Would you trade a simple registration for better bike lanes and real respect from drivers?

Posted by Consistent_Debate637@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 20 comments

Right now, it feels like we’re in a bit of a gray area. We have everything from basic pedal-assist to high-powered bikes that ride more like mopeds, all being grouped together.

In some places, this confusion is leading to bans or tighter restrictions that hurt all of us.

If a simple registration system meant we got better protected bike lanes and legal recognition (so cars treat us with more respect), would you consider it a fair trade? Or do you think any form of licensing would just ruin the accessibility and freedom that makes e-bikes great?

I’m curious to hear both sides. I love the freedom, but I also hate feeling like a "second-class citizen" on the road.

Curious where you all stand – especially if you’ve lived somewhere with e-bike registration already.

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MesugakiBratTamer@reddit

Where I'm at, a simple solution exists.

Just go faster so you get the respect from motorists. If you can match or exceed the 85th percentile (posted speed limit does not dictate this!!), it's safe to just completely take over a car lane & you'll have full visibility from other drivers.

This is why I don't believe in speed limiting ordinances for ebikes/escooters. If you don't have good bike infrastructure, the best thing you can do, even if it meant breaking the rules on paper for your safety and convenience, is to adapt to local conditions.

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Mr_Midwestern@reddit

We shouldn’t be reinventing the wheel. Just refer to the laws that have been in place for the traditional ICE vehicles, we don’t treat a Tesla differently than a Honda civic, bikes should be the same.

Dirt bikes are dirt bikes, it is illegal for road use unless it has all the DOT required equipment to make it a dual sport and is registered as such. If an emoto is outfitted as a dirt bike or a dual sport, it should be registered as such.

Mopeds have their own set of laws. Personally, I feel if an ebike is equipped with a throttle and can achieve moped speeds, it should be considered a moped.

In my opinion, Class 1 ebikes (lacking a throttle and the ability to go over 20 mph) are the most authentic and have stayed true to the traditional “ebike” concept.

It would be safe to allow class 1 ebikes to share a bike lane with acoustic bicycles. It simply wouldn’t be safe to allow a modded surron to share a bike lane with class 1 e-bikes and traditional peddle bikes.

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Snarkosaurus99@reddit

Thanks for being sensical.

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Odd-Lime-2738@reddit

Cagers don’t even respect motorcyclists or even each other. What makes you think they’ll start with cyclists?

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Snarkosaurus99@reddit

Stupid blanket statement.

I do not and would not commute on my bike. I have respect for all commuters and give bikes a wide berth, unless they are in spandex and riding like no rules apply to them. No respect for them but Im not going to target them.

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MesugakiBratTamer@reddit

If im registering anything, I would definitely want to exceed 28 mph by that point

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Ok_Incident8962@reddit

Bike registration programs are also like the best way to deter theft. But the US is a country where people hate fees and paperwork of all kind. In my area delivery drivers park in bike lanes all the time, and lots of businesses resent them (even though time and time again studies show more bikes and pedestrians means more business for local street front stores) Plus Republicans would find a way to take bike fees and put them toward roads for gas guzzlers for sure. You have to use old fashioned grass-roots pressure to make a difference in most municipalities.

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MikeysmilingK9@reddit

Well, well. Thanks for self identifying. Hope you can make the change within yourself.

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Ok_Incident8962@reddit

Yup, no hostility at all to non-ICE transport from GOP Why Mitt Romney, Republican Lawmakers Don’t Like the E-BIKE Act proposed $1000 annual tax on EVs, and added Trump tarrifs on ebikes. Happy to 'self identify' as an American for ebikes and EVs.

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celeste_ferret@reddit

There isn't a grey area. If it doesn't meet the classifications of an ebike, then it's a motor vehicle and needs to be registered and insured and kept off of the bicycle infrastructure.

The problem is enforcement of the laws we already have.

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m2keo@reddit

It's up to the legislators. They don't need anymore from cyclists(all types) than what they already have. And nobody in the US specifically is ever gonna respect cyclists. It's already ingrained in the system.

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toaster404@reddit

EMotos should be registered, insured, and the drivers licensed. I have a motorcycle license. No big deal. EBikes appeal to those who can't get licensed for larger machines. I don't see a lot of issues with them now. They're no more annoying than auto drivers, pedestrians, loose dogs, geese.

I don't have any issues with driver respect compared to on a regular bike. Maybe fewer because I'm able to kick up to cruise speed more quickly.

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MikeysmilingK9@reddit

Must be disappointing and depressing when the majority disagrees with you.

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TopRepulsive4766@reddit

I can't see such registration as anything but another government annoyance. It certainly won't help gain any respect from drivers.

Ebike laws are very lax where I live (probably the most lenient state in the US)...Wyoming. And I hope it stays that way. And, knowing Wyoming, we are usually the last state to conform to the rest of the country (if that ever happens). I remember when Wyoming bitched and moaned when they had to raise the drinking age from 19 to 21 in 1988 in order to keep federal funding for roads and such.

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