So basically the federal (or majority state?) legislative system has decreed that since there are no taxes (licenses) presently shaken from ebikes (without a riot)...they won't be allowed (through technology regulation) to displace revenue derived from other modes of transport whose numbers would naturally suffer from technological advances/sales of Ebikes.
No wonder that Ebikes are just now breaking out.
That may be part of it but I think it's actually about where the bikes will be ridden. If they go faster than 20mph and are on bike paths and sidewalks they present a hazard for pedestrians but if they are taken onto streets they would need lights, turn signals, a horn and require crash testing for safety. You can get street legal scooters and electric motorcycles in the USA (such as the
ZERO) but they require licensing, registration and insurance just like a car.
Some ebikes are classified as "off road only" and they do pass 20mph but really don't fit into either class and present a legal liability hazard to riders who do take them onto the street (if you crashed into someone/something you'd get into extra trouble). Bikes like the
Stealth Bomber are akin to gasoline powered motocross bikes... sturdy, rugged, well balanced and capable on jumps with larger tires for grip. By comparison, the
ProdecoTech Outlaw SS is not as sturdy, rugged or balanced and in my feeling is more dangerous off-road (especially at higher speeds). To me, this is just a way for people to buy a faster bicycle and they risk legal ramifications if they do use it on road. There are some other bikes like those from Optibike like
the R11 that also go off-road and can reach higher speeds.
