linberl

I can't speak for other states, but California is so congested with automobiles and has so little ability to increase capacity for cars, that I do not see legislators inhibiting the use of e bikes. The state is doing everything it can to encourage transport by alternative methods. And they are perfectly capable of cracking down on motorized bikes that exceed 20 mph while permitting slower ones if the political will exists.

2old

Excellent (haven't seen "garrulous" in years). Personally, I think speed is the best way to "govern" ebikes, and since 28 mph is the limit for anything but bike paths (that is roads or lanes contiguous with roads), we're in good shape in CA.

PatrickGSR94

Personally I'm not sure what to think about the laws. E-bikes are still fairly rare in the Memphis area, and I'm not even sure if MS or TN has any laws on the books that regulate them, yet. But if such laws do go on the books at some point, how would that affect me? I'm a DIY build-it-yourself kind of guy, and I've been greatly enjoying my e-bike conversion project using a Bafang BBS02 750W kit and 52V battery. It helps me get places in less time, take the bike more often than the car, and lets me commute by bike more often than I'm capable of with just my regular road bike commuter.

My setup came set to the controller's maximum allowed assist limit of 99 kph. I lowered that down to 45 kph (28 MPH). But I'm still using the throttle to help get me going from a stop, because my bike is so heavy at over 60 pounds loaded up. During normal riding I pretty much never use the throttle at all. My end of ride average speed is typically in the 16-18 mph range, well under what a seasoned A or even B rider can do on a light road bike. On my regular bikes I typically average 12-13 MPH.

But I don't know, is my ride illegal? In that regard it may be a good thing that there are very few cyclists near me. I really don't think anyone cares what I'm riding.

NoPhart

I did not know that. Thank you! I often wonder if it is partly due to my old Pentium computer and possibly slow connection trying to deal with the new advertising norm. Technology is a love hate relationship for me...

Now that my current build is completed I will likely be riding more and posting less. Although I will be watching how the E-bike and more important to me eMTB regulations proceed from afar. I'm with the crowd that thinks California got it very right. The 1hp (750W) limit and 20mph speed is a perfect compromise for the "new" classification of E-bikes. I'm not as sure about the 28mph PAS only inclusion, but certainly understand the desire for commuters.

Moving back to eMTB only, I think a variable power assist is "almost" required to make off-road riding what I'd like it to be. The reason I use the term "variable power assist" is because that is what a throttle device becomes if you tie its' use to pedal movement (PAS); it's no longer a throttle by the traditional definition. My concern is that access divisions based on Class 1 and 2 for MTB trails will solely be based on a throttle looking device being on a eMTB when it isn't a traditional throttle. I will build my future eMTB ride with dual freewheeling chainrings at the crank which will allow the use of a throttle without pedaling, but will simply remove the freewheel at the crank if access laws divide based on Class1 and 2. The actual throttle device will still be there, but pedaling will be required when the "variable power assist" device is used while climbing.

If and when laws are actually enforced, would the official view my ride as a Class 1 or 2? For me it's all about safety and control of the power being applied when I want and need it, and not having power come on simply because my foot has pressure on the pedal or the crank is spinning. It kind of like the difference between theory and real world application.

Like many others have stated, I have no issue with a traditional throttle and a 20mph speed limit. I can work with that to get the ride feel I want. But if powers that be get influenced by people that don't ride or understand the practical benefits of a throttle, then I will simple change my throttle to a "variable power assist" device; either by eliminating the crank freewheel or tying the power control device to the PAS sensor.

2old

P, I think (based on a map that I saw recently) that TN has adopted the "CA, UT, NC program" --- check it out and please let us know. Anyway, DIY haven't been classified yet and speed limit seems the best method (TO ME). I lowered the speed of my BBS02 to 24 mpg with a 30 chainring in front and 11-17-28 in the rear since almost all of my riding on that bike is off road.

Necco2001

I think the laws should have been written with speeds being governed as the only restriction, but that ship has long sailed and will never been seen again. The CA laws will be in almost all states within 5 years I bet.

2old

The state that's been reluctant (according to People for Bikes which the industry hired to lobby for the "CA"law) is NY. They feel if NY would comply, the rest would follow; no such luck so far.

InTheRain

I see very few ebikes. I don't think I've ever seen an "illegal" ebike. I've never seen one on in use that goes beyond 20 mph. Until it becomes a real or perceived problem where I live, I think it's appropriate to hold off on any new legislation. I know many of the local police officers and I've talked "ebikes" with many of them. Not one has said that he/she would enforce an ebike laws unless they saw the bicycle (ebike or regular bike) being operated in an extremely unsafe manner that put someone in danger other than the operator. None of them really know what the ebike laws or criteria are so enforcement would be difficult anyway.

I think many of us that post here want us to feel good about being in compliance with ebike laws... but, when it comes right down to it, the general population and law enforcement doesn't care at all. Ride your bikes and ride them safely, you most likely will not have any problems.

speedy25

Back on track- Nice to see cb400bill closed another hater thread.

Too many people worry about what MIGHT happen. Instead lets take action over any REAL problems that pop up.

-SP

2old

It was good to see the ignorant one be excused. We should be thankful to have this forum with these Moderators.

Necco2001

I see very few too, but most are "illegal". Not that it matters, since they are very few.

wphamilton

It may be compost for the "garbage" but I kind of like the idea of souped-up "illegal" e-bikes, the faster the better. As long as it rides the same as a bicycle when I'd want it to, I'd be good with it.

kickstart

I think most people would agree for use on the street. The issue is what should be classified as a "bicycle" for access to bike lanes, and MUTs.

powell

since this thread is about garbage ,
here it is another e bike or should I say Bicycle Shaped Object for masses , piece of China brands filling dumpsters of the world or recycling dumpsters of the world.
offered by Wallmart. read customers reviews on Wallmart web site.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Yukon-Tra...-Bike/21463802

speedy25

Would we expect any less?