankly, at speeds approaching 25 mph in this city on an e-bike is just crazy.