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41
General Tech Info / Electric Bike Blog
« Last post by Tom Cole on September 20, 2016, 11:53:03 am »
A blog by Karl Gesslein.  This guy loves fat ebikes and most of his information is geared toward that, but there is plenty of great info about mid drives in general.
https://electricbike-blog.com/
42
Product Showcase / EM3ev
« Last post by Tom Cole on September 20, 2016, 11:47:20 am »
This is a company in China with an impressive website.  Lots of kits, parts and info on Bafang Mid drives.

http://em3ev.com/store/index.php?route=common/home


43
Laws About Ebikes / Illinois
« Last post by Tom Cole on September 19, 2016, 02:59:52 pm »
Illinois wiki listing

The federal definition applies.

Public Act 096-0125

Quote
    Section 5. The Illinois Vehicle Code is amended by adding
Sections 1-140.10, 1-140.15, and 11-1516 and by changing
Section 1-146 as follows:
 
    (625 ILCS 5/1-140.10 new)
    Sec. 1-140.10. Low-speed electric bicycle. The term
"low-speed electric bicycle" has the same meaning ascribed to
it by Section 38 of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C.
Sec. 2085).
 
    (625 ILCS 5/1-140.15 new)
    Sec. 1-140.15. Low-speed gas bicycle. A 2 or 3-wheeled
device with fully operable pedals and a gasoline motor of less
than one horsepower, whose maximum speed on a paved level
surface, when powered solely by such a motor while ridden by an
operator who weighs 170 pounds, is less than 20 miles per hour.
 
    (625 ILCS 5/1-146)  (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 1-146)
    Sec. 1-146. Motor vehicle. Every vehicle which is
self-propelled and every vehicle which is propelled by electric
power obtained from overhead trolley wires, but not operated
upon rails, except for vehicles moved solely by human power,
and motorized wheelchairs, low-speed electric bicycles, and
low-speed gas bicycles. For this Act, motor vehicles are
divided into two divisions:
    First Division: Those motor vehicles which are designed for
the carrying of not more than 10 persons.
    Second Division: Those motor vehicles which are designed
for carrying more than 10 persons, those motor vehicles
designed or used for living quarters, those motor vehicles
which are designed for pulling or carrying freight, cargo or
implements of husbandry, and those motor vehicles of the First
Division remodelled for use and used as motor vehicles of the
Second Division.
(Source: P.A. 85-1010.)
 
    (625 ILCS 5/11-1516 new)
    Sec. 11-1516. Low-speed bicycles.
    (a) A person may operate a low-speed electric bicycle or
low-speed gas bicycle only if the person is at least 16 years
of age.
    (b) A person may not operate a low-speed electric bicycle
or low-speed gas bicycle at a speed greater than 20 miles per
hour upon any highway, street, or roadway.
    (c) A person may not operate a low-speed electric bicycle
or low-speed gas bicycle on a sidewalk.
    (d) Except as otherwise provided in this Section, the
provisions of this Article XV that apply to bicycles also apply
to low-speed electric bicycles and low-speed gas bicycles.


Effective Date: 1/1/2010
44
Laws About Ebikes / New York
« Last post by Tom Cole on September 19, 2016, 02:46:09 pm »
New York wiki listing

According to State Law, electric bicycles are not allowed on any roadway designed for automobiles in New York.

Check local laws as it seems there are several municipalities that do allow them. 

NYC does NOT and you will get fined and have your bike confiscated if caught.
45
Laws About Ebikes / Texas
« Last post by Tom Cole on September 19, 2016, 02:21:45 pm »
Texas wiki listing

Electric Bicycles are defined by Texas HERE

Quote
(24)  "Electric bicycle" means a bicycle that:
(A)  is designed to be propelled by an electric motor, exclusively or in combination with the application of human power;
(B)  cannot attain a speed of more than 20 miles per hour without the application of human power;  and
(C)  does not exceed a weight of 100 pounds.



Electric bikes as defined above are treated as bicycles in Texas and are subject to the Transportation Code governing the operation of bicycles.

