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I know nothing about e-bikes except I do get annoyed by the riders who don't think they have to follow traffic laws. They really need to be licensed and registered as motor cycles and be held to the same standard as other powered vehicles. I think their popularity took off faster than places were able to regulate them. Seeing them zip down the sidewalk or weave in and out of traffic is an issue around here.
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Steve
* Despite the high cost of living, it remains very popular.
* Why should I pay for my daughter's education when she already knows everything?
* There are no shortcuts to anywhere worth going. -
Even with these new ebikes added on the streets there isn't a fraction of the bicycle traffic on roads there once was.
When we were kids we wore out sets of tires on our bikes from every day use, running around the countryside, into town and such. Kids today don't hardly leave their neighborhood for parents fear of the boogeyman getting them.Comment
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I see a lot of kids on bikes in our area, but increasingly they are e-bikes. So much for exercise.Originally posted by Fishindude77 View PostSteve
* Despite the high cost of living, it remains very popular.
* Why should I pay for my daughter's education when she already knows everything?
* There are no shortcuts to anywhere worth going.Comment
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Bicyclists in general, e-bike or not, would be well-advised to follow rules of the road. In the city, we have people on those little electric razor scooters flying around everywhere and I think the laws should change. Those probably shouldn't be on sidewalks or in bike lanes or on the street.
To fishin's point, I used to ride my bike everywhere as a kid. Lots of public roads. It was mostly rural, but I'd also ride into town a lot. I started mountain biking around 11 years old and by 12-13 I was riding my bike a couple of miles on the road just to get to the mountain bike trails. Then I'd ride the trails for hours, and then ride home. I want that kind of time/energy again...ha!
I won't ride on public roads if I can avoid it these days, people are just too dang angry/careless/whatever.
Not all e-bikes are throttle bikes. Most e-bikes only assist when the rider is already pedaling.History will judge the complicit.Comment
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I'm debating getting this $250 Temu ebike, 48 volts, 650 watts, which would fulfill my needs to get transported across the border and back, which I could transport inside my Chevy trailblazer. My 26" mountain ebike has to mount on a trailer hitch using a bike rack attached to the trailer hitch, very cumbersome. I use muffler clamps to safely secure the ebike on to the racks which takes time to securely fasten it. This smaller ebike would easily fit inside my car.
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Ua_guy, I hope you plan to install a solid bike rack mounted on to a trailer hitch to your car. Not the flimsy strap mounts tied to the back of the car. If the straps break it creates a very dangerous road hazard. Install a good 2" trailer hitch which can mount a Yakima or Thule bike rack.Comment
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Yep...these things are heavy. If I like mine, there's a good chance the other half will want one too. So we'll need a good solution for carrying them both.Originally posted by QuarterMillionMan View PostHistory will judge the complicit.Comment
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I don't blame kids for not riding bikes as much. There is far more car traffic than there used to be. There is also far more distracted driving with people texting and talking on cell phones paying no attention to their surroundings. Just this morning I was on the highway and came up behind a woman going 50. I didn't pass her immediately because me daughter was following me so I didn't want to get separated. Then the woman slowed down to 40 and we finally passed her. As I did, sure enough she was on the phone. And I constantly see cars swerving all over, drifting from lane to lane, even into the shoulder because they are on the phone. I've even seen people hit the curb on occasion because they're on the phone. Any biker is taking their life in their hands today even when there is a bike lane because so many drivers simply aren't paying attention.Originally posted by Fishindude77 View PostSteve
* Despite the high cost of living, it remains very popular.
* Why should I pay for my daughter's education when she already knows everything?
* There are no shortcuts to anywhere worth going.Comment
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On the other hand, fast forward 35 years starting from back when mountain biking was an esoteric and emerging hobby in the 90's. Now, a colleague I work with coaches a mountain biking team that his teenage kids are part of. It's a club sport in their area and they travel to meets/races. They hold practices, it's serious and very competitive, they have team jerseys, it's insane! I love it.
It's very different from the days as a kid, trespassing to ride unmapped trails built by local enthusiast groups, getting my information from the local bike shop.History will judge the complicit.Comment
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Seems like all kids sports have gone that way.Originally posted by ua_guy View Post
Rarely see neighborhood kids playing pick up games of basketball, football, baseball or hockey in a local yards, at the playground or a local pond. This stuff was every day after school and every weekend when many of us were growing up.
