Originally Posted by
FBinNY
I don't live in CA, nor do I currently ride an E-bike, so my opinion needs to be considered in that context.
I don't have issues with class 1&2 bikes though I have some minor concerns about throttle vs. power assist bikes.
Class 3 gives me pause, and I suspect will cause issues down the road (no pun).
At 28mph, it's too fast to mix safely with bicycles in a bike lane, especially with a relatively inexperienced rider at the helm, and too slow to mix safely into laminar flow with urban motor traffic moving at 35mph or so. As such it's neither fish nor fowl, and IMO doesn't make much sense.
I spend enough time in Cozumel to be familiar with the problems of inexperienced people riding wheeled vehicles they can't handle. I wouldn't care at a certain level, but I suspect that problems relating to class three will cause trickle down problems for class 1&2, leading to counterproductive regulation later on.
But, as I said I don't live in CA.
Speaking from experience, the throttle "issue"is simply an anti e-bike meme used to pray on the fear and ignorance of those who have never ridden one. The only tangible differences between using the throttle rather than assist is the rider wont get any exercise, and their overall speed and range will be reduced. The classic red herring, that inexperienced riders will be able to go too fast...as if that would be otherwise impossible...but we all knows what happens going down a hill. Also, a few of the most experienced and able riders make it a habit of going too fast.
I use my bikes throttle maybe 2 or 3 seconds on my 16 mile RT commute, To compensate for the assist lag when first starting off at intersections on steep hills, or when crossing 5 lane arterials at uncontrolled intersections. The net result of not having a throttle would be me taking more time to clear intersections. Who does that protect?
The class 3 28 mph speed issue? I agree its too fast for sharing bike lanes and MUTs, but then again so can 10 mph depending on conditions. On the other hand, when in traffic lanes any reduction of the speed differential is a good thing. Some restrictions are reasonable, but dismissing them out of hand isn't, as they have legitimate benefits in environments conducive to their use.
IMO, those with concerns who have never ridden an e-bike should try one out, e-bike dealers are typically happy to allow test rides.