Quote
TITLE 7. VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC

SUBTITLE C. RULES OF THE ROAD

CHAPTER 551. OPERATION OF BICYCLES, MOPEDS, AND PLAY VEHICLES

SUBCHAPTER A. APPLICATION OF CHAPTER

Sec. 551.001.  PERSONS AFFECTED.  Except as provided by Subchapter C, this chapter applies only to a person operating a bicycle on:
(1)  a highway;  or
(2)  a path set aside for the exclusive operation of bicycles.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1318, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.


Sec. 551.002.  MOPED AND ELECTRIC BICYCLE INCLUDED.  A provision of this subtitle applicable to a bicycle also applies to:
(1)  a moped, other than a provision that by its nature cannot apply to a moped;  and
(2)  an electric bicycle, other than a provision that by its nature cannot apply to an electric bicycle.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1085, Sec. 9, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.


SUBCHAPTER B. REGULATION OF OPERATION

Sec. 551.101.  RIGHTS AND DUTIES.  (a)  A person operating a bicycle has the rights and duties applicable to a driver operating a vehicle under this subtitle, unless:
(1)  a provision of this chapter alters a right or duty;  or
(2)  a right or duty applicable to a driver operating a vehicle cannot by its nature apply to a person operating a bicycle.
(b)  A parent of a child or a guardian of a ward may not knowingly permit the child or ward to violate this subtitle.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.


Sec. 551.102.  GENERAL OPERATION.  (a)  A person operating a bicycle shall ride only on or astride a permanent and regular seat attached to the bicycle.
(b)  A person may not use a bicycle to carry more persons than the bicycle is designed or equipped to carry.
(c)  A person operating a bicycle may not use the bicycle to carry an object that prevents the person from operating the bicycle with at least one hand on the handlebars of the bicycle.
(d)  A person operating a bicycle, coaster, sled, or toy vehicle or using roller skates may not attach either the person or the bicycle, coaster, sled, toy vehicle, or roller skates to a streetcar or vehicle on a roadway.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.


Sec. 551.103.  OPERATION ON ROADWAY.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (b), a person operating a bicycle on a roadway who is moving slower than the other traffic on the roadway shall ride as near as practicable to the right curb or edge of the roadway, unless:
(1)  the person is passing another vehicle moving in the same direction;
(2)  the person is preparing to turn left at an intersection or onto a private road or driveway;
(3)  a condition on or of the roadway, including a fixed or moving object, parked or moving vehicle, pedestrian, animal, or surface hazard prevents the person from safely riding next to the right curb or edge of the roadway;  or
(4)  the person is operating a bicycle in an outside lane that is:
(A)  less than 14 feet in width and does not have a designated bicycle lane adjacent to that lane;  or
(B)  too narrow for a bicycle and a motor vehicle to safely travel side by side.
(b)  A person operating a bicycle on a one-way roadway with two or more marked traffic lanes may ride as near as practicable to the left curb or edge of the roadway.
(c)  Persons operating bicycles on a roadway may ride two abreast.  Persons riding two abreast on a laned roadway shall ride in a single lane.  Persons riding two abreast may not impede the normal and reasonable flow of traffic on the roadway.  Persons may not ride more than two abreast unless they are riding on a part of a roadway set aside for the exclusive operation of bicycles.
(d)  Repealed by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1085, Sec. 13, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1085, Sec. 10, 13, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.


Sec. 551.104.  SAFETY EQUIPMENT.  (a)  A person may not operate a bicycle unless the bicycle is equipped with a brake capable of making a braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement.
(b)  A person may not operate a bicycle at nighttime unless the bicycle is equipped with:
(1)  a lamp on the front of the bicycle that emits a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet in front of the bicycle;  and
(2)  on the rear of the bicycle:
(A)  a red reflector that is:
(i)  of a type approved by the department;  and
(ii)  visible when directly in front of lawful upper beams of motor vehicle headlamps from all distances from 50 to 300 feet to the rear of the bicycle;  or
(B)  a lamp that emits a red light visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear of the bicycle.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1085, Sec. 11, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.


