The article didn't really make it clear that some of them are actually electric mopeds. I think they are legal here, licensed like mopeds, for street operation only. The "Electric Assisted Bicycles" are very different, in that the operator generally HAS to pedal, and top speed is about 20 mph. There are some federal regulations designating them as "Low Speed Electric Bicycles". I believe one of the requirements is that the power assist has to cut out above 20 mph. I don't believe they are covered by any state legislation in Wisconsin, so they now exist now exist in a state legal limbo.
While I believe that the 30 mph electric mopeds should certainly be banned from bike paths, I don't have a problem with their use on streets. They're quieter and less polluting than gasoline mopeds, and may get a few cars off the roads. I wouldn't have a problem sharing bike paths with electric assisted bicycles long as their maximum assisted speed is reasonable. I think 20 mph is too high; 15 mph would be more reasonable, as that's much closer to the speed of most cyclists. The last thing we need on shared paths is more high-speed bikes, in addition to the inconsiderate racer-types we already have. However, even with a lower top speed, they might get some cars off the roads and increase support for bike routes. Scott Scott Ellington Madison, Wisconsin USA _______________________________________________ Bikies mailing list [email protected] http://lists.danenet.org/listinfo.cgi/bikies-danenet.org
