The top 5 electric mopeds tested for summer 2020

[FlatSix911]

A nice roundup of pedal mopeds reviewed by Electrek.

The top 5 electric mopeds we've tested (and you need to see!) for summer 2020

The moped or minibike form factor for e-bikes has become a breakout success this year. A wave of new models...

electrek.co

The moped or minibike form factor for e-bikes has become a breakout success this year.
A wave of new models has poured out from every corner of the e-bike industry, giving us exciting new options to choose from.
I’ve been fortunate enough to test a pile of these types of e-bikes, and now I’m compiling my list of the Top 5 that you need to see!

 

[sc00ter]

All you speed freaks that want a ebike that goes faster than 20mph, you found your ebike. That ONYX RCR is a beast! I still say that if you want to go 30+mph just get a moped that uses gas but if it must be electric the ONYX might be the best current option. I'm happy at 20mph max speed on a ebike but I also have 3 gas powered mopeds.

 

[ElevenAD]

These bikes are pretty cool but I just can't help feeling they are going to bring negative attention
to E-biking in the future I hope I'm wrong because they look fun.......except the Onyx lol, total garbage that has no business
on public roads without plates, ins and reg,,its a60mph electric motor cycle with pedals slapped on to make it look like a bike,
very lame.

 

[FlatSix911]

It's all about the retro look and speed of the '70s mini bikes that baby boomers grew up with.

 

[PowerflyLee formerly known as CheetahLee]

It's all about the retro look and speed of the '70s mini bikes that baby boomers grew up with.

View attachment 60382

Oh man, what memories! Mine was blue though

 

[JRA]

"These bikes are pretty cool but I just can't help feeling they are going to bring negative attention
to E-biking in the future I hope I'm wrong because they look fun"

I have been wondering this myself since the advent of this type of two wheeler hit the market. A number of years ago when a friend and I were noodling the idea of a faster type of eBike, that could still be pedable at all speeds, it morphed into the Moped category. Our research showed that Moped's no longer come under the auspices of the CPSC as eBikes do but are regulated by the DOT. This meant DOT approved rims, tires, a rearview mirror, horn, vin # and a full lighting kit including brake and turn signals which was way more than we thought at the time and I still do to be worth it.

So I guess I am confused as most of the current models exceed allowable wattage and speeds for eBikes and are being called mopeds without any of the DOT oversight? I am including the Moped laws in the state I reside and it sure seems like these bikes would not be legal as eBikes here.

https://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/Forms/DMV/6619.pdf

And worldwide regulations for the most part are reflective of out laws.

Moped - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

The problem I see is that if people think these are eBikes and have the same privileges that they do on the roads, particularly bike lanes, and people start ripping around on them it is going to raise issues that will do harm to access for legal eBikes here.