Sec. 551.105.  COMPETITIVE RACING.  (a)  In this section, "bicycle" means a nonmotorized vehicle propelled by human power.
(b)  A sponsoring organization may hold a competitive bicycle race on a public road only with the approval of the appropriate local law enforcement agencies.
(c)  The local law enforcement agencies and the sponsoring organization may agree on safety regulations governing the movement of bicycles during a competitive race or during training for a competitive race, including the permission for bicycle operators to ride abreast.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.


Sec. 551.106.  REGULATION OF ELECTRIC BICYCLES.  (a)  The department or a local authority may not prohibit the use of an electric bicycle on a highway that is used primarily by motor vehicles.  The department or a local authority may prohibit the use of an electric bicycle on a highway used primarily by pedestrians.
(b)  The department shall establish rules for the administration of this section.

Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1085, Sec. 12, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
46
Laws About Ebikes / Re: Federal
« Last post by Tom Cole on September 15, 2016, 02:09:57 pm »
It is important to note that this really only defines the limits of electric bicycles to still be considered "bicycles" for the purposes of the CPSC, which exists to protect consumer's safety.   They use the definition above in their regulations. There is no federal law per se governing the use of ebikes on roadways.  That is left to the states which often point to this definition when forming the actual laws that you must abide.
47
In summary, federal law trumps all States’ laws. That is true with bicycle law, too. States cannot constitutionally pass legislation that reduces or eliminates Federal laws, they can only pass legislation that enacts additional (tighter) restrictions on its people. States can’t define an ebike a bicycle if greater than 750W/20mph, nor can they define an ebike a motor vehicle if less than the Federal Government’s limit of 750 Watts and a top electric-powered speed of 20 MPH.3 This is the Federal definition of a low speed electric bike, which equates it to a bicycle.

The Urge to Fly Under the Radar
A new ebike cyclist will likely experience two conflicts of thought: 1). Will the general public accept my use of this power assist technology, or Will they ridicule and reject me a lazy? 2). Will I stand out to law enforcement by the look of my bike or riding a bit faster than other cyclist on hills and roads? Grappling with these two thoughts will tempt most folks to try and remain unnoticed and ride more responsibly. After I became an advocate of e-transportation on two wheels, enjoying the benefits of power assist commuting, I eventually was a bit put off by this federal law, especially the 20mph limitation. Is 20 mph really practical and justified? Is it not true that many active young people on typical road bicycles are able to actively ride in the 20-25mph range? I discovered that ebikes, with larger tires and disk brakes can comfortably and safety cruise in that range of speed. The standard 2001 Federal law of 20mph, eventually became a practical limitation for an ebike commuter of over 20 miles a day, and caused me to get a bike beyond the federal limits, and making me more aware when riding in the presence of the police. I also ride about a ½ mile section of bike path prohibiting motor vehicles.

I have been able to find ebikes of all speeds, and after years of riding and a reflective posture for the law, I see that lawmakers were thinking less about me and my practical wants as the user, and more about the mass motor vehicle driving public, their perceptions and expectations of 'typical bicycle speeds’ on the roads and paths. So the laws were made to bicycle NORMS, not the potential performance limits for the users.

In my research about ebikes and the law, I cannot begin to justify how often articles about the laws evolved into the various ways and techniques to sneak around public notice and be stealth with the your ebike. The goal is to ride fast and fun, stay away from public awareness, and 'Fly under the Radar'. I have been there and I get the drift. But times are changing. Life under the ant hill is starting to produce more and bigger ants, some on steroids. Sales and production is up. Electric bike kits, DIY enthusiast, long distance commuters, and general drive for value is raising the desire for more options for consumers, wanting speed for fun and function, while developing amnesia for the law. People want to ride their new ebikes, but have the same access to safe pathways as they did the week before on their 100% human bike.

The ebike market is growing steady and moreso, technology is driving performance up and costs down. The market for a green, lifestyle friendly, transportation technology, with GPS, theft ID, cell service and probably skim lattes is now and driving an emerging market. Not to be over obligatory about being legal and duty oriented, but I do call on my fellow ebikers to ride legal, whether ebike, moped or other. Go ahead and build the 1200W ebike of your dreams, but get it insured and licensed if you must. Such compliance will set the precedence for public acceptance of ebikes in general, and build a track record for expansion and mainstreaming of moped-speed ebikes for commuter value driven needs of the future.

