Rural Town In Northern NY Bans E BIKES

[rustyp]

Village of Lowville NY population < 4000 has ban E Bikes.

By 7 News Staff
Published: Nov. 17, 2022 at 5:46 AM EST
LOWVILLE, New York (WWNY) - Lowville will ban motorized vehicles like ATVs inside the village.

Trustees approved a new law Wednesday night banning vehicles like snowmobiles, ATVs, 4-wheelers, and e-bikes.

About a dozen people went to the public forum, discussing concerns about Lewis County’s rails-to-trails program, which would repurpose old railroad tracks for recreation.

“The village board felt we needed a law on the books that we could regulate those type of vehicles, especially now with the county buying up the railhead,” Mayor Joseph Beagle said. “We’re in favor of walking trails and regular bicycle trails but we don’t want to see snowmobiles screaming through the middle of the village.”

Before you jump all over me I like E Bikes. Thinking of getting one myself. I am having second thoughts when I see these controversies popping up. I believe The Villages bike clubs have already banned a certain type of E Bikes on their rides.

Is this a sign of things to come ?

[Toymeister]

No, it is not.

Ebikes are part of the landscape, especially here. Why?, Because we all lose one heartbeat of our maximum heart capacity each year. Ebikes for seniors allow us to get out and experience the joy of cycling.

Effectively, ebikes make your biking performance similar to yourself 20 years ago.

Besides all of that how is a rural town in New York relevant? Last I read New York is not doing so well for itself, while Florida is growing by leaps and bounds.

[rustyp]

No, it is not.

Ebikes are part of the landscape, especially here. Why?, Because we all lose one heartbeat of our maximum heart capacity each year. Ebikes for seniors allow us to get out and experience the joy of cycling.

Effectively, ebikes make your biking performance similar to yourself 20 years ago.

Besides all of that how is a rural town in New York relevant? Last I read New York is not doing so well for itself, while Florida is growing by leaps and bounds.

It caught my attention because I know this area well. It is very rural. I would have expected this from a major metropolis like NYC. In this area there has been a major controversy over ATVs. Finally the Adirondack Park (6 million acres - largest park in the lower 48 states) buckled to the pressure and banned them. Thus if small towns don't want and huge metropolis don't want what is the E Bike future ?

[Toymeister]

Our Governor has signed legislation to strengthen ebikes access to all trails where bikes are allowed, this is the essential difference between New York and Florida.

Heck even NYC, which specifically outlawed ebikes, changed course and now allows them.

[Altavia]

There should be a distinction between pedal assisted and throttle controlled which are essentially electric motor cycles?

[Chi-Town]

There should be a distinction between pedal assisted and throttle controlled which are essentially electric motor cycles?

Many E bikes have both pedal assist and throttle control. The rider makes the distinction.

[Woodbear]

Lowville is a great place to ride your snowmobile. Indian will make my next E-Bike.

[Altavia]

Many E bikes have both pedal assist and throttle control. The rider makes the distinction.

If you don't have to pedal, you should stay on the MMP's/Diamond Lanes. 20+ MPH on the walking paths is dangerous.

[Two Bills]

I can live with the E-Bikes on the roads.
Her in UK and Europe, in the towns, it's the rental electric scooters on the sidewalks flying around at 20mph that scare the Bejesus out of the wife and me.
They swarm like bees!

[Toymeister]

If you don't have to pedal, you should stay on the MMP's/Diamond Lanes. 20+ MPH on the walking paths is dangerous.

This idea won't work. Throttle ebikes are, with almost no exception, hub drive models. Hub drives have the motor in the hub vice at the crank (mid drive). Hub drives are far cheaper.

What you are effectively proposing is only those who ride $2,500 + bike can use this path.

What? You want to spend only 995.00 on a ebike? Sorry!

[Love2Swim]

I think its crazy that walkers, who walk at probably 3-5 mph, and electric bikes that can go up to 28 mph would share the same recreational trail. With such a difference in speeds, its really unsafe for the walkers.

[fishon]

This isn’t just about electric bicycles.
It’s mostly about snowmobiles and ATV’s running wild in the streets.
Lowville is on the Tug Hill Plateau and is a major winter destination for snowmobiling. The little towns like Lowville and Old Forge are simply overwhelmed.

[Maker]

A lot of people will support those types of laws. They like government mandates that control how you can live your life.
The rest of the people leave the state to be free from such nonsense.

