Hybrid Electric Bicycles

[CraigCSJ]

The reason I purchased the ElecTrec electric bicycle rather than a more powerful electric scooter is that in California there is no license needed for an electric assist bicycle like the ElecTrec. A more powerful electric scooter or bicycle would require a motorcycle license, which requires a training course and a test.

I suspect that each state is different.

[bac]

Originally Posted by CraigCSJ

A more powerful electric scooter or bicycle would require a motorcycle license, which requires a training course and a test.

This may be a very good idea (training course) though!

... Brad

[efusco]

Originally Posted by CraigCSJ

The reason I purchased the ElecTrec electric bicycle rather than a more powerful electric scooter is that in California there is no license needed for an electric assist bicycle like the ElecTrec. A more powerful electric scooter or bicycle would require a motorcycle license, which requires a training course and a test.

I suspect that each state is different.

Actually an electric bike like I purchased or like veloteq sells that has a top speed under 20mph and a motor less than 750W is considered a bicycle and falls under the exact same laws as a bicycle....esp. in a progressive state like CA. In MO we have to have a valid driver's license (no motorcycle license is necessary), but otherwise also follows the same laws as a bicycle.

If it's more powerful and/or goes over 20mph on a flat paved surface with a 170lb rider then it does need a license.

[Prius 07]

New and Alternative Vehicles

The above is the link to the legislation in Ontario.

[efusco]

Originally Posted by CraigCSJ

The reason I purchased the ElecTrec electric bicycle rather than a more powerful electric scooter is that in California there is no license needed for an electric assist bicycle like the ElecTrec. A more powerful electric scooter or bicycle would require a motorcycle license, which requires a training course and a test.

I suspect that each state is different.

Here's a good link to the US Regulations:
Veloteq electric bicycle and ebike products deliver the maximum electric bicycle output power permitted under U.S. and Canadian laws

And the specifics of California Law FYI...


Electric Bicycle Laws and Regulations in California
Overview: In California an “electric bicycle" cannot be capable of traveling at speeds over 20 mph on level ground using the motor’s power only, and must have not more than 1000 Watts of motor power output. Operators must obey all rules of the road, wear a bicycle helmet, and be over 16 years old. No insurance is required. No driver license or vehicle licensing or registration is required provided that the electric bicycle meets the Safety and Equipment Requirements described below.
Motorized Bicycle Electric Motor; Safety and Equipment Requirements

California Electric Bicycle Law Quick Summary:

• A driver's license is not required to drive an electric bicycle.
• No insurance, registration or license plates are required.
• Driver shall not operate a motorized bicycle if under 16 years of age.
• Driver must wear a bicycle helmet.
• Bicycle must have fully operative pedals.
• Power output must not be more than 1000 Watt.
• On level ground must not travel faster than 20mph on motor power only.
• Electric motor must disengage when brakes are applied or when throttle is released.

[Fibb222]

Originally Posted by 9G-man

A couple weeks ago I got a deal on a bike with the Bionx system installed, off Craigs list.
The guy selling the bike 'inherited' it from his deceased friend who had too many DWI's ( hence the reason he had an electric bike, and ....his eventual demise.)
Anyway,
The kid neglected to get the key for the battery case, nor the battery charger, so the bike was of no use to him. He just wanted to make a buck. He knew the retail value of the Bionx system and bike was about $1400.00 . He had it for sale at $700.00

Being familiar with system, I asked all the right questions and when it became clear he had no key, charger, nor could show the system even worked, I offered him $200.00 for whole thing.
Reluctantly, he SOLD!!!!!!!. What a deal.
I had a locksmith make a key for $15 bucks and bought a charger $60.
Took the fully functional system off the bike (didn't like the style) and will soon put it on something more to my liking. ( I love my Cannondale too much to mess with it.)
It's one of the only e-bike conversion systems with true regenerative modes and braking. Now I will soon have two hybrids.

That is the deal of all deals! Well done!

[Fibb222]

I have a bionx kit. I've used it for over a year now on my 19km (one way) commute to work which takes me less than 40 minutes. With the speed delimiter off, I can cruise at around 35 km/hr on the flats. And it flattens the hills nicely.

I can pedal (exercise) as much or as little as I want. It has regen braking and regen pedaling modes. It's installed on a GIANT cypress SX regular hybrid bike. (It can be installed on any regular bike, even a recumbent). It adds about 20 lbs but even with a dead battery I can still pedal at normal speeds so there is no worries about running out of juice. I put 3000 km on it so far. It has a 36 V lithium ion (Mn) battery and a 350W motor.

I decided against the all-out electric bicycles because they are relatively slow (usually under 30 km/h), heavy, and expensive to fix compared to a regular bike. The deal breakers were that they are almost impossible to pedal at a decent speed with a dead battery and don't provide much in the way of exercise.

Any questions?

[viking31]

Originally Posted by 9G-man

A couple weeks ago I got a deal on a bike with the Bionx system installed, off Craigs list.
The guy selling the bike 'inherited' it from his deceased friend who had too many DWI's ( hence the reason he had an electric bike, and ....his eventual demise.)
Anyway,
The kid neglected to get the key for the battery case, nor the battery charger, so the bike was of no use to him. He just wanted to make a buck. He knew the retail value of the Bionx system and bike was about $1400.00 . He had it for sale at $700.00

Being familiar with system, I asked all the right questions and when it became clear he had no key, charger, nor could show the system even worked, I offered him $200.00 for whole thing.
Reluctantly, he SOLD!!!!!!!. What a deal.
I had a locksmith make a key for $15 bucks and bought a charger $60.
Took the fully functional system off the bike (didn't like the style) and will soon put it on something more to my liking. ( I love my Cannondale too much to mess with it.)
It's one of the only e-bike conversion systems with true regenerative modes and braking. Now I will soon have two hybrids.

Hmmm, no key, no charger, and the person who originally owned it is 'gone'... $200 for a system in excellent shape that sells new for $1,400. You might want to scan the Lost and Found for a "lost" Bionx hub... ;-)



Rick
#4 2006

[MikeSF]

Originally Posted by hyo silver

A two thousand dollar bike is too expensive, but a thirty thousand dollar car isn't? Hmm..

$26k actually, and at today's price I think mine goes for $22k since Toyota dropped the price?

Either way apples and oranges, yeah I'll spend $30k on a car, because that car has many more uses than a bike can have. As a bike can transport a single rider, a short distance, maybe a back pack worth of stuff, my car already has paid dividends in not having to rent a uhaul or other truck every time I've bought something large (fish tanks, jacuzzi tubs, ahem.. groceries).

[orracle]

Is that the same bike that Ed got for his birthday in "Living With Ed"?