New Jersey Would Be Foolish To Require E-Bike Insurance & Registration

[stompandgo]

I get where you're coming from. Regulation and the size of government in my country is out of control, and has been for a while. If we have no laws, we have anarchy. Right now, we have laws, and governments that don't want to enforce them. Also anarchy. No difference. I get it.

However, if we are riding the roads, we are vehicles. If we want the same rights as others who use the roads, then we should have the same requirements. Of course, we could have no requirements at all for anyone. Total freedom. Unlicensed drivers, unregistered vehicles, no insurance. How well do you think that would work. I just want a level playing field.

 

[RunForTheHills]

There are people who have lost their license (usually due to drinking and driving or other reckless driving) or who can't get a license because of vision or other health issues. Many of these people have turned to ebikes for transportation so that they can legally go about their business and get work to earn a living without having to rely on public transportation (which is unreliable or unavailable in many places in the United States) or expensive Ubers. Now, I don't have a lot of sympathy for people who drink and drive, but most people need to work for a living and others (children) may rely on them to pay for a home and put food on the table. These people will be either forced to break the law and drive a car, ride their ebike anyway, pay more for Ubers. My bet is they will either just get in a car anyway or continue to ride their ebikes.

 

[Gionnirocket]

Trump just tweerted that not only will the take over of Greenland be retribution for not receiving the Nobel... but it will also serve as a penal colony for ebike law violators. Enforcement will be carried out by ICE with the directive to deport first and ask questions later.
The transports are already warming up on the tarmac.

 

[PedalUma]

What is going on in Los Angeles with electric motorcycle gangs is totally out of control and will result in a crackdown on all assisted bicycles. I propose two easy measures. Historically all bicycles have two key features: 1) They are activated by the rider's feet. 2) They have height adjustable saddles for optimal rider leg extension for pedaling. If a mode of transportation allows for activation other than by the riders pedaling, and or does not have a height adjustable saddle, then it is not a bicycle. An exception would be for those with a disabled person ID. Power and speed limits of the three classes would still apply.

 

[RunForTheHills]

I don't think it has to be that complicated. Cars are not speed limited or limited in horse power and that is a safety feature in case they need to speed up to avoid an accident. However, car speed limits are usually enforced. Bicycle speed limits are not. The key to making ebike riders obey the law is to enforce the law. Put some police on fast ebikes and write some expensive tickets. Yes, bicycles have working pedals. I personally believe that a bicycle seat makes pedaling more comfortable than a motorcycle seat, but that is not actually part of the definition.

 

[PedalUma]

not actually part of the definition

I think that it should be. The problems are caused by mini-bike throttle motorcycles that can't be practically pedaled because the seats are too low for leg extension. The pedals are a loophole so that it can be called a 'bike.' But it cannot be ridden like a bicycle! They can really only be ridden with the throttle like a motorcycle. It is an easy way to quickly identify them along with it not being pedaled. 99% of the problems would be solved. Compare a MacFox to a T1 ST.

 

[RunForTheHills]

I think that it should be. The problems are caused by mini-bike throttle motorcycles that can't be practically pedaled because the seats are too low for leg extension. The pedals are a loophole so that it can be called a 'bike.' But it cannot be ridden like a bicycle! They can really only be ridden with the throttle like a motorcycle. It is an easy way to quickly identify them along with it not being pedaled. 99% of the problems would be solved. Compare a MacFox to a T1 ST.

View attachment 204924 View attachment 204925

I agree with you, but I think that regulators will just decide that it is easier ban throttles. This will hurt those with disabilities, but I am sure there would be exceptions for mobility devices.

 

[Biplaneguy]

If a mode of transportation allows for activation other than by the riders pedaling, and or does not have a height adjustable saddle, then it is not a bicycle.

My wife is 5'0" tall. The ONLY ebike she could find that she could fit on and safely ride was a Zugo, which does not have an adjustable saddle. It has a thumb throttle but she never uses it, though I'm trying to get her to understand how it can help.

Throttles enhance safety, as they help you get moving, especially uphill or across an intersection, on an ebike which is typically heavier than a manual bike.

 

[RunForTheHills]

It's also worth noting that recumbents don't have height adjustable bicycle seats.

 

[PedalUma]

My wife is 5'0" tall.

Someone today was talking about constitutional separation of church and state and asked if a specific letter written by MLK Jr. could be read in school. There are exceptions to everything. He has a national holiday named after him. So, yes. Thou shalt not kill. Yes, but what if you are a trained and sworn cop and there is an active school shooter?
She could carry a note from her Dr. saying that this is the only bike where she could reach the pedals. No one will impound it or fine her. With my bikes I can adjust the sensitivity of the torque sensor and degrees of pedal movement for it to kick in. It is almost immediate. On some older style cadence sensor bikes you need to move the pedals 180 degrees to have the motor kick in. In cases like hers, just remove the throttle to prevent bans on everyone. Sorry to say, it looks like that is what we are facing.

recumbents

Recumbents are horizontal and not vertical. They do have an adjustable seat for full leg extension. Here is one I made electric with an adjustable telescopic boom. The wiring had to accommodate that and the fact that it folds. It got a silver motor and polished crank arms.

 

[6zfshdb]

Just received this email from the dealer that sold me my bikes:

New E-Bike Legislation​

My Company <[email protected]>​ ​	4:39 PM (3 hours ago)

NJ's new e-bike law​ Greetings Friends of Sourland Cycles, I wanted to let you know about the new e-bike legislation signed by outgoing Gov. Murphy on Monday. While I understand the need for legislators to appear responsive to some horrible e-bike accidents this year, this legislation does not address the nature of the problem, and may cause much more harm than good to our communities. We're still waiting for interpretations from the various state agencies that will be involved, but here is what we think we know so far: In six months, e-bike riders will need to have a driver’s license, registration, and insurance. There are additional regulations for riders under 17. Electric mountain bikes will need permission from local municipalities or the state to ride on unimproved trails. Improved trails like the D&R Canal or the Lawrence Hopewell trail are not included. We realize this leaves a lot to be answered especially regarding insurance, registration of new and existing bikes, and high-powered e-bikes. We will try to get more information soon. In the meantime, we're here to help, and we'll answer whatever questions we can. I hope some parts of this will be amended in the next legislative session this spring. Stay tuned for more on this unfolding situation. Ride Safe, Michael Gray, Owner Sourland Cycles​ Sourland Cycles​ 609 333 8553 53 East Broad Street, Hopewell NJ, 08525​ ​ You've received this email because you've subscribed to our newsletter.​ Unsubscribe​