Milwaukee: Local men form association to promote electric-powered bicycles

Milwaukee: Local men form association to promote electric-powered b... - Two local electric bike enthusiasts have formed the United States e-bikes Association to promote the benefits of power-assisted bicycles and encourage the development of public charging stations.

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Permalink Reply by Mike Fiasco on June 18, 2012 at 1:44pm

"Motorists are often surprised to see me riding 18 miles per hour up a steep grade,"

Not too sure I want to compete with these guys on the LFP or in the bike lane.

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Permalink Reply by James BlackHeron on June 18, 2012 at 1:49pm

I'm surprised when they buzz me at 8" in the bike lane too...

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Permalink Reply by Jason W on June 18, 2012 at 4:28pm

Electric "bikes" are motor vehicles we do not need in bike lanes!

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Permalink Reply by James BlackHeron on June 18, 2012 at 4:38pm

Motorcycles.

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Permalink Reply by Liz on June 18, 2012 at 4:50pm

I think when used in the right situations an e-bike assist can be a great way to get people who would not otherwise be able to ride out on bikes. The elderly, people with knee injuries, users in very hilly areas, and cargo bikes are all great candidates for assist technology.

People who use the technology to wiz by people on the path are equally annoying to the cyclists on TT bikes trying to go 25mph on the path.

The key is for the rider of the e-bike to be a responsible and use the motor only when appropriate, and at speeds appropriate to conditions. Just because you can go faster, doesn't mean you should.

The D-bags on the 2-stroke engine bikes are just the most frustrating thing ever, and shouldn't be allowed on the road, let alone in the bike lane.

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Permalink Reply by Jason W on June 18, 2012 at 5:15pm

You can't trust people to be responsible...

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Permalink Reply by Cameron 7.5 mi on June 18, 2012 at 5:30pm

I don't have a problem with low powered e-bikes that don't allow a rider to go much faster than a normal cyclist. I think these are a great way to open transportation cycling to more people. However the 4,500 watt machine in the article is a different thing entirely. That is a small electric motorcycle. If moves at the speed of a typical bike, corners like a bike, and stops like a bike, then let it be ridden like a bike. If it leaves an in shape rider in the dust, then treat it like a motorcycle.