These things are still actually classified a toy — so the law really doesn’t have any provisions for dealing with them — at these enhanced performance specs. But obviously, anything rated to support 300 lbs. and go over 20 mph is a category that didn’t exist before.
Previously, the “toys” they made supported 150 lbs max, went 10 mph max, ran for 5-10 miles after a long charge. The disappointment has been in the electric bike category because one expected that hybrid to fill out instead of jumping directly to fully motor propelled. Apparently, that old version of enhancing the bicycle doesn’t make sense — except as a manual back-up system, and most people won’t be miles and hours away from civilization.
One can always get enough exercise after arriving at their destination fully refreshed. I think in everyday transportation, getting there with the least energy expenditure and strain should be the highest objective.
I think it’s even better and more fun for these people living in retirement communities to ride around in this manner than suffer those walks a lot of them take — with bad backs, bad hips, bad knees bad feet — thinking that’s going to make them better. It’s just adding further wear and tear.
And by the look of fun and joy on the faces of people traveling this way, that alone has to be good for them — rather than enduring each painful step. The look of joy and envy on the look of children as you past are particularly gratifying as they point at you to their parent saying, “That’s what I want.” And the parents are thinking to themselves, “Hell, that’s what I want too.”
The look on people’s faces as they recognize that you are where it’s at and heading — is kind of a nice feeling of affirmation in this cookie-cutter world. So in a sense, it is the ultimate toy — and it feels like one knows something everybody else does not, but they immediately recognize it when they see it.
Even people with mopeds (Vespas) are impressed — knowing you’ve gone them one better. If transportation is the only issue — rather than status, security, conformity, etc., it doesn’t take much to be the standout winner.
Did either of you see the ‘eGo’ electric bicycle in your net searches? I’m very impressed by the ads but the weight is somewaht a problem at 130 pounds. A simple ramp to get it up on my carry-all would be needed.