Not a day goes by when I dont see people onebikeswhizzing past me, mocking my pedestrian status.
But how fast are they allowed to go?
And, is speed even policed?
This increases to 1000W inOregon.
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For example, in Seattle, aMulti-Use Trail Policylimits speed to 15 mph for riding the trails.
In states without a specific definition of ebikes, they fall under the same category as motorcycles.
The electric motor capacity is limited to 250 watts.
The EU and UK categorize bikes with motors beyond 250W or equipped with a full-speed throttle as S_Pedelecs.
These are akin to level 3 ebikes in the US.
In the UK, ebikes areregistered as motor vehiclesfor use on public roads.
Riders must to wear a motorcycle helmet.
But I can buy a faster ebike?
The throttle just wont do anything between 21 mph and 28 mph (or higher).
What happens if you are caught speeding?
In 2013, the first ebike speeding ticketwas issued in Seattle.
It was for exceeding 20 mph (32 kmph) in a school precinct.
Cyclists most commonly exceed the speed limit on a steep hill.
Not having a speedometer or not knowing that you were speeding is no excuse.
You may get off with a warning or have to pay a fine.
Traffic violations are generally treated the same for cyclists and motorists in the US anddiffer state-by-state.
You have to pay a fine, and the penalty may affect your car insurance.
This typically also removes the ticket from your record and stops it from impacting your car insurance.
In response, the company changed the app to avoid a recurrence.
What about legal enforcement?
An easy way to raise revenue in a slow week?
The rest had never received more than a warning.
Its likely an ebike that resembles a bike and not a moped or dirt bike will attract police attention.
Not being a dick, in general, goes a long way, I find.
Laws and regulations are constantly changing as ebike capabilities and other mobility tech evolve.
Some lobby that faster bikes would incentivize more people out of their cars.
What do you think?
Have you ever been fined?
Id love to hear your thoughts.
Story byCate Lawrence
Cate Lawrence is an Australian tech journo living in Berlin.
