this post was submitted on 14 Jul 2025
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Yeah it probably does need regulation. Pedelecs only. No throttle control*, limit to 500 watts**, no motor assist after 20 mph/32 km/hr. Anything above that has no pedals and is classified as ~~moped~~ scooter or electric motorbike and put onto the road. Draw a clear distinction between pedelecs (commonly called ebikes) and everything else.
(*Exemptions for medical reasons, so they can still use bike paths. Not sure how that'd be manufactured for small number. **Maybe more for hauling bikes.)
I thought the general rule in most of Europe is already pretty strict with 250 Watts (500 for cargo bikes) / 25hm/h (15.5mph) and no throttle. Anything above is a speed pedelec and requires license plate, permit, insurance, helmet, and no access to bike infrastructures.
I'm not familiar with EU but some quick googling says that's correct. Personally I would ban speed pedelecs, you just know people are going to abuse them and take them on bike paths. I say make a clear distinction between ebikes/pedelecs and scooters. Cops trying to enforce "does that go this speed or that speed" is a mess (for the user too).
@someguy3 @VerPoilu Yeah, anything that shouldn't be on a bike path should need registration.
Well I'm not saying just registration. I think there needs to be a gap between pedelec and scooter. Nothing inbetween that people can mistakenly think they can use on bike paths because it looks like a bike.