A fun article in Tuesday’s Trib on electric-assist bikes.
An interesting assertion in the article is that when in powered mode, such bikes can’t be in the bike lane. Is this true? Is it good policy?
A fun article in Tuesday’s Trib on electric-assist bikes.
An interesting assertion in the article is that when in powered mode, such bikes can’t be in the bike lane. Is this true? Is it good policy?
11 responses to “Electric Bikes on Oregon Roads”
The article said:
“I find out later that it counts as a ‘motorized vehicle’ when the engine’s running and shouldn’t be on the bike path. Bummer.”
So the author suggests electric-assisted bikes are not allowed on multi-use paths (it doesn’t mention bike lanes) when the engine is engaged. I am not so sure.
There has been some debate at the Multnomah County Bike/Ped Committee meetings about the legality of those gas-powered scooters on the Springwater Trail. Apparently, they are legal.
I imagine if you can zip along with a gas-powered motor, you can plod along with an electric assist.
The bigger question, I think, is whether the lack of clarity might keep electric bikes from catching on. Although the Trib article paints a less-than-glowing picture, electric-assist bikes could help lower the barrier for people making the car-to-bike switch.
For those interested in electric-assist bikes, check out this page. They are selling stuff, but it still has good info:
http://www.electric-bikes.com/bikes.htm
As commented in the Tribune:
This article makes it seem like electric bikes are only for the extreme. But in Japan, it is quite normal to see such bikes, ridden mainly by HOUSEWIVES (often with child seats on the front and/or back). Most trips are less than 1 mile, not a 10 mile commute.
The Japanese version looks more simple, yet they are more expensive ($800-1,200). The engine charges itself when going down hills, and you only really use the engine boost when going uphill.
It would be nice too see use of electric bikes, & bikes in general, become more mainstream in the US
As commented in the Tribune:
This article makes it seem like electric bikes are only for the extreme. But in Japan, it is quite normal to see such bikes, ridden mainly by HOUSEWIVES (often with child seats on the front and/or back). Most trips are less than 1 mile, not a 10 mile commute.
The Japanese version looks more simple, yet they are more expensive ($800-1,200). The engine charges itself when going down hills, and you only really use the engine boost when going uphill.
It would be nice too see use of electric bikes, & bikes in general, become more mainstream in the US
From what I’ve heard, the law says that the motor can’t be bigger than 1 hp, or go faster than 20 mph, (if it does, it is considered a scooter.) To put that into perspective, most non-racing bicyclists use about 0.2 hp, and average 15 mph, (which results in an average trip speed of about 12 mph if you stop at the stop signs.) I don’t know about buses, but I know MAX allows them on the trains if the battery pack is sealed, (most 12 volts aren’t, (for instance car batteries,) but bicycles tend to spend some of their life laying on their side, so I’d hope that those are sealed…)
At some point, the US will see bike use increase because we’ll become even more populated. One of the reasons that those other countries (China, Japan) have heavy bike usage.
The only thing is, we’re not dense, highly populated, or growing fast enough to even come close to the demands of bikes that China and Japan have.
China meanwhile has been spending excessive time and money on moving people in serious ways such as highways, high speed rail, and such methods.
From the ODOT summary of bicycle statutes:
ORS 814.405
Status of electric assisted bicycle.
An electric assisted bicycle shall be considered a bicycle, rather than a motor vehicle, for purposes of the Oregon Vehicle Code, except when otherwise specifically provided by statute. [1997 c.400 §4]
and…
ORS 801.258
[Definition of] “Electric assisted bicycle.”
“Electric assisted bicycle” means a vehicle that:
(1) Is designed to be operated on the ground on wheels;
(2) Has a seat or saddle for use of the rider;
(3) Is designed to travel with not more than three wheels in contact with the ground;
(4) Has both fully operative pedals for human propulsion and an electric motor; and
(5) Is equipped with an electric motor that:
(a) Has a power output of not more than 1,000 watts; and
(b) Is incapable of propelling the vehicle at a speed of greater than 20 miles per hour on level ground.
[1997 c.400 §2; 1999 c.59 §233]
Cf: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/BIKEPED/laws_regs.shtml
Its also worth noting (as one commentor did to the Trub) the locally invented and produced electric assist system called Stokemonkey.
http://cleverchimp.com/
It has also been applied the to a Dutch cargo bike (Bakfiet), and Bakfiets are now being imported into Portland:
http://clevercycles.com/
These two things seem a match made in heaven for Portland.
Thanks for mentioning my post on the trib article. I have had the pleasure of accepting a very generous offer from Todd Boulanger. I have been riding a Bakfiets for over a week now and have fallen in love with it. Although I have not ridden one fitted with an electric assist stokemonkey, I would love to give it a try sometime. I have rough go of the trip up Interstate or Greely on my commutes home in the evenings when my ‘bak’ is full of rolls of drawings and or children. It is doable, but just not as doable on Todd’s model whose gearing hasn’t been adjusted for Portland hills. It’s great for crossing a canal bridge though!
Status of electric assisted bicycle.
An electric assisted bicycle shall be considered a bicycle, rather than a motor vehicle, for purposes of the Oregon Vehicle Code, except when otherwise specifically provided by statute. [1997 c.400 §4]
Question what is this part and where is the wording?
[1997 c.400 §4]
I just bought a eZee electric pedal assist bike and want to use it to commute to my office but would like to take a bike route and still be “legal”
Thx
There is no issue. The electric bike is legal and fine on all bike paths. The article unfortunately profiled a low tech inefficient e bike model. Its imported. An alternative is the Optibike, made in the USA with up to date technology and tremendous performance that easily could handle the commute in the Trib article. I know . I own one and I’ve tried other e bikes too. Bike Gallery sells the A2B but its a tank compared to a sports car like the Opti
I ride a trek mb with a 600W brushless hub motor 20 miles roundtrip everyday. The bike lanes are legal as long as your “bike” doesn’t exceed 20 mph while using the throttle. Now keep in mind that on some downhill portions, you will exceed 20 mph with pedaling alone, this is still considered legal. The concern surrounding electric bikes is overpowered bikes that are being used in the bike lane as scooters, which would be unsafe to other riders. As long as you are mindful to pedal and ride at a safe speed, you will never have any problems. Of note, the max speed I have ever achieved with my current setup without pedaling is 22 mph on a slight downhill.Pedaling will only increase that speed by 1-2 mph, but it will increase my range significantly.
The batteries typically used for e-bikes are sealed lead acid, lithium and NiMH battery packs approved for use with small electric powered vehicles.However, take caution as there are still those DIY’ers that will strap a 12v car battery to their rear rack. These should not be allowed on “multi trails” as they are at risk for “spillage” if the bike is dumped.
Electric Bikes are a great way to get to work without destroying your energy level, and arriving all sweaty. Not to mention, NO GAS!!!! There are several local places in portland that sell DYI kits, and full systems. Clever cycle, ecospeed, and bike-n-hike are all great places to familiarize yourselves with this technology. You can also find kits online that are very easy to install on any bike ranging from $350 to $1000’s. Good luck and safe biking.
ej