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Originally Posted by Alistair
I'd argue the class system is wrong, but not sure there's much to be done there at this point.
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I agree with this. Europe is the birthplace of the e-bike, but in most of Europe the motor assist speed limit is 15.5 mph (25 kph), not 20 or 28 mph, and throttle control is not allowed. The US e-bike class system is closer to the older moped definitions.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mstateglfr
- Why would moving the recommended user age to the first page change anything in this instance? It wouldnt have. The girls still would have crashed. If someone wants to argue that moving the user age to the first page would have kept the 11yo friend from even using the vehicle, then that is on the parents of the friend and not on RadPower.
- It is not the responsibility of the brand to ensure their product is used appropriately. If there is advertising that pushes the product towards tweens when the brand claims it is for adults only, then yes that should change.
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Prior to this accident, the RadPower sales literature featured photos of young children (of similar ages as the kids in the law suit) riding RadPower e-bikes by themselves. Looking at the photos, some might assume they were safe for young children. The operating literature did specify that RadPower bikes were only to be used by operators 16 and older, but this only appeared in the fine print.
An article appeared a few days ago on the Bicycle Retailer website about an
email RadPower recently sent to its dealers:
Quote:
SEATTLE (BRAIN) — Rad Power Bikes CEO Phil Molyneux said in an email to customers this week that the company has made mistakes and will learn from them. In the past year, the direct-to-consumer brand had three lawsuits filed against it, including one for a wrongful death of a girl riding as a passenger on one of its bikes.
"As a young company, we recognize that we have made mistakes. Now we are dedicated to learning from them," said Molyneux, who succeeded founder Mike Radenbaugh in November. "The culmination of these efforts represents the 'New Rad,' one that combines the forward-thinking innovation of our early years with the knowledge and resources to make us more customer-focused than ever before.
"This begins with a laser focus on safety and reliability. From the design phase, through component validation methods, to the ever-improving quality assurance activities within our factories, we are doubling down to ensure safer, more enjoyable rides."
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