I saw an ebike pull over.

[-]

stillyoinkgasp@reddit

I keep getting downvoted in this sub because I'm consistently telling people that time is running out. E-motos are operating in a loophole of the law and it's only a matter of time before it's closed, especially because the cohort buying e-motos is riding them like they are e-MOTOS and not e-BIKES.

Sucks to suck. Expect more regulation and crackdowns as municipalities get increasingly frustrated.

A spectacular failure of self-moderation, and also, a spectacular failure of pragmatic expectation setting by the community.

Mark my words: soon, most trail systems won't allow class 2/3 bikes.

[-]

thetonk@reddit

I've been a huge proponent of legalizing eBIKES since 2015. I saw the surge during the COVID years and have been saying the same thing since then but it fell on deaf ears. I'm still fighting for the 3 classes but month after month, the idiots who think they are cool keep ruining it for the rest of us. 2 parks have banned ebike out right already but there were high profile incidents on both so I totally understand. I'm still hopeful but those emotos need to go.

[-]

atlasraven@reddit

I don't personally like the 3 class system. We don't put ordinary cars into 3 classes or place restrictions on where you can ride a Lamborghini. I feel it divides the community and turns into a "well my class is best" competition.

[-]

thetonk@reddit

Totally agree but the other option is the plate/license the thing.

[-]

AMC2Zero@reddit

If they make higher speed ones easier to plate instead of turning them into e-waste I'm all for it.

[-]

gaspig70@reddit

There's the Stark VARG SM. Not cheap but they do seem awesome aside from range.

[-]

gaspig70@reddit

I believe u/atlasraven was questioning why there are three classes. Why not just have one legal class; at least for adults? Say max 750 watts, 20 mph throttle only, and no pedal assist after 28 mph? Honestly I don't even care about my throttle unless I'm at an intersection on a hill and in a vehicle lane. I don't need it but I figure the cars behind me would prefer me out of the way sooner than later.

[-]

dragonbud20@reddit

But we do have different classes of driver's license based on the size of vehicles. The law literally says that if the vehicle is big enough you have to have a more experienced driver's license to drive it. We don't differentiate how powerful cars are but how big they are does affect the level of license you need.

[-]

atlasraven@reddit

I said "ordinary" because I knew someone would bring up edge cases. Talking about ordinary commuters that 99% of people drive to places, not dump trucks or 18 wheelers.

[-]

Separate-Command1993@reddit

Can’t wait for them to go on marketplace for pennies on the dollar so I can buy them and use them for what they’re made for, off road use and trails

[-]

Maxrdt@reddit

I miss having a gas motorcycle, but living in the city now I'd love to have one for getting around town if they weren't so hard to register and insure for road use.

[-]

gaspig70@reddit

The new Stark VARG SM looks pretty tasty and is 100% street legal.

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Physical_Delivery853@reddit

Police auctions is where the great deals will be

[-]

gaspig70@reddit

I'm not sure there was really ever a loophole for e-motos such as the Sur-Ron unless you bought the near useless "pedal package". Without the pedals they were legally no different than gas dirt bikes.

[-]

stillyoinkgasp@reddit

Fair point. Also, municipalities were/are slow on the update re: enforcement of their rules. However, the tide is turning on that (for better or worse, I'm not sure).

[-]

Tight-War-8013@reddit

Youre funny. Class one gets a free pass? You think people are gonna care enough to check what motor is on there? Hilarious.

[-]

stillyoinkgasp@reddit

Yep, that's what will happen and is already happening in many areas.

[-]

Smooth_Tell2269@reddit

They have NO throttle, so yeah easy to check. If I don't peddle I don't move. It looks like a normal bike also

[-]

Tight-War-8013@reddit

Throttles can be hidden/ locked, class two also doesn’t have one, and you can make a 3000w hidden easily.

[-]

dragonbud20@reddit

I think you might be a little mixed up. Class 2 is explicitly defined as having a throttle.