[threeonemiles@outlook.com]

A lot of people will support those types of laws. They like government mandates that control how you can live your life.
The rest of the people leave the state to be free from such nonsense.
I agree, but tread lightly. Mentioning the word "government", can be construed as political by the censorial authorities.

[Chi-Town]

Here is a link explaining the three types of ebikes:

Understanding the differences between Class I, II, and III eBikes
– Bike.com (https://bike.com/blogs/ebikes/understanding-the-differences-between-class-i-ii-and-iii-ebikes?gclid=Cj0KCQiAnNacBhDvARIsABnDa68K--Qm9h-poNdwiMPsE6QSkw8z3KeifN0bKLFQx_7rZkWjaPE1vGIaAtyRE ALw_wcB)

[rustyp]

I think its crazy that walkers, who walk at probably 3-5 mph, and electric bikes that can go up to 28 mph would share the same recreational trail. With such a difference in speeds, its really unsafe for the walkers.

I understand your logic and agree. However given that logic why should walkers and regular bikes be mixed on a rec trail ? Both E Bikes and Regular bikes are capable of 28 mph.

[Altavia]

This idea won't work. Throttle ebikes are, with almost no exception, hub drive models. Hub drives have the motor in the hub vice at the crank (mid drive). Hub drives are far cheaper.

What you are effectively proposing is only those who ride $2,500 + bike can use this path.

What? You want to spend only 995.00 on a ebike? Sorry!

Respectfully disagree, that's the cost of safety. Only Class I bikes should be permitted on walking paths.

Everything else is a motor vehicle.

But nothing will change so enjoy the ride!

[rustyp]

This idea won't work. Throttle ebikes are, with almost no exception, hub drive models. Hub drives have the motor in the hub vice at the crank (mid drive). Hub drives are far cheaper.

What you are effectively proposing is only those who ride $2,500 + bike can use this path.

What? You want to spend only 995.00 on a ebike? Sorry!

I am a newbie on this subject. Does a hub drive power the wheel and a crank drive power the chain ? Why have TV clubs banned throttle models ?

[tophcfa]

The rail trails up north in our area used to have signs that said no motorized vehicles, but took them down when e bikes became commonplace. Once the signs came down it opened up the door for ATV’s, snowmobiling, etc… so they put up signs that said only motorized vehicles with two wheels allowed. When mopeds and dirt bikes began using the trails they changed the signs to say only two wheeled electric vehicles were allowed. Now waiting for electric motorcycles to start using the trails so they will have to change the signs again.

As much as I dislike electric cars given current technology, I think e bikes (pedal assisted, not throttled) are great. They allow senior citizens to keep on biking for exercise when the physical limitations of aging catch up to them. Bike on : )

[JGibson]

I am a newbie on this subject. Does a hub drive power the wheel and a crank drive power the chain ? Why have TV clubs banned throttle models ?

Bike clubs banned throttle because they said they’re too dangerous, these same clubs blow stop signs.

What is really needed is dedicated protected bike lanes on roads around TV? Buena Vista, Morse, Rolling Acres, etc. Folks will find it safer to ride on dedicated, protected bike lanes on roads opposed to the conundrum on MMP.

This is the answer, dedicated/barrier-protected bike lanes.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

No, it is not.

Ebikes are part of the landscape, especially here. Why?, Because we all lose one heartbeat of our maximum heart capacity each year. Ebikes for seniors allow us to get out and experience the joy of cycling.

Effectively, ebikes make your biking performance similar to yourself 20 years ago.

Besides all of that how is a rural town in New York relevant? Last I read New York is not doing so well for itself, while Florida is growing by leaps and bounds.most of the people I see on these bikes are never using the peddles , you want to keep your heart capacity up ,ride a regular bike , take a brisk walk or run or just get on a treadmill, there are no shortcuts for good aerobic health , 84 tomorrow still doing it the right way or you can call it the hard way , but it’s the only way

[MX rider]

most of the people I see on these bikes are never using the peddles , you want to keep your heart capacity up ,ride a regular bike , take a brisk walk or run or just get on a treadmill, there are no shortcuts for good aerobic health , 84 tomorrow still doing it the right way or you can call it the hard way , but it’s the only way

My wife and I are in our mid 60's and very fit. I'm a longtime runner and we both mountain bike. She uses our Peloton daily. As part timers in TV we have mtb's there that we ride all over, but you're limited how far you can go. That said I can see us getting e bikes some day just so we can go farther in less time.

