Electric bikes start to gain traction

[steven johnson]

Electric bicycles have made more and more of an inroad in options for transportation. They can easily go 20 MPH for 15-20 miles and double that distance with extra battery packs.

And if you are Jewish, electric bikes are kosher for driving on Shabbat.

http://www.washingtonjewishweek.com/main.asp?SectionID=4&SubSectionID=53&ArticleID=11465

SEATTLE (Reuters) - Ever wondered what it would be like to have Lance Armstrong pedal your bike for you? Well now you can find out, sort of.

About 15 companies are now offering bicycles with an electric power option -- as opposed to a purely engine-powered moped -- for around $1,000 to $4,000 -- and they are catching on with some green-thinking commuters.

The latest electric bikes from Giant, EcoBike, Currie Technologies and Ultra Motor, among others, can deliver around 500 watts of power at the flick of a wrist or a turn of the pedals. That is roughly what Armstrong could generate over shorter races in his prime.

The machine, technically known as a "light electric vehicle," qualifies as a bicycle under U.S. transport regulations, so you do not need a license to operate it and you can ride wherever cyclists are allowed. It is not the same as a moped, which generally has a gas engine and pedals fitted for emergency use only.

Electric bikes start to gain traction

[Patchuli]

1. I'd love that for my commute!

But I'd love it more if all the big SUVs were off the street first! :scared:

[corpseratemedia]

2. wish I could buy one for the hilly short drive I have every day

[happyslug]

3. Check your state law, in some states these MUST be licensed

Pennsylvania says ANY vehicle with a motor attached to it MUST be registered. Thus even bicycles with electric motors on them MUST have a license plate AND the operator MUST have a license (Through if under 50cc your regular driver's license will do, you do NOT need a Motorcycle license (but if the engine is OVER 50cc the operator must have a Motorcycle license).

On the other and California says if the motor is under 50 cc it does NOT have to be registered (i.e. NOT be licensed).

Now this web site says if the motor is less then 750 watts or 1 horsepower FEDERAL laws supersedes state law and calls such bikes with motors bicycles NOT motor vehicles (Please note, most people REJECT this view, see below for details):
http://www.paelectrics.com/legislation.html
http://www.paelectrics.com/pdf/FEDregulation.pdf

See also 15 USC §2085:
http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode15/usc_sec_15_00002085----000-.html

The Consumer protection Regulations as to Bicycles:
http://www.cpsc.gov/businfo/frnotices/fr03/low.html

And the Regulations of the National Highway Traffic Highway Safety Administration:
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/rulings/lsv/lsv.html

My problem is that is part of the Consumer Protection Act which deals with safety of consumer products NOT if such products can be operated on the Public Roads. This is supported by the National Highway Traffic Highway Safety Administration which deals with issue of Safety i.e. lights, windshields etc NOT if they have to be licensed and operated by someone with a license.

Until I see a court ruling that says the above does supersede state laws as to licensing I would still NOT tell someone they can operate an electric powered bicycle on the Public Roads.

This site supports my position, i.e. the above law only applies to issue of safely NOT operation of said vehicles on the public roads:
http://www.omegastores.com/electric_bicycle_law.htm

Comments on Pennsylvania law:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_bicycle_laws#Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania regulations pamphlet:
http://www.dotdevuat.state.pa.us/pdotforms/pub_45/section_ab.pdf

Notice Pennsylvania defines a Bicycle as a "Pedal Cycle" and any "Pedal Cycle" with an engine attached is a "Motor Driven Cycle" NOT a "Motorized Pedal Cycle", as those terms are defined in the Statutes and Regulations governing licensing.

The actual Regulations:
http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/067/chapter175/s175.2.html

Under 75 Pa C.S § 102 (the actual Statute) defines the following:
"Motor-driven cycle." A motorcycle, including a motor scooter, with a motor which produces not to exceed five brake horsepower.

"Motorized Pedal Cycle." A motor-driven cycle equipped with operable pedals, a motor rated no more than 1.5 brake horsepower, a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters, an automatic transmission, and a maximum design speed of no more than 25 miles per hour or an electric motor-driven cycle equipped with operable pedals and an automatic transmission powered by an electric battery or battery-pack-powered electric motor with a maximum design speed of no more than 25 miles per hour.

"Pedal-cycle." A vehicle propelled solely by human-powered pedals. The term does not mean a three-wheeled human-powered pedal-driven vehicle with a main driving wheel 20 inches in diameter or under and primarily designed for children six years of age or younger.

Thus it is a Penndot regulation that defines a Bicycle with an attached motor as a "Motor Driven Cycle" instead of the "Motorized Pedal cycle". Please note reading the definition it is hard for a bicycle (Except a singe gear bicycle) to meet the definition of a "Motorized Pedal Cycle" but can easily fit under the definition of a "Motor Driven Cycle" and thus why Penndot made the regulation as they did.

Thus a bicycle, you attach an electric motor to, MUST be inspected for it is a "Motor Driven Cycle" even while a "Motorized Pedal Cycle" does NOT have to be inspected.

Every "Motor Driven Cycle" shall have a working speedometer IF it originally had one (And most bicycle do not):
http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/067/chapter175/s175.179.html

You need a "Class M license" (Motorcycle License) to operate a "Motor Driven Cycle":
http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/067/chapter75/s75.2.html

(xxvi) A motor-driven cycle whose speed attainable in one mile is 30 miles per hour or less need not be equipped with turn signal lamps.

(xxvii) A motor-driven cycle whose speed attainable in one mile is 30 miles per hour or less may be equipped with a stop lamp whose photometric output for the groups of test points specified in Figure 1 of this section is at least 1/2 of the minimum values set forth in that figure.
http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/067/chapter153/s153.4.html

In addition a "Motor Driven Cycle" MUST have head lights and tail lights (But NOT turn signals, see above) AND the following:
(8) A motor-driven cycle registered shall be equipped with an alternator, generator or electrical energy storage source capable of providing lighting in compliance with Chapter 153 and SAE J392—Appendix B (relating to motorcycle and motor vehicle cycle electrical system (maintenance of design voltage)—SAE J392)—Maintenance of Design Voltage.

Must have mirrors on both sides of the Motorized bike:
http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/067/chapter175/s175.177.html

Must be inspected by someone with a license to do Motor cycle inspections:
(2) TS-463 shall be used for trailers, motorcycles and motor-driven cycles.

Yes, an bicycle with an electric engine attached, in Pennsylvania, MUST have a license, two mirrors, a tail light, a stop light, a Headlight and electrical power to provide for said lighting. The Bike MUST have a License and pass a motorcycle inspection. The Bike operator MUST have a Motorcycle License (Or an motor cycle endorsement on his or her regular license).