The law was created, and then manufacturers worked within the parameters of those laws. There was no subterfuge to circumvent the regulations. Regardless of whether you like it or not is immaterial. I may not like the look of a certain bicycle or the cyclists attire, but to each their own. Handlebar to handlebar they are similar in width. More choices were needed to deter people out of their cars, and bicycles alone with or without a motor wasn't cutting it. There was originally a weight restriction in Texas of 100 pounds that was recently overturned with the help of the bicycle coalition. It seems to be only in Ontario that "cyclists unions" and individual "cyclists" do not want to share. Instead of working together for wider paths and more paths, they choose object to a great alternative to cars especially for short commutes. We were given 32 km per hour and a 500 watt motor, which I am happy with...Look what Texas has! 3000 watts! And people here are worried about 500 watts...amazing! Quit fighting the future...Your great grand parents probably objected to the car as well when they were riding around on horse and buggy. People who do not like change never change. For those wishing to fight an e-bike that looks like a scooter....find something important to fight for instead like wider paths, more paths and safer paths...one less car on the road should be the mutual goal, not "I don't like the look of your bike".




















BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Current state law defines an electric bicycle, or E-bike, as having a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour without the application of human power. The law also states that an E-bike cannot exceed a weight of 100 pounds. The weight limitation prevents many of the heavier bicycles, which weigh more due to the larger battery necessary for longer sustained use, from being classified as an E-bike. As a result of not being classified as an E-bike, these emission-free modes of transportation are prohibited from being used on bicycle pathways and must be used on city streets.

H.B. 1687 expands the definition of an E-bike in order to promote the usage of this environmentally friendly mode of transportation. It is believed that the increase in motor watts and maximum speed in the definition will allow for future expansion of the E-bike industry while still maintaining limitations on E-bikes that will keep the bike paths safe.

H.B. 1687 changes the current definition of an electric bicycle by eliminating the weight limit of 100 pounds and replacing it with a motor power capacity limitation. The bill also increases the maximum speed allowed without human power from 20 miles per hour to under 30 miles per hour. The bill defines electric bicycle as having a motor with a maximum capacity of 3,000 watts and a maximum speed of 30 miles per hour without human power.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.
ANALYSIS

H.B. 1687 amends the Transportation Code to describe the electric motor in the definition of "electric bicycle" and remove the condition that the bicycle not exceed a weight of 100 pounds. The bill defines "electric bicycle" as a bicycle that is designed to be propelled by an electric motor with a power output of 3,000 watts or less, exclusively or in combination with the application of human power, and cannot attain a speed of more than 30, rather than 20, miles per hour without the application of human power.
EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2009.