But back to pedal-assist systems, I did once test-ride a recumbent trike that had such a system (back when the
Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford were my neighbors). It only worked when it was switched on AND when you were pedalling. Holy cow, I felt like Superman whipping around the courtyard on that thing.
I have no trouble wearing just a helmet at a 15-17mph pace. But with the assist, I'd have no trouble breaking 25, where extra safety apparatus might be required, which might in turn interfere with pedalling.
__________________
--Ben
2006 Trek SU100, 2009 Motobecane Fantom CX, 2011 Motobecane Fantom Cross Uno, and a Bakfiets
Previously: 2000 Trek 4500 (2000-2003), 2003 Novara Randonee (2003-2006), 2003 Giant Rainier (2003-2008), 2005 Xootr Swift (2005-2007), 2007 Nashbar 1x9 (2007-2011), 2011 Windsor Shetland (2011-2014), 2008 Citizen Folder (2015)
Non-Bike hardware: MX Linux / BunsenLabs Linux / Raspbian / Mac OS 10.6 / Android 7