Posted on Jun 21, 2016
Does anyone own an electric bike? I am thinking of buying 16" Sprite, up to 25 mph, 40 miles on a charge.
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Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 3
I will stick with the pedals. I find as I get older I am limited in my ability to get in a strong cardio event, cycling is a great way to stay fit.
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Keep in mind that Electric bikes technically are considered Motorcycles. Some trials outlaw them if you plan on riding it off road. Some areas also make you register them for road use depending on the local laws. I would really look at the local laws before purchasing something like that.
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SSgt Rilene Ann
Not in Sitka! goes under 25 mph. Bought the bike and love it. There are 4 levels of assistance with power. must be pedaling for it to work. check out Raleigh Sprite for more info as not like electric bikes your describing. I live on sml island and 4 miles from work at airport. found it perfect as can pedal stay on 1 or use level 4 going up big hill live on.
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Cpl Mark Crabtree
Miriam Webster definition of a motorcycle: a vehicle with two wheels that is powered by a motor and that can carry one or two people. Maybe in Sitka this is not an issue in California a vehicle that can obtain the speed this can needs to be registered and licensed with the DMV. Also it is illegal for trails not labeled for OHV access. Glad your happy with it. I mountain bike and can not take one of these where I like to ride. Also be careful lots of those are catching fire while they are charging. similar to those hover boards.
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SSgt Rilene Ann
I think old gas bikes vs new technology of Ral16 Sprite IE and the govt oversight of your state vs Alaska and I live on a small SE island.
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Cpl Mark Crabtree
By that statement we should not have to register a Tesla because it's new technology. Also since you replied federal regulations on electric low powered bike is a bike capable of reaching less than 20mph with a power rating less than 750watts. If the electric bicycle can reach speeds above 20mph it is regulated by the DOT and the NHTSA as motor vehicles. Alaska as a state classifies all electric bikes as motor cycles with no defining speed. Here is Alaska law from an ebike website.
Summary:
Motorized (even under 50CC) and Electrically powered or assisted bicycles, or simply non-100% non-human powered bicycles, are not bicycles under Alaska law and are considers “scooters” requiring at least an M2 Class license by the operator and may not be operated on sidewalks, trails, bike lanes, or off of streets or roadways.
Exceptions: Those specifically outlined are those such as “assistive technology” such as wheelchairs and other specific assistive devices designed specifically to assist persons with disabilities.
Exceptions: Those defined as “electric personal motor vehicle” that is a self-balancing non-tandem wheeled device designed to carry one individual at less than 15 mph. This is specifically written to support “Segway” style devices.
Not legal on all Municipality of Anchorage paved trails or sidewalks.
The current understanding is these are also not legal on Anchorage non-paved trails, BLM land, or in any Alaska State Parks; we are clarifying.
So in summary if you are going to drive this bike you need a class m2 license. So Alaska actually is tougher than California as in California it has to achieve speeds greater than 20mph. Which is federal law.
Summary:
Motorized (even under 50CC) and Electrically powered or assisted bicycles, or simply non-100% non-human powered bicycles, are not bicycles under Alaska law and are considers “scooters” requiring at least an M2 Class license by the operator and may not be operated on sidewalks, trails, bike lanes, or off of streets or roadways.
Exceptions: Those specifically outlined are those such as “assistive technology” such as wheelchairs and other specific assistive devices designed specifically to assist persons with disabilities.
Exceptions: Those defined as “electric personal motor vehicle” that is a self-balancing non-tandem wheeled device designed to carry one individual at less than 15 mph. This is specifically written to support “Segway” style devices.
Not legal on all Municipality of Anchorage paved trails or sidewalks.
The current understanding is these are also not legal on Anchorage non-paved trails, BLM land, or in any Alaska State Parks; we are clarifying.
So in summary if you are going to drive this bike you need a class m2 license. So Alaska actually is tougher than California as in California it has to achieve speeds greater than 20mph. Which is federal law.
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