Electric Bike Controversy in NYC

In New York City there's a struggle going on between the city and food-delivery workers who use electric bikes.

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/how-nycs-electric-bike-crackdo...

I sympathize with the workers, who are undoubtedly underpaid. There should be a minimum fee schedule for them. However, the electric bikes used by the couriers weigh more than 60 pounds and can go at least 25 miles an hour. They have pedals the way people have appendixes. I maintain that regardless of what they're called, such vehicles do not belong in urban bike lanes. Properly regulated and on the streets, OK as much as any other motor scooter. Lower-powered versions might work in the bike lanes as well. Personally, I'd like to see them limited to 15 mph. The trend seems to be 20 on up.

Here's an interesting thread on those particular electric bikes. I note that there is now a more powerful model:

https://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=89258

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by David Henri on July 18, 2018 at 2:41am

Jim, thanks for the clarification.

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Permalink Reply by mike w. on July 16, 2018 at 2:42pm

Smokeless mopeds.

Speeds of 20-25+MPH. whether on an e-bike or by speed training racer-types are a menace on any MUP. Any powered vehicle capable of 20+MPH needs to be regulated and licensed and BANNED from MUPs.

Chicago cyclists have long complained about scooters and motorcycles in bike lanes, and the only difference between these and e-bikes is the fuel.

Of course, an e-bike ban (or speed limit) on MUPs is essentially unenforceable, given the generally apathetic and often hostile attitude shown towards cyclists by the police & city officials.

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Permalink Reply by Tom A.K. on July 16, 2018 at 8:54pm

https://electrek.co/2018/07/16/special-amazon-prime-day-green-deals...

Ancheer 250 watt E Bike Only $572. 20 mph max.

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Permalink Reply by Eric Pounder on July 17, 2018 at 9:17am

I regularly ride over 20 mph on the LFT with my purely human powered aluminum bike. Sorry if that offends anyone who thinks I should slow down. Rather than a "Lakefront Lance" I prefer "Lakefront Nairo Quintana"; but taller, fatter, and without the ability to climb hills.