Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

  I'd imagine they will need to classify them as "motor vehicles" which will require users to provide proof of a  driver's license with motorcycle endorsement to use them.

  Not really ideal for most casual users.
EDIT: http://www.wsp.wa.gov/traveler/docs/equipmt/elect_bicycle.pd...

It appears by staying under 20 MPH they can avoid this.




E-bikes in Canada don't require a license and are not classified as "motor vehicles". Only real requirement for the rider is to be 16+. More info over here:

http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/driver/electric-bicycles.sh...


The rider must also wear a helmet.


Well, yeah. You should always wear a helmet, though!


That type of attitude may actually endanger cyclists more than helping them.

http://www.bmj.com/content/360/bmj.k94/rr-2


I rode a Jump a few hours ago. The electric part of the ride is minimal.

It's there to help with hills and similarly harder parts of a ride, but they won't enable you to ride faster than an experienced rider on a light road bike.


I think by limiting the speed they get around this.


I was under the impression that pedals negated the need for that classification. Wasn’t that the reason for existence of mopeds?


In California at least, a pedal-assisted electric bike that can reach 28 MPH (a type 3 bike) doesn't require a license.


But type 3s can’t use cycling infrastructure.


In general, this is not true.




Join us for AI Startup School this June 16-17 in San Francisco!

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: