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In December 2002, Congress passed a law reclassifying “low-speed” e-bikes as bicycles, thereby exempting them from motor vehicle regulations. The law also prohibits states from lowering the qualifying threshold below 20 mph. All but one major manufacturer designs their e-bikes to meet this national standard.New York has still not updated state code to reflect this federal mandate, leading many news organizations to misreport electric bike riding as illegal in the Empire State.
This hasn’t deterred Chris Nolte, owner of Long Island Electric Bikes, or his growing customer base. “I’m thrilled to be a part of this,” said Nolte. “I get to make a living doing something positive for Long Island, and watch my business double every year.”
Nolte got the idea for an e-bike business shortly after serving as an Army transportation specialist in Iraq. In his mind, electric bikes are a small but exciting beginning to a more energy-efficient transportation system.
His customers, however, are typically motivated by savings and convenience. With recent gas shortages caused by Hurricane Sandy still fresh in mind, recharging a bike’s battery from any outlet for roughly 5 cents is a strong selling point. Others are looking for a less strenuous way to commute to work or get to the beach while still getting some exercise. In addition to a throttle, most higher-end models come with a pedal assist feature, the ability to get help from the motor while still pedaling.
James Bisztyga, 51, of Huntington, said, “I often ride my [electric] bike without using the motor, but with pedal assist I can bike much further and faster. I still get a great workout - yesterday I rode 45 miles."
Manufacturers Stromer and Specialized have started making bikes with no throttle and only pedal-assist in order to skirt federal regulations entirely. The law setting the limit for bicycles at 20 mph only applies when the rider is unassisted. By combining the rider’s pedaling with assistance from the motor, these manufacturers have taken advantage of yet unregulated territory to reach new maximum speeds.
The disabled and elderly are also helping electric bikes achieve more secure legal footing. Many have joined this early adopter movement to relive the excitement of riding a bike. Thanks to a recent regulation applying the American Disabilities Act to “mobility devices,” public cycling paths and trails must be open to disabled individuals, even if they require an electric bicycle.
“I have been an avid cyclist all of my life, but it’s been hard for me to ride these last few years. My electric bike has put me back in touch with one of the hobbies I’ve missed the most. My doctor said this and swimming are the only ways I should exercise. Why would this be illegal?” wondered Herbert Meisen, 81, a retired NYC firefighter who lives in Commack.
Fortunately for all the varied electric bikers of Long Island, enforcement seems to be non-existent. In New York City, on the other hand, council members have successfully pushed for crackdowns and $1,000 fines to take on the delivery men who often ride on sidewalks. In China last week, hundreds of protesters confronted police to take back their confiscated electric bikes. So while New York may not be as far along as some other places in adapting to this rising trend, Long Island e-bike owners could be doing a lot worse. One thing is certain: electric bikes won’t be disappearing anytime soon.
Release ID: 18246
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