E bikes have a place for sure, imo. I'm debating getting a new e mtb. Not because its easier, because you can ride longer and faster. Which for a lifelong adrenaline junkie is a good thing.

But you're right, if they never pedal its just a moped. Although at least they're off the couch and moving.

[Toymeister]

I am a newbie on this subject. Does a hub drive power the wheel and a crank drive power the chain ? Why have TV clubs banned throttle models ?

Hub drives power the hub.

They are more expensive, over twice as efficient as hub drives and use torque sensing to provide assistance in a natural feeling way. Hub drives do not. It's like the difference between a two stroke eny and a four stroke insofar as they are completely different.

The stated reason why TV clubs do not allow throttled ebikes is the insurance company, which provides group ride insurance, doesn't allow it.

[Toymeister]

The OP wanted a discussion if the ebike ban is a sign of the times, I say no. In the time of electric cars, carbon credits, micro mobility and Americans with Disability Act; widespread bike bans (bikes of any sort) will not happen.

Heck, in Portland 20 of the 25 streets closed to through traffic with increased bike friendly pavement which were COVID closed became permanent bike streets.

[charlie1]

I was under the perception that anything motorized (with the exception of the type of scooters used by elderly or the handicapped) were NOT allowed on ANY walking path, only the multimodal paths. Not to start anything, but.... dogs are also not allowed on the nature preserve paths and areas (there are signs) but a lot of people tend to take their dog anyway.

[Mortal1]

Village of Lowville NY population < 4000 has ban E Bikes.

By 7 News Staff
Published: Nov. 17, 2022 at 5:46 AM EST
LOWVILLE, New York (WWNY) - Lowville will ban motorized vehicles like ATVs inside the village.

Trustees approved a new law Wednesday night banning vehicles like snowmobiles, ATVs, 4-wheelers, and e-bikes.

About a dozen people went to the public forum, discussing concerns about Lewis County’s rails-to-trails program, which would repurpose old railroad tracks for recreation.

“The village board felt we needed a law on the books that we could regulate those type of vehicles, especially now with the county buying up the railhead,” Mayor Joseph Beagle said. “We’re in favor of walking trails and regular bicycle trails but we don’t want to see snowmobiles screaming through the middle of the village.”

Before you jump all over me I like E Bikes. Thinking of getting one myself. I am having second thoughts when I see these controversies popping up. I believe The Villages bike clubs have already banned a certain type of E Bikes on their rides.

Is this a sign of things to come ?

"the villages"...

[Altavia]

Hub drives power the hub.



...


The stated reason why TV clubs do not allow throttled ebikes is the insurance company, which provides group ride insurance, doesn't allow it.

That's a big, fat clue of the risk.

And why it may be advisable to add ebike insurance.

. https://www.markelinsurance.com/resources/bicycle/electric-bikes

Best e-bike insurance 2022 and everything you need to know | Cycling Weekly (https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/latest-news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-e-bike-insurance-483684)

[Altavia]

Hub drives power the hub.



...


The stated reason why TV clubs do not allow throttled ebikes is the insurance company, which provides group ride insurance, doesn't allow it.

That's a big, fat clue of the risk.

And why it may be advisable to add ebike insurance.

. The importance of e-bike insurance | Markel Specialty (https://www.markelinsurance.com/resources/bicycle/electric-bikes)

Best e-bike insurance 2022 and everything you need to know | Cycling Weekly (https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/latest-news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-e-bike-insurance-483684)

[Bill14564]

That's a big, fat clue of the risk.

And why it may be advisable to add ebike insurance.

. The importance of e-bike insurance | Markel Specialty (https://www.markelinsurance.com/resources/bicycle/electric-bikes)

Best e-bike insurance 2022 and everything you need to know | Cycling Weekly (https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/latest-news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-e-bike-insurance-483684)

Both articles focus primarily on the cost of the e-bike and whether theft or damage is covered under homeowners policies. Certainly, that risk is a concern but it doesn't speak to whether e-bikes are inherently more dangerous than pedal-bikes.

[Topgun 1776]

Bike clubs banned throttle because they said they’re too dangerous, these same clubs blow stop signs.