The urge to 'Fly under the Radar' can be counter acted with a trendsetting, in the open approach of being fast, cool, and legal, while promoting the technology with pride and legal confidence. Acceptance of a new technology and change to bike culture will never be without resistance, and proven benefits. IMO, it is best for enthusiast to engage the bike culture, lawmakers, environmental advocates, and build some common ground to make transition via the laws an easier path.
If you are a person who enjoys riding a bike casually at a typical bike path speed (10-15mph), and you like the idea of an ebike push up a hill, or relieving a sore knee, then your market for a fully legally defined ebike is very broad and your practical use have few limitations. Most ebikes will meet your needs and expectation. I would estimate that 85% of the electric bikes on the market are 100% compliant meeting the federal definition,. I encourage you to take the plunge and get a good quality ebike and ride more with assist. Do so with the confidence that electric bikes are here to stay, and coexisting with pedestrians and other cyclist will become a normal part of cycling life.

Is Classification the Future?
Efforts to update the current laws are already underfoot. In the fall of 2015, California Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law a bill that modernizes e-bike regulations and ensured that they are treated like traditional bicycles instead of mopeds.6 California established three classes of ebikes:

•   Class 1: 750W/20mph max, pedal activated only.
•   Class 2: 750W/20mph max, throttle activated only.
•   Class 3: 750W/28mph max, pedal activated only. (Speed Pedelec)

Under the Guide Section of EBR, Court has written a full article, dedicated to the new classification approach, which was initiated by the BPSA (Bicycle Product Suppliers Association), supported by PeopleForBikes, and then Calbikes. The initiative was meant to be pro-active with ebike legislation, to establish self-imposed, measureable, distinct classes of electric bikes before states start hearing about anecdotal problems and call the exterminator to spray the whole ant colony.
The hard work to enact this new legislation has been done. Time will tell what amendments will be added. However, a framework for legal definition has been set and ebike producers can promote and sell with confidence.

Below is a figure showing the California bike classes.
https://electricbikereview.com/wp-conte ... 70x453.jpg

Highlights and comments on the classification:
•   The classifications cover both production and labeling of the ebikes by the manufacturer, and the implemented use and access for the riders. The result is that all ebikes owners will officially no longer have the universal access to all fairways that traditional cyclist now enjoy.
•   Class 1 makes great inroads to establish set boundaries for off road/natural surface trail access for eMountain bikes. There is fierce resistance from mountain biking purist to allow ebikes on trails. BPSA and IMBA have done good work to justify the impact of class 1 ebikes on natural surface trails, and eliminate the wear-n-tear argument, though IMBA members are not 100% on board.
•   Class 2 re-established the 2001 federal definition for an ebike.
•   Class 3 expands the interpretation of the Federal Law and pushes opportunity for growth and practical use.
•   DIY enthusiasts, with tens of thousands of converted bikes using throttle-only, 20+ mph kits, are now officially labeled Moped class. While these bikes handle and pedal-ride just as safely as the class 3 speed pedelecs, our DIY brothers will be officially kicked out of the ant colony and left on their own for advocacy and legal acceptance in California.
•   I would like to see a distinct class 4 for e-mopeds, and remove them from ICE mopeds.
•   The corresponding Bikeway Access classification within the chart seems confusing and incomplete. Where is the unique application for class 1 and natural surface riding?
•   Maybe the most confusing legal issue facing the e-bike rider is the difference between a bike lane and bike path. A bike lane is a marked section of roadway shared with motor vehicles. Bike paths pretty much universally prohibit the use of motorized vehicles. Still, you will need to research your area. As an example: “A path near our office specifically says “no motorized bicycles.” Yet, when we tracked down an employee who claimed to work enforcement on the path, he said that our e-bike was allowed.” 8
It should be obvious that any transition to new laws and classifications will be imperfect and have growing pains. As an ebike rider and consumer, just be aware that the freedom to come and go will largely be dictated by the class of bike your purchase or decide to build.