[-]

justelectricboogie@reddit

Same happened with personal drones. Cool fun crazy videos were coming out. People were actually learning and having fun. And then the assholes stepped in, pushed the limits, didnt think, got annoying and rude, now you can barely fly anything without a bunch of legal approval permits, etc. Your 100 percent correct. What you say will happen and its unfortunate.

[-]

bronzepetalbronze789@reddit

The frustrating part is the responsible people almost always end up paying for the behavior of the reckless minority.

[-]

thunderflies@reddit

They’re ruining it for the rest of us and it makes me so mad

[-]

C-Alucard231@reddit

or, as per the usual, the government doesnt like you cut them out of the loop, and they want their money.

[-]

SexiestPanda@reddit

Yeah. Take Florida for example. Lifted trucks are illegal by law. Guess who does nothing about them?

[-]

Impossible-Hyena-722@reddit

This is a bit dramatic. There's multiple e-dirt bikes that offer street legal kits. Needing license and registration is not the end of the world unless you're a kid. These e-motos are not going anywhere.

[-]

stillyoinkgasp@reddit

What's dramatic?

[-]

demon_twink_gockie@reddit

I'm perfectly fine with that. Nothing should change just because it's an EV vs ICE. You don't drive a car with no license, registration, or insurance and go "BuT iT's ElEcTrIc! Hurr durr"🙄 e motos should be treated no differently from a similarly classed motorcycle, wether that's a moped or a full on motorcycle or whatever in between.

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Physical_Delivery853@reddit

Key words are "One of those motorcycle looking ones" E motorcycles need to be licenced & registered, plus the driver has to be 15 1/2 minimum. Plus you can't ride an ebike of any kind on the sidewalk over 15mph in most jurisdictions.

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gaspig70@reddit

Riding 15 mph on a sidewalk is plenty fast on any bicycle.

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Designer_Can_6551@reddit

that is state by state, has size and wattage requirements, its not a blanket statement.

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Physical_Delivery853@reddit

BS .. all 50 states, e-bike regulations are strictly tied to specific speed and wattage caps. Once a vehicle exceeds these strict legal limits, it is reclassified as a moped, motorcycle, or unregistered motor vehicle and is entirely prohibited on public streets without proper registration, insurance, and a valid driver's license.

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Designer_Can_6551@reddit

you have read absolutely none of this thread....

[-]

Joose__bocks@reddit

Your reading comprehension is dog shit. They said it varies by jurisdiction. Use rational thinking in your responses.

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dragonbud20@reddit

your reading comprehension is even worse. The period after the words "has to be 15 1/2 minimum." separates that sentence from the one after it. This means that the "in most jurisdictions" phrase actually only refers to the sentence: "Plus you can't ride an ebike of any kind on the sidewalk over 15mph"

[-]

Joose__bocks@reddit

You're responding after they edited their comment. You're defending someone who has been wrong on every account, didn't admit it, and now silently edits their comments.

[-]

dragonbud20@reddit

I am commenting exclusively on your reading comprehension and nothing else. That's why I responded to your comment and not the other poster.

[-]

Joose__bocks@reddit

But my reading comprehension is fine. Your comment points out something that wasn't true when I made my comment. I'm feeling some powerful irony here since your lack of reading comprehension is starting to show. What's going on in this sub?

[-]

Designer_Can_6551@reddit

i feel that the moving goal posts of "not true when I made my comment" is what sours the whole discussion. quoting the law isnt irony.

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Physical_Delivery853@reddit

I didn't edit shit...

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Designer_Can_6551@reddit

what the fuck are you replying to?

[-]

Joose__bocks@reddit

The real irony is in your other comment you made a false blanket statement. You're calling out others for things that describe you.

[-]

Designer_Can_6551@reddit

you have lost the narrative and are not making any sense.

[-]

Joose__bocks@reddit

You're just kind of deflecting because anyone with the ability to read can see that you made an absolute statement and then criticized someone else for making a general statement. You're such a knucklehead.

