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View Full Version : Bolt Motorbike bicycle or motorcycle?


A1CKot
08-04-2015, 06:39 AM
I came across this thing... Not really sure how I feel about it.

http://www.boltmotorbikes.com

I think something like this would be great for in and around a city or for commuting to work with in its range distance. Relatively low speeds and compact. Great right? Then I read the FAQ.

"In Economy Mode and cruising at 20 miles per hour on a bicycle path, the M-1 can travel 50 miles on a single charge and WITHOUT PEDALING ONCE."

So according to their site this thing can be ridden on bike paths and the pedal aren't there to help assist anything, I guess?

"Each state may have it痴 own restrictions, but the M-1 meets California electric bicycle regulations as long as you are 16 years or older and wear a bicycle helmet. Meeting these regulations, you don稚 need a license, registration, or insurance."

16, no license, no insurance... on a bike path doing 20mph in economy mode but able to do 35mph in sport mode(off road use only).

I like the idea of a compact rechargeable bike but how can they advertise it this way. Surely 140lbs of motorbike plus the rider can cause significant damage to person and property if an accident were to occur.

ANAO
08-04-2015, 10:08 AM
I was very interested.

Saddle's too low, though.

eippo1
08-04-2015, 11:47 AM
You would not be allowed on the Minuteman here. They would certainly see that in the same light as a scooter.

Louis
08-04-2015, 11:49 AM
Get one of these instead:

https://s.yimg.com/lo/api/res/1.2/cQ2Dt2eucn0RDAYMiASuUQ--/YXBwaWQ9bWFnYXppbmVzO3c9ODAw/https://s.yimg.com/os/publish-images/autos/2015-01-05/08608980-94ea-11e4-ad65-c916fbfebf38_polaris-slingshot-21.jpg

torquer
08-04-2015, 12:14 PM
From the website:

"Ride all day. Do everything.

Wake up, head to North Beach for an authentic coffee.
5 miles

Get to work at your start-up in SOMA.
3 miles

Leave work early to go hit the Crossfit gym in the Presidio.
6 miles

Dinner with your friends and their kids in West Portal.
8 miles

Ride home along Great Ocean Highway to the Richmond.
7 miles"

Sorry, Bolt, but I don't need to ride anywhere for "authentic" coffee, I got over that whole start-up thing, would rather do root canal sans happy gas than Crossfit, (although dinner with my friends' rug rats might be worse), so I guess I'm not your target demographic.
Plus my facial hair probably isn't nearly ironic enough.

OldCrank
08-04-2015, 12:17 PM
it DOES let you save all your energy for Crossfit apparently.

Even if that 'gas tank' is all high quality Li-Ion ("Lithium Iron" on FAQ page, Bwaa!), I find the range claims a bit dubious. But if they're real, great.

How much?

redir
08-04-2015, 01:44 PM
This girl just came through my town last week. This is a pretty cool rig.

http://www.marissamuller.com/rig/

Personally, and I think I would speak for most here, I ride for work because sit gets me a bit of exercise. Electric bikes are a trip to ride though that's for sure.

JeffS
08-04-2015, 01:47 PM
It's clearly an electric moped.

As long as the switch exists to switch it to sport mode, I see no way for it to be electric bicycle legal. And yes, I'm aware that many home-built electric bikes aren't legal either.

Companies like this are going to cause problems for the electric bicycle market. Some states are already laying out punitive legislation towards the moped/scooter market. This has the potential to drag bicycles into that fight.

For example, NC now requires registration, insurance and a helmet for scooters/mopeds. They tried to ban them on on roads above 45mph, but it thankfully failed. The idea is still out there though.

A1CKot
08-04-2015, 07:46 PM
it DOES let you save all your energy for Crossfit apparently.

Even if that 'gas tank' is all high quality Li-Ion ("Lithium Iron" on FAQ page, Bwaa!), I find the range claims a bit dubious. But if they're real, great.

How much?

Looks like $5000...

I ride my bike to work most days because I don't really seem to like driving anymore. I only really drive when I new groceries and I have an appointment outside of my squadron that requires me to be in uniform. Something like this would perfect for those days.

What about insurance for this, moped/scooter and electric bicycles? Shouldn't they all be classified the same way? Maybe as a low speed motorized personal transport.

charliedid
08-04-2015, 08:08 PM
I'm open-minded about all two wheeled transport, but I'd rather have one of these for $6599.00 http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/2015-KLR650