Unexpected Liabilities
If a car is at fault in an accident with a bicycle or ebike, their motor vehicle insurance will cover your cost for repair and hopefully few medical expenses. But what happens if YOU are at fault? What happens if you are at fault, and are technically riding an ebike that meets a moped or state motor vehicle definition, and you do not have the vehicle insured, or registered and riding illegally?

So here is where I must give the perfunctory DISCLAIMER, and say nothing I say or advocate in this article should be used for legal advice, but the individual but seek their own legal counsel.

That said, bicyclist and ebike riders alike are bound to the rules of the road, and when followed, everything goes well most of the time. Accidents happen and it is usually the fault of the car, vs the cyclist, and their auto insurance will apply. However, ebikes are new to the road and to the driver’s eye. E-mopeds as means of commuting, and speed pedelecs will be at speeds that raise the risk of accidents. So I would advocate you ride legal within the laws of your state. I would also look into some kind of liability rider with your home owner’s policy, which covers your liability and theft. Get your bike registered; wear your helmet, eye protection, whatever is required by state law so that if an accident occurs and you are at fault, there is no legal recourse. Even if you own a 750W/20mph ebike that meets the definition of a bicycle, any at-fault cyclist may still be denied coverage by stingy insurance companies who want to support their clients. Your health insurance will cover your medical bills, but the costs of an expensive ebike may be lost.

For many ebike owners, doing their ebike thing usually becomes more than a hobby and good exercise on the weekend with the riding club. It becomes a lifestyle, a utility machine, a darn fun piece of technology on two wheels. As the industry grows and becomes more popular, these unique bikes will be a daily part of many lives and mold into the framework of legal society. The ant farm will become the homestead.

Good Rides Y’All,
Ridan E. Bieke
The Smart Ped`aleck

References:
1.   Eric Hicks, Is My E-Bike Legal? USA EBIKE Law (April 23, 2013), https://www.electricbike.com/electric-bike-law/
2. ECO WHEELZ, Electric Bike Laws & Regulations, http://eco-wheelz.com/electric-bike-laws.php
3.   Morgan Lommele, e-bikes campaigns manager, Clearing up e-bike legislation in the U.S., May 26, 2015, http://www.peopleforbikes.org/blog/entr ... in-the-u.s
4.   Doug McClellan, California governor signs law modernizing electric bike regulations, October 8, 2015 ,
http://www.bicycleretailer.com/north-am ... tfYxOZ_XX4
5.   PA Electrics, Electric Bike Specialist, Legislation, Laws and Regulations, Electric Vehicles
http://www.paelectrics.com/legislation.html
6.   Electric-Bikes.com, Electric Bicycles: Legal Issues, http://www.electric-bikes.com/bikes/legal.html
7.   Wikipedia , Electric bicycle laws, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_ ... ted_States
8.   Electric Bike Action Magazine , Pedal-assisted bicycles and the Law,
February 20, 2014 , http://www.electricbikeaction.com/e-bike-laws/
9. Electric-Bikes.com, 10 E-bike Laws,
August 6, 2015, http://www.electricbikeaction.com/e-bike-laws/
10.   Alex Logemann and Morgan Lommele, New e-bike law passes in California
October 07, 2015, http://www.peopleforbikes.org/blog/entr ... california
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Posted with permission by the author.  "Ridan E. Beike" the Smart Ped`aleck

Know Your State Laws
I.   Federal vs. State
II.   The Urge to Fly Under the Radar
III.   Is Classification the Future?
IV.   Unexpected Liabilities

Introduction
The laws governing the production and sales of electric bicycles seem to resemble an ant hill. If you live in the ant colony, life is very busy with a bustling of new work, ideas of expanse, product that continues to improve and push the limits of performance and the law. But to the average Joe walking by, it's just an ant hill. Life under the hill has been good for the past 15 years, since electric bikes (ebikes) arose from the promise of evolving battery technology (Lead acid-NiMH-Lithium), and congress was lobbied and passed the first and only bill to define ebikes in federal law. In 2001, the U. S. Congress passed Public Law 107-319, which exempts electric bikes under 750 watts and limited to 20 mph (with operating pedals) from the legal definition of a motor vehicle.2 Inevitably, the joys and secrets under the hill are becoming real world issues, followed by local and state laws arising without any boundaries except the US law itself. In the real life human colony of New York City, electric bike rights have been targeted and prohibited due to young delivery guys riding ebikes like Ant Man (tm) on wheels. This article will help you understand current law, the impact on the individual and to the ebike community.

