Originally Posted by
MattTheHat
Many e-bikes can run in either pedal assist or throttle only mode. Depending on the assist level, pedaling with the highest assist setting just seems like a formality. I understand what you’re saying, but I don’t think there’s and real way to regulate which type rides where.
Sure it is. If it's got a throttle that you can use to power the bike without pedaling, it's not allowed. Now, enforcement is a different story.
There's been motorbikes called MoPeds for decades (now some states erroneously call motorscooters, without pedals as MoPeds). Anyway, mopeds have always had pedal assist and throttle. I do not know of anywhere that they are allowed on MUTs, MUPs, Bike Paths or whatever they happened to be called. The only difference between these type of mopeds and an "ebike" with pedal assist and throttle, is the engine - one electric, one internal combustion. One silent, one sounds like a motor scooter. Functionally there is no difference, and therefore should be no difference in how and where they're used. All JMHO of course, but I just don't see the difference and will continue to call an ebike with a throttle for what it is, A motorcycle.