Last September, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law SB-1271, which redefines and adds to several electric bicycle regulations in…

  • Crackhappy@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    2
    ·
    4 months ago

    I do not understand why this is being implemented, after reading the article. What’s the safety gain to be had here?

    • socsa@piefed.social
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      4 months ago

      Throttles are a big factor enabling this legal gray market for e mopeds. Without throttles most of these bikes are basically too heavy to ride as a pedelac. This will push the trend back towards lighter, bike-like bikes.

    • makingStuffForFun@lemmy.ml
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      0
      ·
      4 months ago

      I imagine it’s to stop them being used like motorcycles? Can’t say why, maybe it’s for registration / taxation purposes?

      • b34k@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        1
        ·
        4 months ago

        My nephew is 12 and has one of these with a throttle that can go over 35mph. His parents let him ride it anywhere (fucking irresponsible, but don’t get me started).

        The fact is, because it looks like a bicycle, he’s essentially able to ride around like he’s on a motorcycle, even though he’s too young to have a drivers license and has no formal training in rules of the road.

        • Corgana@startrek.website
          link
          fedilink
          English
          arrow-up
          3
          ·
          edit-2
          4 months ago

          Electric vehicles with a throttle (what the law is targeting) can absolutely be used as motorcycles. Hence why CA feels motorcycle-like vehicles need to be reclassified. What the law is targeting are functionally motorcycles/mopeds with pedals attached.

        • makingStuffForFun@lemmy.ml
          link
          fedilink
          English
          arrow-up
          1
          ·
          4 months ago

          Here in Melbourne, Australia, they use them like motorcycles everywhere.

          Every single food panda, or other delivery rider is on an e bike with throttle, and they never peddle.

          They ride at full speed, on the roads, like motorcycles.

          It’s totally doable. Thousands are doing it every day here.

        • pc486@sh.itjust.works
          link
          fedilink
          English
          arrow-up
          1
          ·
          4 months ago

          Perhaps with your preferred brand(s) of ebikes. This law is targeting Super73 and similar brands that advertise and promote post-sale “off-road” or “unlimited” modifications. These modified bikes have been a nuisance on public trails for a few years now.