Federal vs. State
Folks who are considering the purchase of an electric bicycle may have questions about their legal limits and those who already own one, are likely asking if they are relevant. Before one makes a judgment about the fairness or efficacy of the law, let's dissect what the laws says, and gain a foothold of understanding.
Federal law defines the limits of a low speed electric bike, equating it to a bicycle, and bypassing the definition of a motor vehicle only "For purposes of motor vehicle safety standards..." which means that the manufacturers of these bicycles don't have to meet federal equipment requirements, and are instead governed by the manufacturing requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Act. There is no mention of exemption from other federal, state, and local traffic laws, or exemption from the definition of a motor vehicle for other purposes. 3 This means the law applies to the manufacturer's product and sale, avoiding federal safety requirements applying to a motor vehicle such as brake lights, turn signals and braking specifications. The goal of the law was to give businesses a legal framework to define and sell low speed electric bikes without the more stringent Federal classification of a motor vehicle. Ebikes that meet the criteria are considered a "bicycle", do not meet the definition of a motor vehicle, and will be regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The law also grants the commission authority to add safety requirements to this product. The Federal law supersedes all state laws that equate bicycles to ebikes where the state law is more stringent (lower limits) on power and speed.

Here is a link to the law, you can read it yourself:
http://www.eco-wheelz.com/docs/fed-regulation.pdf

How do the State Laws relate to the 2001 Federal Law? This is a difficult question to answer and know how they apply to you individually. From the Federal Law, one would hope that your purchased ebike is simply classified as a bicycle, with all the rights and privileges allotted to a normal cyclist. However, State Laws are confusing because they may be more restrictive in parts and add other requirements. About 30 U.S. states still have confusing regulations around them. Either the bikes are technically classified as mopeds or motor vehicles, or they have equipment, licensing or registration requirements that cause problems for riders. Thanks to the People-For-Bikes/Bicycle Product Suppliers Association partnership with local advocacy groups, they have been able to make the case for streamlining state regulations so that e-bikes are essentially treated like regular bicycles. 4

For a Newbie to the electric bike world, with a dozen questions about the practical consequence of this 15 year old law, here is the skinny on ebike laws: What you are allowed to purchase and How they can be used?

1. Play it Safe, Make it Easy - E-bike manufacturers will offer you a large variety of styles, types, colors and utility, but the base specifications will be a bike producing less than 750 watts of power (1 horsepower = 746W) , and have its speed limited to 20mph on motor power alone. The majority of US ebikes meet that specification. Manufacturers do this for their own liability. Going this route assures you that your bike was built and sold legally. As a result, you will have about every privilege that a normal bicycle can expect. However, state and local laws may dictate reduced speeds and limited access to bike paths.

2. State and Local Laws dictate your use, but cannot constitutionally supersede the federal law - Any ebike purchased within the 750W/20mph limits has no fear of being under federal motor vehicle classification, nor can any state classify them a motor vehicle. The ebike is considered a 'bicycle' for consumer purposes. However, the State Laws on local bike paths and local thruways may prohibit or limit ebike access. When bike path signs use word such as 'motor vehicles' and 'motorbikes' , the laws are likely referring to gas-ICE motorbikes/dirt bikes/scooters, and not ebikes. Other references to 'motorized bicycles' or 'motorized vehicles' sounds more inclusive and probably are intended for either ebikes or gas mopeds. If in doubt, you always have the option to pedal non-assisted. Even though Federal law grant ebikes a bicycle status, the common consensus found in my research allows local and state law to add additional regulation to pathway and road access, just because "it has a motor". So the Federal laws protects the consumer from the burden of motor vehicle requirements, but not the restrictions to local and state right of ways enjoyed by all non-motored bicycles.
Your local state may have very definite rules as to what is an e-bike, what is a moped, and what is a motorcycle. While ebikes enthusiast don't want the motor vehicle label, it is certain that each state will define some power level and speed where that classification will apply. Your best source of information is to go directly to your state motor vehicle department website, and get a copy of the your local state vehicle codes, with NO EDITING. Only a recently updated official state vehicle codes will contain all the latest changes to the laws. 1 For a link to your state MVA, look here:2
http://eco-wheelz.com/electric-bike-laws.php

