E-bike Laws are Too Complicated : Spark Notes

In this episode of Spark Notes, I provide an overview for a 4 year system to protect e-bikes from laws that should never apply to them. The industry is too complicated and the understanding of what an electric bike actually is has become even more blurry. We need to fix this soon and hold manufacturers accountable so that they provide safe vehicles for their riders.

[@foilsurfmachines]

I want my Cannondale EMTB to be classified so far away from all other forms of E-bikes, nobody will ever restrict me, on any trails.

[@DiogenesOfCa]

This is why I bought a Spark Bandit, if they force me to I will register it's VIN as a Moped.

[@cerebrix]

This mess is why I went a step further and just got my motorcycle endorsement and bought a Honda Grom. I don’t have to worry about anything now. I can ride on roads (not highway). I can ride past cops all day and they don’t even look at me. Even with an s&s exhaust on it. I average 145 mpg at 6k feet altitude and that’s enough for me. I still want a javelin. But I’m waiting for these laws to get sorted out. I just don’t want to deal with legal headaches on a 5 thousand dollar thing later on.

[@Andy-zr4mi]

Same reason with me . I bought a brute just in case shit get bad I can just register the vin as a moped

[@TomAto-ch4sh]

As you may be aware, various states have regulations prohibiting the use of "registered vehicles" on bicycle infrastructure, forest trails, and certain parks. The advantage of the e-bike class system is that it allows for coexistence in areas where "registered vehicles" are not permitted. Therefore, it's not merely the class laws that need revision; numerous other laws must be rewritten to address operational restrictions. If we begin imposing "registered vehicle" restrictions, fees, and requirements on these e-bikes and giving up operational feeedoms. IMHO we might as well go back to buying gas motorcycles, scooters, and dirtbikes as there would no longer be a freedom/flexible advantage to owning an ebike. $0.02

[@SparkCycleworks]

Agreed, e-bikes need protection from registration fees, taxes, etc. This is not a suggestion to remove the industry’s usage of the three classes, it is the removal of it from our state laws. It is the same as the automobile industry having their own vehicle classes, but not creating laws so that SUVs can drive in one area, while that same area is illegal for a pick up truck. Right now, CT is attempting to make it illegal to ride class 3 e-bikes in bike lanes. It is also illegal to ride on sidewalks. The confusion in these bill proposals is getting out of control.

[@wm4382]

A Tesla Plaid, Bugatti, pickup truck, and Toyota Prius are all vehicles legal to drive on the road. They all have the same speed limit per roadway. Why do we need to apply rules of power capacities in the laws at all. The laws for street legal vehicles should avoid details not needed just like other vehicles.

[@dinobat1162]

okay so if i were to buy my bike today would it be shipped at 4kw? im wanting to buy this bike but its so hard to hear anything back.

[@SparkCycleworks]

@@dinobat1162 our last email from you is Saturday at 8am. Please keep in mind we open Tuesday-Friday 10am-5pm EST. Yes, the bike ships exactly as specified on our website.

[@dinobat1162]

@ thank you went through the video and got worried that the new legality suggestions may impact the performance of yalls bikes. im excited to get my hands on that beauty

[@David-rr4rr]

I agree with most of what you are saying. However, using watts as a defining measurement muddies the water. My "750" watt rated motor goes 50 mph. I think we should focus on appropriate speed for all vehicles in a given situation. 20mph on shared paths, already posted speeds for roadways, up to appropriate speed for vehicle in question. I am fine with registration for vehicles over 28 mph.

[@Andy-zr4mi]

I believe the solution is have all vehicles registered and just follow speed limit that’s all. There aren’t any different laws for a sports car and a family sedan

[@DanMahBoy]

Your annoying Californian here. As someone who suffers with the roving gangs of surron kids driving recklessly, I agree big time that the only reason we’re seeing these laws go crazy is the Surronster wheelie culture foolishness. On this side of The county, I’m hearing talks of going full force with 750w max for *anything* that’s bike shaped with an electric motor. Which would harm even safe legal bikes like my Bandit. Really hope your ideas ring well with that side’s politicals. I’m so tired of seeing actual children burning through stop signs and red lights because of this subculture. Question for Matt: If your brute and Jav are Tier 2 under your idea, what about the 5HP, over 35 mph mode?

[@jennieleighloomis7870]

The classes seem to overlapping each other. I am building custom e-choppers with a minium 1500w hub motors. Can do around 30mph. If I have to register it I will. Cars move faster on the road and I Do Not like to ride on bike lanes. That is for pedal only powered bikes.

[@jennieleighloomis7870]

To add a note. I am working on setting up full lighting system on my E-Chopper. I need to get a VIN.

[@SparkCycleworks]

@@jennieleighloomis7870 yes, that’s a big part of the issue. In CT there are different rules for push scooters vs e-bikes. Even e-bikes have different rules within them. Soon, you won’t be able to ride class 3 e-bikes in bike lanes with the updated laws. We need to start with a blank slate again.

[@zfenty]

I don't like watt /speed based bike class systems. I think weight based systems would be best, I also think an allowance should be made for cargo bikes. I if governments have the time to make all these convoluted rules they can also create speed limits for bike paths and sidewalks. If i am riding my bike in a safe manner no need to stop me and check if I have a throttle.

[@TomAto-ch4sh]

Weight may become arbitrary when you start to look at extended range batteries, cargo, etc...

[@zfenty]

@TomAto-ch4sh I think the focus should be on safe vs unsafe bike operation, not the capability of the bikes. Here's my proposal, under 50lb ebikes should be viewed as a normal bicycle by authorities. Under 100lb ebike operators should maintain a valid ebike license. Under 200lb, in addition to the license, the bike should have a plate and should be registered.

[@TECHSUPPORTEBIKE]

Thanks to the idiots doing 🛞🛞🛞🛞🛞 and going 80mph very smart ,.... We going back to fixie

[@jennieleighloomis7870]

It takes idiots to ruin for all.