What is really needed is dedicated protected bike lanes on roads around TV? Buena Vista, Morse, Rolling Acres, etc. Folks will find it safer to ride on dedicated, protected bike lanes on roads opposed to the conundrum on MMP.

This is the answer, dedicated/barrier-protected bike lanes.

Let's review....Villagers complain about walkers on MMP! (Stay on the sidewalk!). No cyclists on the MMP! (Should be on the road!). No cyclists on the road! (Should be on the MMP!). Cyclists should stop at EVERY stop sign! (Cyclists go to slow and impede car traffic!).

So much complaining to do, so little time!

[rsmurano]

There should be a distinction between pedal assisted and throttle controlled which are essentially electric motor cycles?

Why? What has a throttle have to do with anything? E-bikes have governors on them to restrict their mph similar to golf carts where motorcycles don’t. Motorcycles have to be street legal which means they have to go faster speeds than what our paths allow

[Cobullymom]

This idea won't work. Throttle ebikes are, with almost no exception, hub drive models. Hub drives have the motor in the hub vice at the crank (mid drive). Hub drives are far cheaper.

What you are effectively proposing is only those who ride $2,500 + bike can use this path.

What? You want to spend only 995.00 on a ebike? Sorry!
And I'm still trying to grasp what the point is???

[GizmoWhiskers]

Village of Lowville NY population < 4000 has ban E Bikes.

By 7 News Staff
Published: Nov. 17, 2022 at 5:46 AM EST
LOWVILLE, New York (WWNY) - Lowville will ban motorized vehicles like ATVs inside the village.

Trustees approved a new law Wednesday night banning vehicles like snowmobiles, ATVs, 4-wheelers, and e-bikes.

About a dozen people went to the public forum, discussing concerns about Lewis County’s rails-to-trails program, which would repurpose old railroad tracks for recreation.

“The village board felt we needed a law on the books that we could regulate those type of vehicles, especially now with the county buying up the railhead,” Mayor Joseph Beagle said. “We’re in favor of walking trails and regular bicycle trails but we don’t want to see snowmobiles screaming through the middle of the village.”

Before you jump all over me I like E Bikes. Thinking of getting one myself. I am having second thoughts when I see these controversies popping up. I believe The Villages bike clubs have already banned a certain type of E Bikes on their rides.

Is this a sign of things to come ?
What happens in NY, CA, IL, and the like should stay in NY, CA, IL and the like. This is FL where thank God we have a Gov that is doing his best to keep the cancer from spreading here and one who cares about the smallest details - like E bikes. E-bikes are not motorized vehicles for those who do not know. They do offer an advantage so it is understandable that certain level group rides would not want to allow them, even with the drafting advantage.

[MX rider]

Let's review....Villagers complain about walkers on MMP! (Stay on the sidewalk!). No cyclists on the MMP! (Should be on the road!). No cyclists on the road! (Should be on the MMP!). Cyclists should stop at EVERY stop sign! (Cyclists go to slow and impede car traffic!).

So much complaining to do, so little time!

Well said. Lmao!!

[Altavia]

Why? What has a throttle have to do with anything? E-bikes have governors on them to restrict their mph similar to golf carts where motorcycles don’t. Motorcycles have to be street legal which means they have to go faster speeds than what our paths allow

Class 3 can do 28 mph stock and modified to go much faster. Have not seen that here but been passed by an ebike doing 35+ elsewhere.

The genie is out of the bottle, that's life.

[toeser]

Village of Lowville NY population < 4000 has ban E Bikes.

By 7 News Staff
Published: Nov. 17, 2022 at 5:46 AM EST
LOWVILLE, New York (WWNY) - Lowville will ban motorized vehicles like ATVs inside the village.

Trustees approved a new law Wednesday night banning vehicles like snowmobiles, ATVs, 4-wheelers, and e-bikes.

About a dozen people went to the public forum, discussing concerns about Lewis County’s rails-to-trails program, which would repurpose old railroad tracks for recreation.

“The village board felt we needed a law on the books that we could regulate those type of vehicles, especially now with the county buying up the railhead,” Mayor Joseph Beagle said. “We’re in favor of walking trails and regular bicycle trails but we don’t want to see snowmobiles screaming through the middle of the village.”

Before you jump all over me I like E Bikes. Thinking of getting one myself. I am having second thoughts when I see these controversies popping up. I believe The Villages bike clubs have already banned a certain type of E Bikes on their rides.

