Re:Show HN: Long Range E-Bike
by wayoutthere on Friday November 12, 2021 @05:18PM
(#29205200)
E-bikes in the US require pressure on the pedals to avoid being classified as vehicles (they’re cycling assist devices). That said, many people have retrofitted those assist systems with garage modifications that remove the need to push the pedals or even add a digital “throttle”.
Illegal? Sure. Are they going to get charged for it? Probably not.
>>Illegal? Sure. Are they going to get charged for it? Probably not.
Until they get into an accident and they discover that no insurance will cover them in any way because they were riding an illegaly modified vehicle. Also good way to find yourself 100% at fault in any collision.
No they don't. Federal class 2 ebikes are allowed throttle power without any assist.
That's how it is for S-Pedelecs in Germany.
In Finland you get heavy fines for going faster than 25km/h with motor-assisted ebike (if using motor). If you go faster, depending on the speed, you are fined based on taxes avoided on using this kind of vehicle, plus fines based on driving unlicensed vehicle, plus fines possibly driving without driver’s license and some other fines too.
If you’re traveling at normal road speeds, wouldn’t you be a (electric) motorcycle? And require lights, tags, and insurance like any other motorcycle?