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I have a JackRabbit OG e-bike [0] (really technically an electric scooter, since it doesn't have pedals). I recently put an aftermarket controller on it to allo
by extr 1y ago
I have a JackRabbit OG e-bike [0] (really technically an electric scooter, since it doesn't have pedals). I recently put an aftermarket controller on it to allow for speeds past 20mph, and to allow for higher current to the 350W motor (accepting the risk of increased wear and burn out). It's a ton of fun to ride, can get up to 30-35mph or so though I never take it that high (dangerous). I mostly just use the increased torque for hills.
What's interesting to me though is when I lived in a city, there was zero enforcement of e-bike laws, classifications, etc. I never saw a cop glance my way. Of course, the only riders of e-bikes were adults, and people generally followed traffic laws.
Now that I live in the suburbs, the only other riders of e-bikes are teens and it's a huge issue! I have to be careful exceeding my speed class, it's noticable how much power my apparently modest bike has. Cops have already stopped me once to ask more about the bike, and accepted my explanation that while it's powerful, it has a software governer to keep it within limits. The cop seemed to give me an easier time because of my age (in my 30s), and the fact that I'm an adult with a regular driver's license. I got the sense if they had caught a teen with the bike, they would have been ticketed and the bike impounded.
[0] https://jackrabbit.bike/ https://jackrabbit.bike/
- ghaff 1y agoWhen I was discussing the issue with someone in a nearby city that is putting in additional protected bike lanes, she said that they asked about enforcement of high-speed ebike speeds in a meeting and the city official basically shrugged and said nope.
- ryandvm 1y agoCan confirm. Teenagers on e-bikes is easily the number one complaint on suburban Nextdoor right now. It's like catnip for boomers.