Originally Posted by
Camilo
And they should be regulated and licensed as such. Just because they don't make engine noise and put out exhaust doesn't make them any less a motorcycle.
The problem, of course, is how the heck to enforce such regulations. If it were a bunch of mopeds on the bike paths, they'd be ticketed and fined and people would be yelling at them or at least expressing disapproval and probably reporting them. But they're quiet so that make it OK, I guess.
Remember, I'm talking about the throttle ones that don't require pedaling. E-assist, I have not problem with, except...
At first, I thought that ebikes were a good idea. If they were at least pedal assist and limited to a reasonable bicycle speed - 10 to 12 mph - I'd still feel the same. But 15-20+mph and not pedaling has made me not a fan of the entire technology. Yea, yea, yea, people say that 15mph is a normal cycling speed. Not for an average cyclist, at least not for very long. Having a bunch of ebikes (pedal assist and not) going 15mph on a MUP is not good. Bikes going 15mph are uncommon enough that it's not a common thing, but still, generally going 15mph on a MUP is not good, imho.
I don't know how they would enforce it with the different types. Some of the pedal assist type can be switched into a mode where they can just use the throttle. Some kids have them in my subdivision. Our city paths allow them all and it gets crazy, there are boosted boards, onewheels, bikes, families with dogs and kids. What I was told, don't know if its really a law or not, is that ebikes, electric motorcycles, etc must use the path, they aren't allowed on the city roads because they have motors, and they can't be registered to be road legal because they don't meet the criteria as a road legal motorcycle. The riders of many of these probably don't want to be on the path but they don't have a choice.
The main parish(county) rails to trails path has banned anything with a motor, gas or electric. Now many people that need their pedal assist bikes can't use it.
I really don't mind any of them as long as they are being used in a way to not be dangerous. I wouldn't want someone on a traditional bicycle riding by me in a dangerous way.