Now official courts, uniforms, referees, etc. seem to be required for all of it.Comment
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Yeah, you know why? Because of our hyper-productive, hyper-competitive world that demands kinds participate in Olympic-level sport training and competition as early as grade school. If your kid doesn't do expensive, highly structured team and club sports and win participation trophies every 5 minutes, your kid is a loser, and you are a loser as a parent and just don't care about them. </sarcasm>. But, that's kind the way it is. For real.Originally posted by Fishindude77 View PostHistory will judge the complicit.Comment
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ebikes are motorcycles for kids. People are letting their kids ride them wihout helmets and backpacking friends. it's nuts and crazy. It's a street legal motorcycle and i've seen a kid killedComment
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I totally get your point about e-bike riders needing to follow the rules, safety is key for everyone on the road, and for rides like that, I usually wear my sleeveless high-neck bodysuit from BetterMe since it’s comfy, flexible, and lets me move easily while staying stylish.Last edited by pacerob; 01-29-2026, 01:41 AM.Comment
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Definitely a concern. I promise to wear my helmet.Originally posted by LivingAlmostLarge View Post
I think the category of bikes you are referring to are the next step after a Class 3 bike. The kind with an actual throttle (you don't have to pedal), and which are categorically, by law, mopeds, motorcycles, or "speed pedelecs". In most cases they aren't street legal without license, proper insurance, and sometimes registration/plates. That doesn't seem to prevent any bad parent from letting their kid get their hands on one..
Where I live, "speed pedelecs" are too fancy...the kids here just ride their (gasoline powered) dirt bikes illegally until one of them has an unfortunate incident with an equestrian - either spooking the horse, or the rider just chewing them out because they're not supposed to be on those trails. Then the county gets involved, puts up their paper "please don't ride your dirt bike here" signs until the kids tear them down, rinse, repeat.History will judge the complicit.Comment
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My 26" mountain ebike is class 2 which is defined below with a top speed of 20 mph. On a flat level road my ebike does exactly that at 20 mph (without pedaling and only using 100% pure electric power). I see class 3 ebikes now can reach top speeds of 28 mph. I've seen ebike riders on the roads in Los Angeles going about 28 mph and wondered how they are able to go so fast. Class 3 ebikes explains it.
Class 2 e-bikes are electric bicycles that feature both pedal assist and a throttle, allowing riders to reach speeds of up to 20 mph without pedaling. Key Features of Class 2 E-Bikes- Throttle and Pedal Assist: Class 2 e-bikes can be operated using a throttle, which allows the rider to accelerate without pedaling. They also provide pedal assist, which helps the rider when pedaling, making it easier to tackle hills or long distances.
2 - Speed Limit: These bikes are designed to assist riders up to a maximum speed of 20 mph. Once this speed is reached, the motor will cut off, and any further acceleration must come from the rider's own pedaling.
2 - Legal Classification: Class 2 e-bikes are treated similarly to traditional bicycles in many jurisdictions, meaning they can be used on bike paths and lanes without requiring a license or registration.
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- Buzz Cerana 2: A versatile urban commuter with a 500W motor and a range of up to 40 miles. It features wide tires and front suspension for better handling.
1 - Denago Cruiser 1: An entry-level e-bike with a 350W motor and a range of 53 miles, designed for urban commuting and leisure rides.
1 - Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 3 Plus: Known for its powerful performance and utility features, making it suitable for various riding conditions.
1 - Aventon Abound: A cargo e-bike with a 750W motor, capable of carrying heavy loads while maintaining a top speed of 20 mph.
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Class 2 e-bikes offer a great balance of power and convenience, making them an excellent choice for commuters and recreational riders alike. With the ability to use a throttle for easy acceleration and pedal assist for added support, they cater to a wide range of riding preferences and needs. When choosing a Class 2 e-bike, consider factors such as motor power, battery range, and intended use to find the best fit for your lifestyle.Comment
- Throttle and Pedal Assist: Class 2 e-bikes can be operated using a throttle, which allows the rider to accelerate without pedaling. They also provide pedal assist, which helps the rider when pedaling, making it easier to tackle hills or long distances.
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