Editor,
Hardly a day goes by that a story about a city or school district embarking on a task to define a policy covering e-bikes.
Editor,
Hardly a day goes by that a story about a city or school district embarking on a task to define a policy covering e-bikes.
I understand bills at the state level regulating them in California have been pulled, probably due to lobbying by the e-bike industry.
If our state leaders won’t step up to solve these issues, then our county Board of Supervisors should develop licensing standards that would include minimum training standards and probably just as important for riders under age 18, parental liability disclosure.
If a 13-year-old’s e-bike injures someone or property on a school campus, or the battery causes a fire, who foots the bill for damages? If a student hasn’t had a driver training program, why should any of these costs fall on taxpayers?
I wonder how many parents have insurance to cover their 13-year-olds’ e-bike mishaps or accidents? If my kids were currently in a local school, I’d want these questions answered.
Charles Marshall
Atherton
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(2) comments
Are we talking e-bikes or e-Motos? That is a very important distinction.
Any idiot can drive a 200mph Ferrari or a 7t Cybertruck going 0-60 in (who even gives a sh***?) and rip up our streets - not one person would request more rules and regulations.
But bullying kids ... San Mateo Democrats are really good at that.
There is currently no vehicle in America more and better regulated than the e-Bike. Period.
There are already several major laws and regulations about e-bikes in place:
- In 2002 then-President George W. Bush signed low speed electric bicycles (e-bikes) into law. It says these bikes are NOT to be regarded as "motorized vehicles" IF they don't 1hp or 750W.
- Several states and federal agencies agreed on the 3 class system which regulates e-bikes to speeds of 20 and 28.
- In 2019 then-President Trump's Secretary of the Interior signed an Order to all Federal agencies that these low speed electric bicycles (class 1,2,3 e-bikes) are to be regarded and treated like regular bicycles would, because these are MOBILITY DEVICES for people with physical limitations.
- ADA and AARP endorse these low speed electric bicycles (e-bikes or pedelecs) as Mobility Devices, which means cities and parks cannot discriminate against them.
Anything faster than 30mph and more than 750W is regarded an e-Moped, e-Motorcycle or short E-MOTO. They need to have license, registration, and insurance like any motorized vehicle. Which means they are well regulated as well.
So the real question is why is the police not enforcing these rules and regulations?
I don't think that we need massive regulation of kids on bikes.
I am more worried about adults who kill others with SUVs.
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