Originally Posted by
Smaug1
I look forward to the point when the reporters will get their terminology straight re. eBikes vs. electric motorcycles. How do we educate them that, just because it has (theoretically) operable pedals it isn't
necessarily an eBike?
Banning eBikes because electric motorcycles are being sold to kids under the radar is just so
maddening.
They need to classify things by power, not whether it has pedals.
In my state:
In Washington State, you need a Boater Education Card to operate a powerboat with an engine of 15 horsepower or more. Those under 12 years old cannot operate such vessels, and those aged 12 and older must have the card to operate them independently.
Used to be 10 hp, which is why there were many outboards rated at 9.9 hp.
Do the same in spirit for e-bikes, with accordant power limits. And that should be based on ability for typical riders to climb hills in this town on electric. And that will favor mid-drive, to enable use of the bike gearing, without the bike being overpowered and too fast on the flats, and also e-speed should be governed for a max speed.