Is this a sign of things to come ?

No.

[toeser]

Class 3 can do 28 mph stock and modified to go much faster. Have not seen that here but been passed by an ebike doing 35+ elsewhere.

The genie is out of the bottle, that's life.

Throttles are restricted to 20 MPH. If I wish to go 28 MPH on my class 3 eBike, I would have to choose the highest power setting and the highest gear and peddle my brains out. That's just not going to happen for anything over 2 minutes.

[Byte1]

Several countries in Europe are banning ebikes. I read that one country is banning it because of the limited power grid and the limited fossil fuel available due to Russia's war. They are also limiting businesses from having their thermostats higher than about 68F. I would think that they must be pretty desperate if they are worried about ebikes charging, which would be a very little draw on the power grid.

[Vermilion Villager]

If you don't have to pedal, you should stay on the MMP's/Diamond Lanes. 20+ MPH on the walking paths is dangerous.
Agree 1000%
My electric golf cart can do 24mph, and Sunday I was passed by an Ebike! In my youth I wonder if I could ride that fast on a bike. I certainly wouldn't do it on a side walk with people on it. Walking paths are narrower than the MMP's. Walking paths were designed to separate motorized traffic from non-motorized.
It won't be long before we get out first fatality....or fatalities when an out of control Ebike plows into a walker or group of walkers.

[DAVES]

Village of Lowville NY population < 4000 has ban E Bikes.

By 7 News Staff
Published: Nov. 17, 2022 at 5:46 AM EST
LOWVILLE, New York (WWNY) - Lowville will ban motorized vehicles like ATVs inside the village.

Trustees approved a new law Wednesday night banning vehicles like snowmobiles, ATVs, 4-wheelers, and e-bikes.

About a dozen people went to the public forum, discussing concerns about Lewis County’s rails-to-trails program, which would repurpose old railroad tracks for recreation.

“The village board felt we needed a law on the books that we could regulate those type of vehicles, especially now with the county buying up the railhead,” Mayor Joseph Beagle said. “We’re in favor of walking trails and regular bicycle trails but we don’t want to see snowmobiles screaming through the middle of the village.”

Before you jump all over me I like E Bikes. Thinking of getting one myself. I am having second thoughts when I see these controversies popping up. I believe The Villages bike clubs have already banned a certain type of E Bikes on their rides.

Is this a sign of things to come ?

Gosh there are regulations for most things. Oh and no matter what people will object to regulations. We see endless debate about golf cart speeds. When is a E-Bike a motor cycle where you need plates, a license, INSURANCE.

[DAVES]

What happens in NY, CA, IL, and the like should stay in NY, CA, IL and the like. This is FL where thank God we have a Gov that is doing his best to keep the cancer from spreading here and one who cares about the smallest details - like E bikes. E-bikes are not motorized vehicles for those who do not know. They do offer an advantage so it is understandable that certain level group rides would not want to allow them, even with the drafting advantage.

Huh? Not motorized vehicles? That thing connected to the battery is a motor.

[jimjamuser]

It caught my attention because I know this area well. It is very rural. I would have expected this from a major metropolis like NYC. In this area there has been a major controversy over ATVs. Finally the Adirondack Park (6 million acres - largest park in the lower 48 states) buckled to the pressure and banned them. Thus if small towns don't want and huge metropolis don't want what is the E Bike future ?
I can understand a village mayor getting upset about vehicles they perceive as a nuisance. The mayor mentioned specifically "screaming snowmobiles". I am surprised that E-bikes were added to their list since snowmobiles are normally much faster and noisier than E-bikes. Additionally, the personality of E-bike riders seems to me to be less aggressive than some snowmobile riders. I assume that cars, trucks, and motorcycles are allowed in the downtown center.

As to the future of E-bikes, I think that they will increase in popularity. Bicycles are quiet and popular. An E-bike is just an improved bicycle.

[Bill14564]

Agree 1000%
My electric golf cart can do 24mph, and Sunday I was passed by an Ebike! In my youth I wonder if I could ride that fast on a bike. I certainly wouldn't do it on a side walk with people on it. Walking paths are narrower than the MMP's. Walking paths were designed to separate motorized traffic from non-motorized.
It won't be long before we get out first fatality....or fatalities when an out of control Ebike plows into a walker or group of walkers.