[-]

Designer_Can_6551@reddit

you stopped making new points long ago, no need to repeat ourselves. moron.

[-]

TheRube84@reddit

gif

[-]

Legitimate-Lab9077@reddit

It is not state by state. In the United States the maximum is 750 W, 20 miles an hour if it has a throttle, 28 miles an hour if it does not have a throttle.

[-]

Dickparker420@reddit

Only for classification, not for operating

[-]

AMC2Zero@reddit

That only handles product classification, whether it's allowed on the roads and the requirements for doing so including tickets and impounds is state by state.

[-]

KatakanaTsu@reddit

It's 'mostly' state by state. WA state allows 1,000 watts if it's pedal assist only.

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Designer_Can_6551@reddit

traffic laws are written and enforced by the states. If they share an idea, its probably a good one but there are no federal traffic laws that you speak of.

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Physical_Delivery853@reddit

The manufacturers cover their asses as it clearly states the ebike is for adults over 18.

[-]

sam857us@reddit

Damn thing says, 18-60. I’m 69, so I’m not allowed to ride it? Most likely a liability issue…

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Physical_Delivery853@reddit

I'm 69 in November... I feel ya 🤣😂

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kurisu7885@reddit

Ye. I ride an Etrike that looks nothing like a motorcycle and I never get bothered. Have just had people ask me about it. Granted I did see a moped on a sidewalk, but considering the one I saw was one of those only capable of like 30 MPH, eh I didn't mind that so much.

[-]

Physical_Delivery853@reddit

Yep, if you're mostly following the rules & not a danger to others they won't bother you unless the cops are having a real slow day. Hell, in NorCal cops don't even enforce moving violations for cars speeding unless it's like doing 70 in a 35.

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Physical_Delivery853@reddit

Yep, if you're mostly following the rules & not a danger to others they won't bother you unless the cops are having a real slow day. Hell, in NorCal cops don't even enforce moving violations for cars speeding unless it's like doing 70 in a 35.

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kurisu7885@reddit

Yeah, in most cases as I understand it they'd rather you do what's safe for you and others.

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Errror1@reddit

My state doesn't have any laws about bikes on the sidewalk, they leave it to local jurisdictions

[-]

atlasraven@reddit

Different states, different laws. You are assuming this happened in the US but other countries have their own laws.

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DaWhite@reddit

Those sur-ron and talaria are not legal where i'm from, they get arrested too. Illegal on the sidewalk because of the speed, illegal in the streets because no license plates... only good for the trails

[-]

boghall@reddit

Ia most places there’s nothing illegal about the bike itself: what makes it so is as you say failing to register and insure it. But the perpetual arguments here and elsewhere around this and categorisation are a distraction which, even if resolved, don’t address the real problem.

What causes intense public irritation and brings undeserved condemnation upon all users is the danger posed by irresponsible riders, particularly of fast or souped-up bikes. As far as I can tell the preconditions for that are almost exclusively to be male and immature. It’s misbehaviour against which the strongest response is robust policing. Policies that seem to be most successful include arrest for breaking traffic laws, remote zapping to disable the bike electronics, drone surveillance to follow them home, and instant confiscation.

[-]

SlightlyFlustered@reddit

Can only register and insure if they are sold with appropriate paperwork. Many are sold for off-road only just like dirt bikes and cannot be licensed for on road use.

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gaspig70@reddit

In some states plating a dirt bike is fairly easy such as here in WA. There's even been a few folks who've successfully done so with a Surron though it's still rare.

[-]

Fun_Illustrator_9327@reddit

All bikes are illegal on sidewalks unless your a young kid

[-]

BlueSwordM@reddit

Not necessarily. While I wouldn't be caught dead riding on a sidewalk at any time aside from exceptions, there are laws authorizing some to go on sidewalks, especially for younger riders.

[-]

AlphaaPie@reddit

I ride sidewalks almost exclusively because I live in Florida and can't find the courage to ride in a bike lane if I don't have to- also because my main commute is along an 8 lane highway. Haha, no thanks.

