The Future of eBikes: How Fast is Too Fast?

[PedalUma]

Most bikes sold retail in California can be unlocked just by pushing a sequence of buttons on the display. Not the new Aventon Abound Short Rack (SR) cargo bike that has a bunch of smart features and comes in (purple) Haze metallic. I am part way through building one and just purchased electro-plate rainbow/oil slick pedals and a matching chain for it that arrive tomorrow. I will have those on before my boss comes in on Tuesday and won't say a thing. I am now glad that I did not finish the build as planned, so can now do these details. I did five guided demo rides yesterday and sold five bikes which took away from my build and service time. The quality of this bike is so very much better than bikes of just two years ago. For example, there are no weld marks, touch a button with a code and the dual kickstand locks down, disabling the bike.

 

[kojack]

I hit 43km/h max on my cargo bike. That's me pushing it pedaling as hard as I can. I wish it had more gear. would love to be able to get to the local speed limit of 50. But it's overall fine. Most times I am just on power level 3 of 7 on my bike adding some effort to get some exercise while going to and from work or the store. Most times while leaving work it's on 7 though as I want to get home fast. ha ha.

I would love a suron to go out and hit the back country like I would use my old MX gas burner.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Heart-warming sight on yesterday's ride: A 13-something kid on a Surron getting a ticket. The kid's dejected look made me wonder if his decidedly illegal motorcycle was getting confiscated — a distinct possibilty in Carlsbad these days. Finally!

Maybe his parents will get him a legal ebike next time.

 

[kojack]

Heart-warming sight on yesterday's ride: A 13-something kid on a Surron getting a ticket. The kid's dejected look made me wonder if his decidedly illegal motorcycle was getting confiscated — a distinct possibilty in Carlsbad these days. Finally!

Maybe his parents will get him a legal ebike next time.

I agree on all counts, but that is used as ammunition against ebikes of all powers in the eyes of the haters.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

I agree on all counts, but that is used as ammunition against ebikes of all powers in the eyes of the haters.

Absolutely. But getting the Surrons and Super73s and the like off the roads and bikeways and MUPs — especially the ones ridden by yahoos — will reduce a major irritant.

 

[Gionnirocket]

It's not fair to single out the yahoos.. The googles and the bings piss me off too

 

[PCeBiker]

It's not fair to single out the yahoos.. The googles and the bings piss me off too

I had to Google that.

I always where goggles but the only bing I've had is a shot of B12 in my ass.

 

[Coco Bob]

I’ve been ebiking since before there were e-bikes. I’ve cut up and scrapped several e-bikes because they were getting dangerous. I know my limits and my bikes limits. Regretfully, many e-bikes/bikers don’t. So I can see the value of the speed limits but there has to be improvements. Puttering along on a paved roadway at 20mph is just to slow when traffic is alongside you are is doing 40.

The problem I have is with the general public going after just e-bikes. To my knowledge the speed limit on Illinois bike/walking paths is 15mph. While most of my bikes can easily double that I respect the limit as do most in my area. But no one ever calls out the “spandex boys”. You know the guys, they ride 3 or 4 across the roadway at 6mph blocking traffic on a Saturday afternoon. Or zoom past you on a trail while you’re already passing someone else. And their doing way over the 15mph limit. And they don’t even have the courtesy to offer a warning. I’m sure we have all encountered them.

 

[AvalancheRun]

The future of e-bikes in the US is the European blueprint: class 1 e-bikes, registered speed pedelecs, mopeds, motorcycles, etc.

The public actively despises "e-bikes" (the overpowered, unregistered moped and motorcycles made with bicycle parts). A crackdown is inevitable.

 

[Chargeride]

Yes, it's inevitable, but at least you can still have a machine gun on the handlebars

 

[harryS]

Finally saw the future of ebikes here in Illinois. Three youngsters, probably 14-15, legal age here is 16. Dressed in black. Nice helmets. Super73/Ariel style bikes. On sidewalk, safer than the street at this intersection. as the cars would have mowed them down. Gone in seconds. Fast, when you're only 90 pounds. Hope they stay safe.