It has been at least six years already, how much longer is "won't be long?"

I haven't heard of any fatalities from an out of control pedal-bike, why would e-bikes be any different?

[jimjamuser]

And I'm still trying to grasp what the point is???
True that the rear-wheel hub drives are cheaper than the mid-drive models. I paid around $ 1,000 for my Rad Mission model. It has their smaller hub motor with 500 watts and a top speed of 20 mph. I felt that The Villages has few hills and 20 mph is good enough for what I do.

[jimjamuser]

Class 3 can do 28 mph stock and modified to go much faster. Have not seen that here but been passed by an ebike doing 35+ elsewhere.

The genie is out of the bottle, that's life.
People in our age bracket should not feel, "a need for speed" as much as when they were young. Take it easy and enjoy the rest of your life. For those that need to go 35 MPH on a 2-wheeled vehicle, maybe they need a motorcycle. Modifying an E-bike to go 35 versus 28 MPH leaves me thinking, 'why bother" - it is an insignificance difference. What will they do next.......go into a bar and offer to race E-bikes for the titles? Maybe they need a life, one with a brain. Actually, I feel the same about modifying golf carts.

[MX rider]

People in our age bracket should not feel, "a need for speed" as much as when they were young. Take it easy and enjoy the rest of your life. For those that need to go 35 MPH on a 2-wheeled vehicle, maybe they need a motorcycle. Modifying an E-bike to go 35 versus 28 MPH leaves me thinking, 'why bother" - it is an insignificance difference. What will they do next.......go into a bar and offer to race E-bikes for the titles? Maybe they need a life, one with a brain. Actually, I feel the same about modifying golf carts.

Very well said and I agree with 90% of what you said, except for the part about our age bracket. I'm a 65 year old adrenaline junkie. I run, mountain bike and still ride motocross. I'll do all these activities until I can't. It's just the way I'm wired. Steve Mcqueen said it best "attack life, it's going to kill you anyway."

All that said, we just bought a Yamaha golf cart and I have no plans to modify it to go faster. Whats the point?
My wife and I also have our mountain bikes to get around TV when we want to pedal. I'm looking at e mtb's, but if we buy 2 of them I have no plan to modify those either. We simply like the idea of being able to ride farther. To me 25mph on a mtb is good enough.

As you mentioned, there's plenty of other ways to get your speed fix if needed without endangering others.
I also suspect many of the people on the modified e bikes don't have the skills required for that speed and are just an accident waiting to happen. Actually you could say that about some golf cart drivers as well. lol

[Byte1]

This subject is so entertaining. I always welcome another new issue that folks will complain about until it runs it's course.
In case anyone is interested in a battery powered assisted bike to assist them in getting around in the fresh air of the Villages, Walmart sells a fairly inexpensive model. Remember to follow the local traffic laws. Not to change the subject, but when driving your "electric" golf carts (or any other type) please remember that the big red sign on the corner that says "STOP" means exactly that and not "SLOW." I can understand that some cannot see very well or their motor skills respond slower than younger folks, but it really seems a shame that I have to stop for speeding golf carts on my street when they come around the corner on two wheels, ignoring the "STOP" sign at the intersection. Remember, you are more vulnerable on a bike (electric or otherwise) to larger vehicles.
That said, I am currently shopping for a decent, battery powered bike that will make me look like I can ride for many miles using foot power. Perhaps a spandex outfit will enhance the image?

[MX rider]

This subject is so entertaining. I always welcome another new issue that folks will complain about until it runs it's course.
In case anyone is interested in a battery powered assisted bike to assist them in getting around in the fresh air of the Villages, Walmart sells a fairly inexpensive model. Remember to follow the local traffic laws. Not to change the subject, but when driving your "electric" golf carts (or any other type) please remember that the big red sign on the corner that says "STOP" means exactly that and not "SLOW." I can understand that some cannot see very well or their motor skills respond slower than younger folks, but it really seems a shame that I have to stop for speeding golf carts on my street when they come around the corner on two wheels, ignoring the "STOP" sign at the intersection. Remember, you are more vulnerable on a bike (electric or otherwise) to larger vehicles.
That said, I am currently shopping for a decent, battery powered bike that will make me look like I can ride for many miles using foot power. Perhaps a spandex outfit will enhance the image?

Omg no. no spandex. lol