The Rise of E-Bikes

As bicycling advocates, we have seen the rise of electric motor-assist e-bikes over the last five years. In this time, the performance and availability of e-bikes has grown greatly. Thanks to advancements in battery/motor technologies and better handling, e-bikes have become robust machines. How do we embrace and inform our friends who choose a boosted mode of bicycling?

Who’s Riding E-Bikes?

Community members we talk to who ride e-bikes are either those new to cycling or seasoned riders who have lost strength due to illness, age, or time away from the bike. Some e-bike riders are people looking to choose two wheels for daily transportation and expand their range and/or speed over a non-motorized bicycle.

A community member recently stopped by CAT and told his story of formerly being a strong cyclist with powerful legs, who over time and with a muscle-wasting condition, lost his pedaling-prowess. After some years of fighting his condition, he found use of an e-bike, and with a lot of perseverance he has gotten rolling again – savoring it!

Concerns About E-Bikes on Streets and Trails?

…No Problem If Ridden Respectfully

People ask us what we think about e-bikes, surely expecting that as cycling purists and energy frugalists, we would frown upon them. My response is simple: If an e-bike rider is driving legally, respectfully, and with situational sensitivity, everybody should be able to get along. But, what does this mean?

…Pass Pedestrians at Prudent Speed

An e-bike driver traveling on a trail or sidewalk (where legal) maintaining a prudent speed in proximity to pedestrians, who communicates when passing, should be welcome. The e-bike driver should use their bell and call out “passing on your left”, when approaching, listening/looking for a signal of acknowledgement from the pedestrian, such as a wave or a “thank you”.

In personal experience on a non-motorized bicycle, I have found that if I ring my bell from a distance and the pedestrian I am passing acknowledges me with a friendly wave, I can safely pass them at 10 mph. If they do not acknowledge, when passing, I will slow down to 5mph, especially when their back is to me; whether they may be wearing earbuds or are hearing-impaired–if they have a dog on a leash or are winding up to cast their fishing hook into the canal. This works for geese too… just slow down and pick a side – there is no need to approach parenting geese at unreasonable speeds… this is when we hear stories of geese getting run over by cyclists!

…Sidewalks Can Be Jungles TOO

An e-bike rider traveling on a sidewalk should be doubly aware of the likelihood that their approach speed to driveways and intersections will be higher, hence creating the element of surprise for emerging motorists or other cyclists whose views may be screened by obstructions such as parked cars, poles, signs, or shrubbery.

As a human’s travel speed increases, their field of vision narrows to reduce mental data clutter – this is a known physiological phenomena. Slowing down can provide more time to see surprises, process them, and react to them calmly.

…Trail Crossings

Sidewalk concepts also apply for marked trail crossings. Since they often have painted crosswalks, these crossings should be crossed at walking speed (2-5 mph), and with communication to drivers of cross traffic that they are reasonably expected to yield. It can be especially useful to dismount and walk the crosswalk.

…Tread Lightly on Trails

On a mountain bike trail or other sensitive surface, an e-bike rider should consider their potential impact on trail erosion, which can be amplified with an e-bike’s doubled horsepower at the rear wheel.

…Riders Respecting Traffic Laws and Common Sense?

Anyone riding an e-bike on streets should understand of Pennsylvania Vehicle Code as setting a framework for drivers’ roles. With increased speed, decision time is reduced, and it is more important to have a plan before going into any situation. An e-bike driver should know where to be looking so they can predict and interact with other drivers planning their moves, i.e. a left-turning motorist waiting to turn can be communicated with using hand signals and body language to affirm their acknowledgement of a straight-thru bicyclist’s intention.

E-Bikes Under Pennsylvania Law

PA Act 154 of 2014 expands PA Title 75 (Vehicle Code), definition of a “pedalcycle” to include the an electric-assist pedalcycle having the following criteria:

• Max speed limited to 20 mph on level ground using motor only (generally accepted as 28 mph with combined motor and human power)
• Motor size limited to 750 watts (1.01 horsepower)
• Rider must be at least 16 years old, but driver’s license not required
• Bike must not weigh more than 100 lbs
• May have two or three wheels of at least 11″ diameter

Note that all other bicycle-specific and general-vehicle laws still apply. Basic ideas of direction of travel and obeying stop signs/traffic signals definitely apply and should be used to benefit a e-bike driver’s safety.

An e-bike that exceeds the above limits is technically not an e-bike under Pennsylvania law and would not be legal to ride on public streets.

What About Motorized Electric Scooters?

Those having two wheels without a seat – Must be titled, insured and licensed by current Vehicle Code/PennDOT standards… Therefore, the kind of scooters so popular in cities around the U.S. as rentals/shares are not permitted on Pennsylvania streets since they don’t meet inspection requirements (fenders, lights, turn signals). More info from PennDOT.

What About Gasoline-Powered Bicycles?

Bikes fitted with two-stroke weed wacker motors – are not classified the same as e-bikes. Gasoline-powered bicycles (50cc max engine size, auto transmission, operable pedals, max speed of 25 mph) are classified as mopeds under PA Vehicle Code and require insurance and registration (but not inspection). A moped driver must hold a class C (standard) driver’s license. More info from PennDOT.

More About E-Bike Design Improvements

Popular e-bikes offer cruising speeds up to 20 mph (while pedaling) with a range of 20-80 miles on a charge. Quality models have hydraulic disc brakes.

A drawback is that many e-bikes still weigh 20-30 lbs more than their non-electric counterparts, though good ones have low/centered weight for balanced handling, i.e. the motor is integral to the frame near the bottom bracket, and the battery is mounted low along the seat tube or down tube. Another consideration of an e-bike’s weight (40-60 lbs) is that it may be more difficult to lift, carry up/down stairs, or stow on a rooftop car rack.

As e-bikes contain significant electronic systems, it is important that they be serviced by mechanics who are trained to diagnose motors, controllers, batteries, brake/throttle switches, etc…

Quality models can run $2,500-5,000 – not cheap, but for those replacing their cars, e-bikes offer significant cost savings. Many Lehigh Valley full-service bicycle shops carry e-bikes by popular brands.