E-bike injuries: ‘We’re only seeing the tip of the iceberg,' trauma experts warn

3 years ago by nucleative to c/electricbikes

'I can't imagine a 13-year-old being able to drive something that can go 25 to 30 miles an hour in the middle of a road. It just doesn’t seem safe.'

E-bikes are not bicycles

The article makes a strong assertion that e-bikes are something entirely different than regular bikes and should be regulated separately.

Do you think e-bikes should always be allowed to follow the same paths and rules as regular person-powered bicycles? Or should communities treat them as something different?

Tb0n3 3 points 3 years ago

They're for all intents and purposes motorcycles these days.

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nucleative 2 points 3 years ago

What about the "class" system that has been proposed by some? The concept is that ebikes are divided up into 4 classes, loosely:

class 1: slow speed, motor runs only when you pedal

class 2: still slow, but the throttle works even if you don't pedal

class 3: pedal assist only, faster

class 4: anything over 750W and no speed limit

I think casual commute riders will find that the first 3 classes of ebikes are suitable for many locations, but sport and off-road users will want more power and control.

If this regulation remains mainstream, perhaps the riding location, insurance (if any) and related liabilities, can be limited based on the class of ebike?

What if manufacturers begin to implement geo controls into ebikes so that the "class" is dependent on it's physical location? Could regulations be adapted to technology such as this?

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