Can city and state ordinances trump federal law?

[Blanco111]

I wouldn't buy an e-bike if/until New York State makes it legal to ride them on the shoulders of public roads. I would primarily use it to "commute" to a local gym about 3.5 miles away five days a week. The ride is all on public roads. I currently drive my car. I don't have enough energy to ride my non-electric bike, otherwise I'd be doing that. I contacted my state assemblyman, and he informed me there are a couple of bills which would make it legal pending in the legislature, but currently it's not legal. All it would take is one person to complain. At least a few cops work out at the gym I go to. It is very frustrating because I really want one, I can afford it, and I don't see why it's illegal in New York and apparently legal in other states.

 

[bikerjohn]

I wouldn't buy an e-bike if/until New York State makes it legal to ride them on the shoulders of public roads. I would primarily use it to "commute" to a local gym about 3.5 miles away five days a week. The ride is all on public roads. I currently drive my car. I don't have enough energy to ride my non-electric bike, otherwise I'd be doing that. I contacted my state assemblyman, and he informed me there are a couple of bills which would make it legal pending in the legislature, but currently it's not legal. All it would take is one person to complain. At least a few cops work out at the gym I go to. It is very frustrating because I really want one, I can afford it, and I don't see why it's illegal in New York and apparently legal in other states.

I'm an apparent scofflaw. I am also a dedicated commuter cyclist for several years now. In May, I began commuting using the EG Zurich 350IX. The Zurich is an electric bike with a 350 watt front hub, it handles and pedals like a non-electric bike. I don't need an assemblyman or legislator telling me whether I can take my bike out for a ride or not. Safety and obeying rules of the road -regardless of the mode of transport is my only consideration.

It is my understanding that currently there are no laws specifically or explicit to e-bikes on NYS roadways. Electric road bikes are for sale in several bike stores in and around where I live upstate.

 

[Blanco111]

I appreciate your response. I wish I could have your attitude. I thought "stealth" in an e-bike was to hide from the police the fact you were riding an electric bike. But apparently (from what I've read) it's so other non-electric bicyclists can't tell.

 

[bikerjohn]

As far laws pertaining to e bikes, I don't think stealth is a practical issue. While it can be fun going all-out chasing down non-electric roadies, that form of stealth is a subject for a different thread on the forum.