Electric Bikes: The ethical conundrum

[Mark McM]

I previously posted about the state laws currently on the books in Massachusetts. However, it appears the Registry of Motor Vehicles has formed their own policy, based around a CPSC definition of a "low speed electric bicycle":

Low Speed Electric Bicycle
If all of the following apply, a bicycle will be deemed a “low-speed electric bicycle” under Federal law (15 U.S.C. § 2085) and will not have to be registered with the RMV:
 Has two or three wheels
 Has fully operable pedals
 Has an electric motor of less than 750 watts (one horsepower)
 Has a maximum speed of less than 20 MPH on a paved level surface, when powered solely by the motor

So, it appears that in Massachusetts, e-bikes are in a neither-fish-nor-fowl grey zone. While the RMV has declare that they do not need to be registered (like mopeds do), its not clear whether other state laws apply to them (such as requiring a license and a helmet, and not being allowed on bike paths).

[torquer]

Originally Posted by Tony T

Moses had enough foresight that on the Parkways he made the overpasses low so that trucks could never use them.

Topic drift, and we can check Robert Caro's Moses bio to confirm, but I recall it was so busses (full of the unwashed masses) were excluded.

[KJMUNC]

Was at a social event this weekend for my kid's school and one of the older dads (mid 50's - party was for 8yr olds) was saying how much he loved his Specialized MTB e-bike because he could climb faster than "all the young kids". I tried to point out that HE wasn't actually climbing faster, it was the bike, but he wouldn't listen. Kept saying "I'm doing the same amount of work as before, I'm just older so it's harder and this helps me go faster."

[Marc40a]

I saw my first E-bike in the wild last week on my commute home...

Rural country road, mile 12, I spotted a rider behind me in my rear view sunglasses mirror.

"Not today, my friend" It was Monday and my legs were feeling strong. I dropped the hammer.

Well, that worked for about a 1/2 mile but he kept gaining on me, steadily closing the gap on a sizable climb.

Defeated, I let him pass.

E-Bike.

[alancw3]

i guess i will take the position that anything to get people on bikes is a good thing. not saying i agree that electric bikes are the way to do that.

[GregL]

Originally Posted by KJMUNC

Was at a social event this weekend for my kid's school and one of the older dads (mid 50's - party was for 8yr olds) was saying how much he loved his Specialized MTB e-bike because he could climb faster than "all the young kids". I tried to point out that HE wasn't actually climbing faster, it was the bike, but he wouldn't listen. Kept saying "I'm doing the same amount of work as before, I'm just older so it's harder and this helps me go faster."

Same rationalization used by guys going to the aging clinic for treatment of "low-T." Sad that people won't accept and embrace getting older. Quit trying to be 25 and be happy being the best 55 year-old you can be.

Greg

[Ralph]

I think E Assist bikes can be a great thing for some folks. My wife has had serious knee surgeries, and can only pedal a bike for 10-15 miles on level ground mostly. E assist would allow her to ride on longer rides, enjoy being outdoors better.

I don't like the idea of E bikes taking the place of small motorcycles.

[false_Aest]

Originally Posted by SoCalSteve

They scare the piss out of me on when I'm riding on bike paths. It feels like they do not have a clue how powerful and potentially dangerous their e bikes can be.

Bruh. . .

“I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.”

Channel your inner Muad'dib and start moto-pacing.

[numbskull]

“I also have an electric bike, but I’m no longer racing. I use it for my health. For [racing], I’d never use something like that, that’s very bad,” he explained.

Eddy Merckx

http://www.velonews.com/2016/02/news...kEgPHB2YrtQ.99

[PacNW2Ford]

Reminds me of the guy who says that bikes will evolve to replace the car. Oh crap! Bikes are evolving!

If we could only be like the Dutch... Oh wait, the Dutch let actual scooters use their vaunted bike infrastructure.

And yes, they have issues with people speeding on the paths. People, not "ex-cagers" etc, "people". Here in Portland, we have bike-on-bike road rage too.

[SeanScott]

speaking of electric bikes,
I rode a Shinola single speed today fitted with the Copenhagen wheel.
It was so much fun and so quick.
I have ridden the specialized turbo and as great as it was the Copenhagen wheel was much more of a pure bicycle experience. I would use it if I needed a commuter bike. so fun
I would love to try it on a pure road bike with shifting.