Why are these newer e-bikes not treated same as motorcycles?

[Anonymous]

There are people just cruising along at high speeds not even touching the pedals on the mt vernon trail. It's crazy dangerous. They're not even aware. This needs to be stopped.

[Anonymous]

So what can we do to make lawmakers take action? While I'm involved a lot with federal regulations, I don't know what it takes to get local laws changed. Is this a county or a state issue?

In VA helmets need to be mandatory (currently you only have to wear them until you're 15), we need age limits on ebikes, escooters. We need rules that regulate them on sidewalks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So what can we do to make lawmakers take action? While I'm involved a lot with federal regulations, I don't know what it takes to get local laws changed. Is this a county or a state issue?

In VA helmets need to be mandatory (currently you only have to wear them until you're 15), we need age limits on ebikes, escooters. We need rules that regulate them on sidewalks.

Local regulation thing I guess except for trails within federally owned land. I guess some national parks they are banned on certain trails.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:E-motos are treated like motorcycles. E-bikes are treated like bikes. Also, road cyclists also ride 25+ MPH.

there are different classifications for e-bikes.

[Anonymous]

The e-bikes and scooters on DC sidewalks it’s dangerous. Riders don’t seem to care.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So what can we do to make lawmakers take action? While I'm involved a lot with federal regulations, I don't know what it takes to get local laws changed. Is this a county or a state issue?

In VA helmets need to be mandatory (currently you only have to wear them until you're 15), we need age limits on ebikes, escooters. We need rules that regulate them on sidewalks.

In Virginia, it is a state thing. Dillon rule.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:E-motos are treated like motorcycles. E-bikes are treated like bikes. Also, road cyclists also ride 25+ MPH.

+1000

Do you think thumbing a throttle, not moving your legs, cruising at 25MPH up a hill on a bike trail is cycling?

I can't wrap my head around adults who think they're accomplishing something by doing this??? Their fat asses might as well sit in a lazy-boy chair instead of terrorizing everyone on sidewalks and pathways.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:E-motos are treated like motorcycles. E-bikes are treated like bikes. Also, road cyclists also ride 25+ MPH.

+1000

Do you think thumbing a throttle, not moving your legs, cruising at 25MPH up a hill on a bike trail is cycling?

I can't wrap my head around adults who think they're accomplishing something by doing this??? Their fat asses might as well sit in a lazy-boy chair instead of terrorizing everyone on sidewalks and pathways.

They may be accomplishing necessary transportation? My admittedly uncharitable assumption is many of them are license-restricted due to DUI history, but perhaps I'm just salty at the multiple times my dog has nearly been run-down by the silent speedsters on sidewalks.

[Anonymous]

I think not a lot would remember that early motorcycles were basically bicycles with small engines attached. Well, these things on the bike trails are basically exactly the same thing except they have motors rather than engines. Just take a gander at an early motorcycle and compare.

[Anonymous]

There was a cyclist killed in NYC by an e-scooter recently and people are now mobilizing to regulate all of these (e-bikes and scooters). I saw a near miss here on the CCT in Bethesda--it's only a matter of time before someone is killed. The cops can't be bothered to enforce any traffic rules, these days, though.

[Anonymous]

I don't think one person tried to tackle OP's question. Just everyone complaining about them. I mean, I agree with everyone, but can someone answer WHY jurisdictions aren't addressing these things?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:E-motos are treated like motorcycles. E-bikes are treated like bikes. Also, road cyclists also ride 25+ MPH.

Road cyclists (on bicycles) are NOT on our sidewalks, nor do they belong there. I think cyclists know that sidewalks are a danger to them as well with small kids, dogs and pedestrians darting out. They also always have helmets on, know hand signals, and they stop at stop signs. Sidewalks are fine for kids to bicycle on, but not an actual adult road cyclist.

Hardly ever

[Anonymous]

Unlike motorcycles, these "bikes" do not require insurance. Good luck if you get injured by one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:E-motos are treated like motorcycles. E-bikes are treated like bikes. Also, road cyclists also ride 25+ MPH.

+1000

Do you think thumbing a throttle, not moving your legs, cruising at 25MPH up a hill on a bike trail is cycling?

I can't wrap my head around adults who think they're accomplishing something by doing this??? Their fat asses might as well sit in a lazy-boy chair instead of terrorizing everyone on sidewalks and pathways.

They may be accomplishing necessary transportation? My admittedly uncharitable assumption is many of them are license-restricted due to DUI history, but perhaps I'm just salty at the multiple times my dog has nearly been run-down by the silent speedsters on sidewalks.

No, not that at all. I see the same people on the same trails every day, speeding by back and forth. They're not running errands.

[Anonymous]

I see so much hate for these on FB but someone is buying them. A lot of somebodies, in fact. I live in Loudoun, and they are a dime a dozen.

I see kids doing stunts on a daily basis that boggle the mind - and I agree there are bound to be a lot of injuries to come.