I just have to be mindful of pedestrians, they have right of way ofc, and I also like to chill and take my time anyway so I cruise at like 10-12mph on average

[-]

Kombatsaurus@reddit

Weird. I ride on the sidewalks almost exclusively. So much fun.

[-]

Fun_Illustrator_9327@reddit

I agree that small kids should be good and law enforcement should be allowed to use good judgement as to whether to enforce the law for adults and teens. I think they should take a similar approach for e-bikes on paths and shared bike lanes.

[-]

Rickd7@reddit

Law enforcement using good judgment, 😂😂😂

[-]

boundone@reddit

The problem with those laws is that they often don't go by age but by wheel size. My old town allowed up to 14 inch wheels on the sidewalk, because no older person was likely to be riding a bike that small fast. They don't hold up to ebikes because so many do have wheels that size or smaller.

[-]

Dubbinchris@reddit

It differs everywhere.

[-]

boundone@reddit

Hence 'often'.

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Physical_Delivery853@reddit

Where to ride: Stick to designated bike lanes or streets with speed limits of 25 mph or lower.Speed limit: The maximum speed limit for e-scooters in California is 15 mph.Age & License requirements: You must be at least 16 years old and possess a valid driver's license or learner's permit to operate an e-scooter.Helmets: Riders under the age of 18 are legally required to wear a helmet.Single rider only: Passengers are not allowed; it is strictly one rider per scooter.

[-]

romz81481@reddit

But this is for california there are 49 other states with different laws. Not to mention other countries. Maybe your looking for a california ebike group?

[-]

Physical_Delivery853@reddit

Na, as goes California, so goes the nation eventually. Most beach cities in Calif banned ebikes & escooters several years ago, long before the rest of the nation even knew what they were

[-]

romz81481@reddit

But I dont live in a coatal town and my place is nowhere close to banning

[-]

Physical_Delivery853@reddit

Don't worry, the same issues that lead to outright bans will come to your city too eventually

[-]

romz81481@reddit

I live in the colorado mountains. Besides the bike lanes we have dedicated multiuse trails to almost anywhere up to class 2 or 3 is allowed depending on the county. Not to mention i got a fat tire and have endless 4×4 trails to explore. They banned emotes in colorado thats it cause they r not bikes.

[-]

Comfortable_Treat880@reddit

Doubt that very much. I live in the Midwest, ebikes, escooters, etc. have riders here just not to the extent coastal/tourist towns and cities might get. For instance, California you could ride an ebike/escooter all year round. Most states do not get weather like that, which I would argue hurts interest/sales for electric mobility in those states. The more there is of someone doing something, the more attention is going to be brought to it. Positive and negative. I drive my escooter here with the speed of traffic (typically 35 - 40 mph) and cops could care less. Also, you have to take each state and their general politics on state level as a factor also.

[-]

Semper-Fi1063@reddit

Maybe where your from, and I don't know where that is, but not in Michigan, South Carolina, or Texas where I have lived and ridden my bicycle on the sidewalk and in the road.

[-]

Kombatsaurus@reddit

So confidently incorrect it's funny.

[-]

Tabbygail@reddit

Highly area dependent. My state allows it for safety, outside business districts.

[-]

2shado2@reddit

Not everywhere. The rules are different in different locales.

[-]

eclipseguy93@reddit

Washington state class 1 and 2 are legal on the sidewalks and all dual use paths.unless the path is marked as closed to bikes.

[-]

waronhumans@reddit

It's legal in my state

[-]

BassesNBikes@reddit

Unless my a young kid what?

[-]

Relative-Display-676@reddit

michigan you can ride on sidewalks since we don't have pedestrians.

[-]

fishforce1@reddit

Also depends on the jurisdiction. It’s not allowed in Royal Oak and Birmingham, for example (at least in the downtown areas).

[-]

DaWhite@reddit

I meant the bike lane next to the sidewalk... it's limited to 30km/h or something like that

[-]

Mitrovarr@reddit

Illegal most trails too, unless they allow dirt bikes and the like.