3. Can I legally buy/build and ride an ebike that's faster than 20 mph? Yes you can, but you need to know that the ebike is no longer considered equivalent to a bicycle and is subject to other state vehicular classifications. The definitions for electric bikes spanning 20-30mph, and 1-2 horsepower ranges, will vary from state to state, resulting in a no-man's-land consensus about limits for motor vehicle definition. The common label for a 20-30mph, 2-wheeled vehicle with active pedals is a Moped. Other MVA labels include motor scooter, motorbike and dirt bike which may have equivalent power and speed performance, but do not have pedals to assist and move the vehicle.
State laws tend to intermix the source of power as either gasoline ICE or electric drive. This is unfortunate because that neutralizes the environmental advantage of an ebike over an ICE moped. It also misrepresents the contrast in power output levels between an ICE and electric motor system. 50cc gas mopeds/scooters have a 2.5-4 HP rating, while the 20+ mph electric bikes will be 1-2hp, and ride much closer to a normal bicycle compared to a gas powered, 2.5hp moped. E-mopeds will weigh 55-70lbs. Gas mopeds and scooters are typically over 120lbs. E-mopeds are still electric bikes that get valuable power assist from human pedal effort.

The federal law will not prohibit a motor vehicle label and additional restrictions given by the state. States will typically define e-mopeds in the 1000W range (1.5 hp) and speeds attainable to 30mph, and include a few requirements such as a helmet, eye protection, and a driver's license. States may also require title, registration, and insurance for mopeds.

The higher power/speed ebikes will be sold under the following three categories:
Off-Road ebikes - Ebikes made and sold as "off road use only" are legal on private land and in off road trails, but may not technically legal to ride on the road.

DIY Kit ebikes - Ebikes that are home built with a DIY kit, and exceed the 750W/20mph definition, are also allowed to be bought, build, and ridden. DIY kits are throttle activated. Some of the newer systems have PAS options. Ebike kits are not unilaterally prohibited or assigned motor vehicle status, but again, legal classification and road use falls under state law.

Speed Pedelec ebikes - A new classification of bikes called 'Speed Pedelecs' have emerged which technically meet the bicycle definition for a 20 mph ebike. These ebikes are designed to max out at 28 mph. Pedelecs are pedal activated vs throttle activated. The weasel words within the definition says, "20mph on motor alone". Thus, a person who adds their leg power to the motor assist and happens to cruise at 28mph is NOT doing it by motor alone, and therefore the bike is considered to be compliant with the Federal Law. If the rider stops pedaling, the speed pedelec cannot maintain speed. Speed Pedelecs are becoming more popular in Europe and America, which means more models are being offered.

State laws defining electric bikes, mopeds and motorizied bikes vary across the nation. The Wiki link below summarizes the eye-opening differences.7
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_ ... ted_States
49
Coffee Shop / Re: Watts, Volts, Amps, and Amp hours...a discussion
« Last post by Tom Cole on September 11, 2016, 02:37:08 pm »
Taking all of this into consideration, you can make an informed decision about what your needs really are in a battery, controller, and motor.  Let's go through deciding on a bike or motor kit for commuting.

If you are going to convert a regular bicycle into an ebike, I suggest, for commuting rides, that you consider a more traditional frame design with the horizontal top tube, vertical seat tube, and straight down tube completing the triangle.  Most bike racks on cars and buses are designed around this standard, and your battery mounting capability is maximized.  This pretty much eliminates rear suspension bikes.

