bicycle helmets quebec image
ernestmisy
I saw a cool electric bike you can also pedal, Is it street legal do I need Insurance and plates?
Answer
In 2001, the U. S. Congress passed Public Law 107-319 which exempts electric bicycles under 750 watts/20 mph from the definition of a motor vehicle only "For purposes of motor vehicle safety standards...", which means that the manufacturers of these bicycles don't have to meet federal equipment requirements, and are instead governed by the manufacturing requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Act. There is no mention of exemption from other federal, state, and local traffic laws, or exemption from the definition of a motor vehicle for other purposes.
Various states have passed their own laws. California law states that no driver's license, license plate, nor insurance is required. You must be 16 years or older and wear a standard bicycle helmet. Electric bikes are subject to all the rules of the road, and additional laws governing the operation and safety of electric bicycles may be extended by state or local governments. It's legally a bicycle, so you can use it wherever and however you can use a bike. Washington law is similar.
If you live in a state that lacks basic electric bike legislation, consider this. Although riding your electric bike may be illegal, so is jay-walking. Generally speaking, 1) police don't know the exact rules, 2) police expect electric bike and scooter riders to wear a bicycle helmet, 3) most electric bikes look to the casual observer like ordinary bikes, and 4) if you get ticketed, just go to court and plead your case; judges usually let you off with a warning. And start working your state legislature to enact an electric bicycle law similar to California's.
Here's the Florida law:
(2) BICYCLE.--Every vehicle propelled solely by human power, and every motorized bicycle propelled by a combination of human power and an electric helper motor capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed of not more than 20 miles per hour on level ground upon which any person may ride, having two tandem wheels, and including any device generally recognized as a bicycle though equipped with two front or two rear wheels. The term does not include such a vehicle with a seat height of no more than 25 inches from the ground when the seat is adjusted to its highest position or a scooter or similar device. No person under the age of 16 may operate or ride upon a motorized bicycle.
In Illinois, however, the e-bike limit is 25mph. Again it's treated like a bicycle, so you can legally use it on bike trails. But this shows that rules vary from state to state. Check your state laws.
For other states, check the Cornell University Law website for traffic law (including pedestrian laws) for most U.S. states or your state laws.
In the UK, an e-bike must conform to the EAPC regs, which means: To clear any confusion regarding the UK taxation of Electric Motor Cycles (Bikes and Trikes), the regulations are that Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPC), including those fitted with auxiliary electric motors, are exempt from all registration and licensing requirements provided that the following conditions are met:
In the case of a bicycle, its kerbside weight must not exceed 40kgs, or in case of a tricycle it must not exceed 60kgs (including batteries)
Both bicycles and tricycles must be fitted with pedals by means of which they can be propelled.
The output of the electric motor fitted must not exceed 0.2kW in the case of a bicycle and 0.25kW for tricycles and it cannot propel the vehicle when it is travelling at more than 15mph.
There must be a switch that, when released by the rider, cuts the power to the motor.
Conform to these regs and you can ride an electric bike without needing a licence, tax disc, insurance, etc, etc. Otherwise, it should be registered as a motor vehicle, and you'll have lots of fun paperwork to deal with - and you'll have to wear a proper motor cycle helmet.
In Quebec, Canada regulations require kids to be 14+ years old, with a valid moped license (basically proof of street smart). Adults don't need anything, but all must wear a bike helmet.
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Are there special insurance requirements?
No insurance is required to ride an e-bike. However, if you want to insure it against theft, check your current homeowner's insurance policy. An electric bicycle may be covered. To determine coverage, check with your insurance company or agent.
Is an electric bicycle considered a zero emission vehicle?
Yes. While some communities only define ZEV's as car replacements, others are looking for alternative ways to reduce sources of mobile pollution. Electric bikes have qualified for electric vehicle credits in some communities. Check with your local environmental management group for clarification. Every time you take a short trip on your electric bicycle rather than a car, you delete a cold start that would have added a significant amount of pollution.
What are the laws regarding mopeds?
Most motor vehicles must be registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Motorized bicycles (mopeds) are exempt from registration (sec. 4020), but must display a special plate issued by the department (sec. 5030). EABs do not even have to display the plate (sec. 24016(b)(3)).
Biking from NY to Montreal?
Tifa
Hi,
Your help would be much appreciated in this field. I'm a 21 year old female with intentions to bike from New York to Montreal on this bike (http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/street/citizen/09_citizen1.html). I would be prepared with the essentials (first aid, spare tire/repair kit, food, water, lights, helmet, gloves, bike leggings). It's a 300 mile trip that I plan to span 4 - 5 days and I would return to New York via train.
My question is:
1. Would the bike be able to handle it?
2. Is the Farmington Canal a safe route to take?
3. Do you have any recommendations for what to do/how to prepare?
4. Is this feasible and not a suicide trip?
Answer
300 miles in 4 - 5 days is not bad (especially at 21). At 22 I traveled from Jacksonville Florida to Fort Lauderdale in 5 days (stayed 2 days in Orlando) had one full day of torrential rain, and even had an accident along the way. All this with an old 10 speed bicycle loaded with about 80 lbs of gear (sleeping bag and tent included). I logged 1000 miles that trip, but also did 8 - 10 hours of cycling a day.
I did Montreal to Quebec City (about 150 miles) in two rainy cold days staying at Hostels.
I am not familiar with the Farmington Canal but if I were to give you any advice, it would be to plan your days in advance. Give yourself a reasonable goal each day with an option to fall short (if needed) or go further (time and energy permitting). If possible, don't travel alone, it can be long and boring traveling alone. Be flexible, anything can happen, rain, flat tires etc... and could slow you down. Finally, avoid long uphill stretches. The Adirondacks can be gruesome
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