why is my LBS loaded up w/ bikes?
11-17-22, 05:44 PM
#51
Clark W. Griswold
Join Date: Mar 2014
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Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
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While that well may be your (and a reasonable) definition of a "bicycle," that is unfortunately not how e-bikes are classed:
Three-Class eBike System - Bosch eBike Systems (bosch-ebike.com)
Two-Wheel Vehicle Operation - California DMV
Class 2 e-bikes are throttle-assisted up to 20 mph. Anecdotally, this limit is relatively easy to defeat. Some manufacturers (e.g., Aventon) requires a ride "to start pedaling" before the throttle engages:
Electric Bike Classes 1, 2, 3 | E-Bikes | Aventon
But that is hardly a universal requirement. Even if it was, I have seen so many riders barely push a pedal a quarter turn, then throttle to take off. To me, this is not really "pedaling." Pedaling requires a rider to continually apply force to the crank to cause the crank to rotate in order to propel the bike. In these e-bikes, the pedals function merely as the mechanism to unlock the throttle.
Lastly, my reference above to Mad Max props alludes to the fact that many of these so-called e-bikes (in Class 2) do not even have adjustable saddle height. Pedaling comfort and efficiency are clearly low priorities. Yes, these are functionally electric mopeds.
Three-Class eBike System - Bosch eBike Systems (bosch-ebike.com)
Two-Wheel Vehicle Operation - California DMV
Class 2 e-bikes are throttle-assisted up to 20 mph. Anecdotally, this limit is relatively easy to defeat. Some manufacturers (e.g., Aventon) requires a ride "to start pedaling" before the throttle engages:
Electric Bike Classes 1, 2, 3 | E-Bikes | Aventon
But that is hardly a universal requirement. Even if it was, I have seen so many riders barely push a pedal a quarter turn, then throttle to take off. To me, this is not really "pedaling." Pedaling requires a rider to continually apply force to the crank to cause the crank to rotate in order to propel the bike. In these e-bikes, the pedals function merely as the mechanism to unlock the throttle.
Lastly, my reference above to Mad Max props alludes to the fact that many of these so-called e-bikes (in Class 2) do not even have adjustable saddle height. Pedaling comfort and efficiency are clearly low priorities. Yes, these are functionally electric mopeds.
Also correct yeah a lot of stuff doesn't have much adjustment or you wouldn't want to pedal it anyway those less than Super 73s are a perfect example. If I wanted electric with a throttle I would get a Cake or something similar and I would have an actual real motorcycle I can have fun on. They even have some work truck ones that can haul a bunch of stuff but they are neat.
