newbert

I'm considering purchasing a recumbent trike with an E-assist motor. Because I want both torque-based e-assist and a throttle, my understanding is that it would be classified as Cat 3, (especially since no such motors that I know of are under 1000W).

I really don't care about high speed so would keep below 20 mph except in cases of emergency escape (from cars and loose dogs, etc). I want to ride it on bike trails and road shoulders, but AFAIK this would be illegal in NYS (which technically allows only Cat 1 or Cat 2 where I want to ride). I live in a rural area, not in NYC.

My question is about how strictly this Cat 3 restriction is enforced in NYS? Especially if you're riding sensibly?

Thanks!

Steve B.

Currently in NY you cannot ride ANY e-bike on a path, multi-use trail, or dirt trail in a state park. Other county and town jurisdictions might have other rules. I suspect in a few years, the state legislature will update the rules to allow class 1 e-bikes where they are currently restricted. I suspect there will be little to zero enforcement, unless you were maybe on a popular path where there are park rangers/police patrolling. One local state park near me does have park police in scooters patrolling. Never seen them actually stop anybody. I dont think Class 2&3 will ever be legal on state parks. I would check out as well, the rules for a National Park such as Acadia in Maine, which has an extensive network of dirt bike paths and where some form of e-bike is allowed - actually I just looked it up and its Class 1 only and they enforce it as they have rangers patrolling.

Any reason you are not buying a Class 1 ?, maybe fewer hassles down the road.

newbert

I already have a Class 1. But I would like to t have throttle capability along with the mid-drive torque-based e-motor.

Thanks!

Steve B.

You are only limited on state owned trails. And I suspect there will be very little enforcement.

kaos joe

Funny, this went up very recently, Nassau County.

Steve B.

This subject came up on the CLIMB FB page about illegal motorized use in Stillwell Preserve, which as in the photo, is a Nassau County facility. The general thought was that the county has no one to enforce these rules, unless somebody calls the county PD and even then there is little likely hood the PD will respond or take action. You would likely have better response at BP State Park, where they actively patrol.