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Electric Bikes are Street Legal!
Senate Bill SR 1156
In a word -- Only bicycle laws apply to roduction electric bicycles.
The new US law regards electric bicycles with fully-functioning pedals, no more than 750 watts motor output and 20 mph top speed as bicyclesî.
The US Senate has passed SR 1156, clearing the way for a legal definition of an electric bicycle in the USA. President Bush has signed this law, and it is in effect. The new law assigns the governance of electric bicycles to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and will define a bicycle that has pedals, (and is capable of being propelled by those pedals) an electric motor of no more than 750 watts, and a top speed (on motor only) of 20 mph as a "bicycle." As a bicycle, therefore, you do not need a license, registration, or insurance.
Now, it is still possible that an overzealous police officer may still try to write you a ticket if you have not obeyed the traffic laws. When riding a bike, it is always important to obey traffic laws. But you do not have to show a driverís license, registration, or any other verification.
The electric bike is one of the few ìunregulatedî vehicles of any type. So, it is truly a vehicle of FREEDOM: No license, no registration, no insurance, no GAS! Just a ton of pure fun.
Question:
If I have a DUI and a suspended or revoked license, can I legally ride an electric bicycle?
Answer:
Yes!
Question: If I am an alien working in the United States, can I ride an electric bicycle legally?
Answer
Yes!
Question: If I am under 16, can I ride an electric bicycle legally?
Yes!
So an electric bike can give you back your mobility, freedom, and ability to make a living!
Another tremendous use for the electric bike is for those with disabilities. I recently had a total hip replacement, and after two weeks I was able to power around on my Lashout bike. Then I gradually started pedaling more and more, modulating the amount I was pedaling to match my increasing level of fitness. I grew a new and deeper appreciation for electric bikes, because it helped lift my spirits everyday, besides greatly assisting my rehabilitation.
Another wonderful thing about electric bikes is that they may be ridden practically anywhere; street, bike path, trail, even the sidewalk in some places(with discretion). You can ride to a crowded event and pull right up to your destination, lock up your bike and you are there!
Spotlight on Dr. Malcolm R. Currie
Founder and CEO, Currie Technologies
I must recognize the Currie bike as breaking the ground for the development of future electric bikes. I often get asked who developed the electric bike, and the simple answer is one of the pioneers in aerospace. Currie laid the groundwork for the evolution into better vehicles, i.e. the Lashout and the Tidalforce. So here is a bio of Dr. Malcolm Currie.
Dr. Malcolm R. Currie is a widely recognized technical leader in industry and government. As an industrialist and a business leader, he was the former Chairman and CEO of Hughes Aircraft and Delco Electronics, where he led major developments in defense electronics, satellite communications, and automotive electronics. As Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, Dr. Currie initiated and spearheaded many of the systems–stealth aircraft, cruise missiles, turbine-powered M-1 tanks, satellite navigation, night vision–which were a key to U.S. success in the Gulf War. He has numerous published papers and patents in microwave electronics, laser systems, space propulsion and management. For his leadership, Dr. Currie has received many national and international honors.
Shifting his focus and brilliance in a grander vision toward Earth-friendly pursuits, Dr. Currie committed to the advancement of electric vehicles and alternative energy. He formed the group that designed the solar-powered Sunraycer for GM, followed by the design of the electric power train for the GM Impact and EV1. He is also involved with development of advanced batteries and is beginning the development of a unique mini-turbo generator to eliminate range limitations of hybrid electric vehicles.
He is the co-inventor of the U.S. Pro Drive™ unitary propulsion system, which helped expand the traditional bicycle market by making affordable high performance electric bicycles available to everyone for zero emission recreation, transportation, and enjoyable exercise. Many people wish to have freedom from fossil fuels breaking the oil habit in a practical manner. Many thanks to Dr. Malcolm Currie!
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