In the state of Massachusetts and many other states there is a large issue in the laws regarding electric bikes and electric velomobiles. First off you probably don't even know what a velomobile is. It is basically a recumbent bicycle or tricycle that is encased in an aerodynamic shell so that the largest force of resistance is eliminated when riding a bike. This force is wind resistance. The issue with most of the laws is that electric assisted bikes (and velomobiles) are not legally allowed to go over 20 mph without the aid of the cyclist. We are being pushed to use more eco-friendly ways of transportation yet we are not allowed to use these eco-friendly vehicles if they could get us where we want to go in a reasonable amount of time. The law limits this on all electric bikes and causes a very limited market for electric bikes. Most people won't buy them because there is no point to have one if they could drive to work much faster in their car. If the bikes were legal to go up to 40 mph then they could ride to work likely faster than they could drive and save a large amount on gas and car maintenance over their commutes. And reduce the greenhouse gases. The issue with velomobiles is the electric assist really doesn't do much when it is heavier and once it gets up to speed 20 mph is nothing for it. We really just need to change this ridiculous law and allow e bikes to be driven at higher speeds. It would allow companies to meet the demands of a larger market looking for higher quality products and the higher demand would lower the currently high prices.
Embedded is a video of the coolest electric bike: the audi e bike (not legal or in production due to the 20 mph law.
Audi e-Bike Wörthersee - Bicicleta electrică ce poate atinge 80km/h from LaCurentNET on Vimeo.
No comments:
Post a Comment