| Re: electric bikes on centuries
Kristian M Zoerhoff wrote:
> On 2007-01-29, Curtis L Russell <curtis@md-bicycling.org> wrote:
>> On Mon, 29 Jan 2007 15:09:09 -0500, "Roger Zoul"
>> <rogerzoul2@hotmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>> This would yeild an electric motorcycle, not a bicycle. Bring on the
>>> mopeds!
>> Well, two on-line dictionaries only differentiate based on the size of
>> the motor - both say a bicycle can have a small motor, so its going to
>> depend on the size (both also say a motorcycle has a 'powerful' motor,
>> so it looks almost as if one stole from the other...).
>
> The dictionaries might, but state laws are where this will get interesting
> (at least, for us in the USA). For example, IL considers anything with a
> motor to be a moped:
>
> (625 ILCS 5/1106) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 1106)
> Sec. 1106. Bicycle. Every device propelled by human power upon which
> any person may ride, having two tandem wheels except
> scooters and similar devices.
> (Source: P.A. 85951.)
>
> (625 ILCS 5/1148.2) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 1148.2)
> Sec. 1148.2. Motorized Pedalcycle. A motorized pedalcycle is a
> motordriven cycle whose speed attainable in one mile is
> 30 mph or less, which is equipped with a motor that produces
> 2 brake horsepower or less. If an internal combustion engine
> is used, the displacement shall not exceed 50 cubic
> centimeter displacement and the power drive system shall not
> require the operator to shift gears.
> (Source: P.A. 83820.)
>
> IOW, there is no such thing as an "electric bicycle" in Illinois. This has
> interesting implications for manufacturers of such.
>
Illinois laws tend to be weird. I was born there and moved to
California, and the laws are like 2 different countries. Also above they
forgot to mention the little old ladies pedal powered tricycle with the
grocery basket in the back. Those used to be fairly common back in the
50's and 60's when I lived there. Women in their 80's could use them
with no problems with balance, nor stamina for short grocery runs.
This type of bike is not mentioned at all in the above quotes.
California also has the 50cc law so that may be a national standard, or not?
Bill Baka
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