Originally Posted by
veganbikes
Keep in mind a e-bike is just a bicycle, yes it can give you assistance if you so desire but there is NO THROTTLE. A throttled machine would be called a moped and yes there is an increasing number of mopeds being incorrectly classed as bicycles but they need to be realized as mopeds. Having a crank and a tourney derailleur or whatever crap is on it does not make it a bicycle it is a moped and mopeds and other throttled vehicles do not belong anywhere on the sidewalk.
Perhaps, though as an example, here's California's breakdown on 'ebikes' -- Class 2 is capable of being solely throttle propelled.
312.5. (a) An “electric bicycle” is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts.
(1) A “class 1 electric bicycle,” or “low-speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle,” is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
(2) A “class 2 electric bicycle,” or “low-speed throttle-assisted electric bicycle,” is a bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
(3) A “class 3 electric bicycle,” or “speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle,” is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour, and equipped with a speedometer.