Your first consideration about the "e" part of the bicycle should be the law where you are going to ride it.  Let's say you live in a state that just follows the Federal laws Federal laws .  Paraphrasing -Less than 750 watt(1 HP) motor, and no more than 20mph without pedaling.  Most often, meeting this requirement is pre-programmed into the controller's default.  It limits the wattage supplied to the motor to 750 and limits the RPM to what will drive a specific wheel size to 20mph.  Many systems have an "off road" setting as well, and some systems have multiple settings that enhance either performance (top speed and/or acceleration) or economy(distance capability).  A motor that can handle 750w to 1000w would be your choice here, just in case you decide to take her off road a bit.  But it is better to ask before you buy.

The next consideration will be your battery.  I am a fan of keeping the center of gravity low on a bicycle, so I prefer my battery to mount on the down tube.  This allows the battery to be attached securely using the water bottle mounting screws and keeps it protected inside the frame.  For commuting, you do not need to go crazy with the battery's voltage or energy density and this is great since the battery is often the most expensive part of the system.  The battery packs we use are almost always made up of 3.7v  "18650" cells wired in various configurations.  There are a lot of different 18650 batteries with varying features.  The latest greatest are 3.5Ah 10 amp batteries that allow the production of smaller battery packs without sacrificing energy density or the ability to draw a lot of current at once.The "Shark" or the bottle battery it the way to go.  A 36V pack with 40 cells in a "10S4P" configuration will provide 14Ah.  This will yield a 504Wh battery.  Couple that with a 30 amp controller and you have 1080W peak.  The 750 watt setting on the controller would need to be at 20 amps and you have 40 minutes at peak watts.  If you pedal at this "legal" setting, you will easily cover 20 miles at top speed.
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Coffee Shop / Re: Watts, Volts, Amps, and Amp hours...a discussion
« Last post by Tom Cole on September 11, 2016, 11:28:57 am »
Using the information above for our purposes on ebikes...

A couple of rules:
  • Your controller's maximum continuous wattage should NEVER exceed the maximum continuous discharge rate of your battery pack.  It is dangerous and will shorten the life of your batteries.
  • Your motor's maximum continuous wattage capability should slightly exceed the maximum continuous wattage provided by the controller, assuming your battery meets the rule above.
Let's say we have a 36 Volt, 10 Amp hour battery with a maximum continuous discharge rate of 30 amps.  This battery can continuously provide a maximum  of 1080W (36V x 30I = 1,080W).  But for how long?  It will provide 360Wh (36V x 10Ah = 360Wh) which means it will provide 360W of power for 1 hour.  If the battery is run at peak output (1080W), it can only do that for 1/3 of the time (360Wh /1080W = .333), which is 20 minutes.    WAIT, WHAT!?!?

Don't fret!  This DOES NOT mean that your 36V10Ah battery is only going to give you a 20 minute ride.  Assuming the two rules above,  your controller provides the motor with power based upon both need and the programmed max RPM of the motor.  Your controller will usually only draw maximum amps from the battery when you hit the throttle from a dead stop.  The amp draw from that point on will depend mostly upon if you are pedaling or not, bike/rider weight, number of stops/starts, throttle position, hill incline and drag(headwind and rolling resistance)...pretty much in that order too.
So if you and your fat tire bike weigh 400+lbs and are riding full throttle up steep hills of sand into a 30 MPH headwind without pedaling, you are probably only going to get 20 minutes out of that battery.  But an average person on an efficient bike at 20 mph riding on a paved road in light winds while pedaling will easily get 2 hours out of this system.  The controller opens the gate as the motor requires power.

Whether you are pedaling or not and to what extent you are adding support to the system MECHANICALLY is a factor that must be considered.  You can add anywhere from 100 to 300 watts of continuous power to this system.  A professional bicycle rider will produce 200-400 watts continuously for 4 hours and can peak around 1800W in a 30 second sprint.   You should be able to easily add an additional 120W.
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