PSA: California's AB 1557 would cut Class 1 and 2 ebike speeds from 20 to 16 mph and cap motor power at 250W continuous. For context, 16 mph is slower than a lot of people pedal without a motor, and 250W won't help much against a Bay Area hill. 🧵
@bikepedx What's odd about the whole thing is that they changed nothing with Class 3 bikes. That being said, not sure if there would be a Class 3 cargo bike that can get you up that hill. They all seem to top off at 85nm unless you go with a higher wattage motor (>750W), which is a no-no.
PSA: California's AB 1557 would cut Class 1 and 2 ebike speeds from 20 to 16 mph and cap motor power at 250W continuous. For context, 16 mph is slower than a lot of people pedal without a motor, and 250W won't help much against a Bay Area hill. 🧵
If you can show up in person, the Transportation Committee hearing is April 13 at 2:30pm at the Legislative Office Building, 1021 O Street, Room 1100, Sacramento. Arrive early. Your voice will help lawmakers understand how this bill affects everyday riders across California.
Here's what you can do:
Submit written opposition by April 6 through the CA Legislature's advocate portal. You'll need to create a quick account, but it's painless: https://t.co/PZM2qEDtdl
Thanks to @newwheel for putting together a letter template you can download and make your own: https://t.co/2aK5f7bvRw
Find your Assembly member and let them know you oppose AB 1557: https://t.co/pPc614oTpX
I agree with most of this, except I believe that all CLASSED electric bikes (1, 2, and 3) should be considered "ebikes". This being said, I could be convinced that Class 2 ebikes (with a throttle) should be included as a moped (as it is in the EU).
But where I heartily agree is that words matter, and we should adopt common language that helps "draw and defend the line that protects this category."
https://t.co/puycgi4tNq
There is 10% less bike capacity on the new electric trains for @Caltrain. Now they've banned:
* Any bike > 6ft including cargos and longtails
* Tires > 3"
* PANNIERS. Yep, commuters need to commute without panniers.
* Also baskets, child seats and trailers.
Commuting is tough enough. They should have planned for this.
https://t.co/pK6VKRCYu1
This is a brilliant (and colorful!) idea. They are flat pedals that clip on to SPDs in a matter of seconds. No more bringing a second pair of shoes or having to walk around tap-tap-tapping. Change right back when you want to clip-in.
https://t.co/v9vSWgFUm6
Fantastic news if you're looking for a discount on an ebike: @newwheel is now connected to Truemed, meaning you can see if you qualify to buy your new ebike with pre-tax FSA/HSA funds. Check them out here:
https://t.co/VhHf5agxQy
I think New Jersey is going overboard with this new law. This also deviates quite a bit from the 3-class model legislation proposed by @peopleforbikes
https://t.co/EZZRu8WdLV
"New Jersey's governor signed a bill into law on Monday that will require license, registration, and insurance for all e-bike riders... The legislation extends the classification of motorized bicycles to include pedal bicycles with fully operable pedals and an electric motor that can provide assistance when pedaling or exclusively propelling the bike... New Jersey now has its own three-class e-bike definitions: "low-speed electric bike," with pedal assist up to 20 mph; "motorized bike," with throttle assist up to 28 mph; and "electric motorized bicycle," with pedals that can go over 28 mph."
@LegalEagle could you PLEASE do a video about Trump blocking California’s EV mandate? Seems to be a state’s rights issue and a stab at Elon’s heart, but I’m really unfamiliar with the mechanics of that. As always, thanks for your great content!