From Newsgroup: rec.bicycles.tech
Catrike Ryder <
Soloman@old.bikers.org> wrote:
On Sat, 31 Jan 2026 08:21:41 -0600, AMuzi <am@yellowjersey.org> wrote:
Since the culture has mixed understanding/opinion, the laws
are incoherent and I doubt that will resolve anytime soon:
https://www.audacy.com/wbbm780/news/local/new-illinois-campaign-aimed-at-faster-e-scooters-bikes
Here, where it's legal to ride bicycles on sidewalks it's not uncommon
to see what looks like a grade schooler riding an e-device at 20+ MPH
on the sidewalk.
US seems to have essentially allowed a Wild West of e bike legislation,
with stuff that is a moped by any reasonable definition allowed!
Ie stuff that has throttle and limited to 28mph the fact apparently number
have pedals only to conform to the legislation but is more or less unable
to be pedalled.
But fundamentally if something is bike shaped and throttle powered to
28mph, itrCOs really difficult to see how it differs from a moped which is limited to 30mph, and yes will be a bit more heavier and potentially have
more torque so could hold that speed up steeper hills.
Not saying other countries donrCOt have problems with E bikes, but US seems
to have made a self inflicted problem.
--
C'est bon
Soloman
Roger Merriman
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