VinceB

This morning, I finally got it in me to push hard to latch on to an E-bike passing me on the path, and boy was it awesome! I only wish he had stayed on the path longer. We should pass a rule that they have to slow down to 20mph or so when passing to make it easier to latch on.

bconneraz

they are becoming more popular on one of the paths I use, but so far, I haven't been passed by one that I'd feel comfortable drafting off of because they've all been too squirly, and all over the trail. I bet it's like sucking the wheel of a tandem; gotta love a good pull.

velocity

I know if you read the cat 6 thread in this part of the forum I tell my story.
V

CliffordK

Is this a MUT or a roadside path?
I adjust my speed frequently to conditions on a MUT, and would not draft.

alan s 

There's a guy around here on the MUPs riding a 29er e-bike (nice bike for an e-bike) that I can hop on for the gradual downhill or flats, if I see him coming. The bike is a bit too fast to hang on for the gradual uphill portions. A steady 25 mph, so you need to be on your toes. Wearing street clothes and pedaling a little, but really, what's the point? Would greatly prefer the guy ride with the cars, rather than with the bikes.

ThermionicScott 

Aren't they generally limited to 20 MPH? I don't see a lot in my area yet, but I'm sure they'll catch on before long.

Wilfred Laurier

I have done it, but realized quickly that the 32 km/h (20 mph) speed to which they are limited is too slow to enjoy drafting. I prefer to up my pace and leave the e-bikes behind.

Around my small town there are only a couple of e-bike riders, and I delight in catching and passing them while my dog runs beside me

tougher

In Denmark e-bikes are limited to 25 km/h I really hate the few "hacked" ones I meet from time to time, which seems to have no limit.

InTheRain

The e-bikes are cool. One day I'll get one myself. I've given several of them test rides. If it weren't for the prices of the battery, I'd pull the trigger now. There are days when my commute from work take me further than just home, and I need to get there quicker than I can pedal. For the time being, I bought a little 50cc scooter (it doesn't go on the MUP's or bike lanes) to get me to my destination. I'm still thinking e-bike though... for my wife, it would maybe be enough to get her to cycle with me... I'd be the one trying to keep up. And yeah, I'd let her pull.

VinceB

Based off how much faster they seem when passing me, I'd guess most are closer to 25mph. This is on a separated, straight, bike-only path, so it's pretty safe for them to go that fast.

dynaryder

Does he wear a full-face(motorcycle?) blue helmet? I see guy like that going up Mass Ave across Wisc alot. He pretty much uses his bike as a scooter. If it is the same guy,that thing's too fast to be bombing trails on.

JanMM

I passed one of those little motorcycles on the ride home from work a couple of years ago. At 17mph. Either something was wrong with the scooter or something was wrong with the rider - couldn't tell which.

alan s 

No, this guy is on the CCT, and is dressed like a Euro fashion model. No helmet, as far as I recall. I've exchanged greetings a couple times, and he seems like a nice enough guy.

CrankyOne

I think the limits are state by state. I'm pro pedalec, not so pro e-bike (e.g., throttle). I'd like to see regulations for them on paths like maybe allowing 100% assist at 5 mph with assist tapering down to 0% by 15 mph.

350htrr

Most/all E-Bikes are limited to 20 MPH, but most can also be shut off or increase the limit for "off road" use...

gregf83 

Specialized ebikes are good up to 45kph. Not sure why others seem to limit to 32kph.

350htrr

Because it's the law. If the bike can do more than 32KMs/Hr assisted it's considered a motorbike and needs insurance and licence...

youthcom

I think Federal law limits throttle only to 20mph though a few brands are offering up to 28mph with pedal assist & these are usually for off-road. I bought a Bionx equipped bike last fall to help do a daily 16.7 mile commute. In conditions with little wind it allows me to maintain around 18mph. It has a throttle too in addition to pedal assist, but the throttle can only power me up to 18mph perhaps because of my non ideal wieght. I actually don't save much time compared to my non-powered commuter, but I don't think I could handle such a commute 5 days/week on it. 2/3rds is through more relaxing urban city streets & the last 1/3rd through suburban high speed shoulderless arterials (I don't like to be too slow on these roads).

gregf83 

It's clearly not the law if Specialized is selling bikes that are capable of 45kph. I believe the law refers to unassisted speed. The specialized bike, as well as many ebikes, requires you to pedal and it provides additional power that allows one to obtain speeds higher than 32kph.

350htrr

Well it is in most places, even lower in some countries... Unassisted speed you can basically go as fast as you can pedal, but the assist needs to cut out at 32KM/Hr in N America as I understand it... I'm sure Specialized and others that have a system to allow assist above 32KMs/Hr have a "only for off road use" caution in their manual...

gregf83 

I don't know the details of the law but according to this article It's Now Legal to Buy the Specialized Turbo. Should I Get One? | Biking Gear | Mountain Bikes & Road Bikes | OutsideOnline.com they have found a way around what may be an ambiguously written law.

ThermionicScott 

How do you expect a bike to have an unassisted speed limit?

350htrr

Mine has one, I know I reached it when I can hear my heart beat in my ears/head...

350htrr

Well I guess the lawyers/judges will decide who is actually right in the interpretation of the law, but the law does say 20 MPH is the allowable assisted speed as I understand it...

gregf83 

Pretty sure Specialized have done their homework. They have no shortage of lawyers...