Open Thread: Electric and Motorized Bicycles
Posted By Thomas Bahde on October 21, 2009
A post today on Streetsblog New York raises the question of whether electric bicycles should be allowed in New York City. They are currently prohibited from using roadways under New York state law, which has apparently led to people riding (driving?) them on sidewalks.
Neither California nor the City of San Diego places any legal restrictions on where motorized bicycles may operate, but state law does limit their speed and power output, and prescribes specific safety measures that must be taken.
Bike San Diego would like to know what you think about electric and/or motorized bicycles. Aside from the vague notion that they may constitute “cheating” when climbing hills, let’s discuss their virtues or drawbacks as a mode of transportation. What sorts of safety concerns do these machines raise? Should special licensing or training be required? What obligations do the operators of electric/motorized bicycles have towards other motorized and non-motorized traffic? Are there types of roadways or separated bicycle infrastructure on which these vehicles should be prohibited? Any specific experiences, good or bad, with electric or motorized bicycles?
Talk, talk…
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4 Responses to “Open Thread: Electric and Motorized Bicycles”
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There is nothing inherently wrong with electric-assist bikes operarting like regular bicycles provided their maximum speed is limited to what is typical for bike traffic..
If they operate at speeds similar to that of a bicycle, I don’t see why they shouldn’t be allowed the use of the road in the same way. If they’re going the speed of traffic, take the lane and behave like a car. If not, move to the right when it’s safe.
Besides the cheating factor*, I am not sure I have too much of a problem with electric bikes. I can see older people, people who are arthritic really benefiting from them. I want people to be out of their little metal boxes and experience the world. Breathe deeper, use the entire expanse of their vision, and connect with people around them a little bit more. I think so much of bad driving is because of the anonymity afforded to motorists hiding behind the metal.
*The cheating factor is a big issue with me. What is the point of getting on a bike if you don’t want to peddle a little. But then everyone and their grandma will bring some really good reasons on why the existence of electric bikes is a useful or helpful to them or someone they know.
Cheating? Cheating is 4 wheels and a windshield. I got some good exercise on my electric bike. It would go less than 20 mph uphill, so I would help by pedaling in order to get to work quicker. There wasn’t much else to do.
Plus, there are electric-assist bikes that don’t do anything unless you’re pedaling.