Last September, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law SB-1271, which redefines and adds to several electric bicycle regulations in…
Last September, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law SB-1271, which redefines and adds to several electric bicycle regulations in…
I do not understand why this is being implemented, after reading the article. What’s the safety gain to be had here?
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.
I imagine it’s to stop them being used like motorcycles? Can’t say why, maybe it’s for registration / taxation purposes?
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.
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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.
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If your legs are the primary driver then you do not have the type of vehicle the law is targeting.
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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.
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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.