[-]

bach2209@reddit

This is hilarious. I was riding over a bridge. On street like law says. A deputy sheriff pulls up tells me to get off the fucking road and get on sidewalk before Im killed. I have recorded that with sound. My camera is attached to handlebars, so didn't get face.

[-]

Designer_Can_6551@reddit

>20mph and >750w its a fucking moped.

[-]

Joose__bocks@reddit

I guess you don't believe in the three class system.

[-]

Designer_Can_6551@reddit

where i live its either a bike or a moped, there is not tiered system, its a hard line at 20mph and 750w.

[-]

stormdelta@reddit

Most US states follow the three class system, I don't know where you live but it's not the norm in the US

[-]

Designer_Can_6551@reddit

its like every single state that has laws clearly defining what a moped vs an ebike simply do not exist. anyways, its >750w and >20mph across the board.

[-]

Joose__bocks@reddit

And we all live where you live. Case closed.

[-]

Designer_Can_6551@reddit

no, the 3 tier system still exists but the laws apply at >20mph and >750w.

rational thinking might help with your problem.

[-]

Joose__bocks@reddit

What laws apply where? Your response is irrational.

[-]

Designer_Can_6551@reddit

state laws are all that apply to traffic issues.

[-]

lFightForTheUsers@reddit

state laws in the state of...?

[-]

Joose__bocks@reddit

That's not what you said before. Goodness you're dense.

[-]

koookiekrisp@reddit

The 3 tiered system only applies to things designated as “e-bikes”. In my state you could get an e-moped and be topped out at 35 mph. No registration, no insurance, no license, just a helmet if you’re under 16 (I’m in a yeehaw state if you can’t tell). It’s no longer an ebike at that point, just a moped that happens to have pedals (which is an annoying distinction)

[-]

LiveCheesecake6080@reddit

Over 28mph**

[-]

CatDadof2@reddit

Every time I see someone riding a bike, whether it’s electric or not, on the sidewalk, I question the functionality of their brain. Around here, it’s illegal, full stop. Any bike riding is illegal on a sidewalk. Doesn’t matter how fast you go. There are over 70 miles of bike lanes here and there’s no excuse for someone to be riding on the sidewalk. If I see someone getting pulled over for that, I won’t have any sympathy. When I do see it, they’re zooming and can easily hurt someone. I use the bike lanes and I haven’t had an issue.

[-]

gingerbearuk@reddit

good that you have that. Not everywhere does.

[-]

stormdelta@reddit

Any bike riding is illegal on a sidewalk. Doesn’t matter how fast you go.

This varies between towns and jurisdictions, it is legal to ride on sidewalk in many places, at safe speeds of course.

And sidewalk riding at low speed is rarely an issue outside of very dense urban centers, which are often marked. It should still be avoided (and especially avoid riding against traffic on sidewalk through intersections), but there are times when it's the safest option.

Hell, my city even has a few places the bike lane turns into the sidewalk temporarily, with explicit signs and everything

[-]

cedotze@reddit

The problem is, was, and forever "KIDS" riding reckless, careless and brainless, never the ebike, emoto, or etrike. Kids, kids, kids.

Parents need to parent, why would you give your child a 80lbs bullet and be surprised when they use it?

[-]

allozzieadventures@reddit

Ehhh I've seen plenty of adults doing stupid shit on unregistered emotos too. Not just about kids.

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cedotze@reddit

Facts, but you can throw a grown ass man jail, dumb shit is dumb shit. And almost all of the ebike laws were made because of children getting hurt or children hurting someone.

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allozzieadventures@reddit

You can throw them in jail, but how many actually do? The cops have a hard time enforcing the laws where I live

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Gizmorum@reddit

how fast was he riding? i mean i see grow men on sodewalks riding 8-10 all the time

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flomoloko@reddit

Yea, my cannondale from 2021 aint getting no second glances like moto boy is.

[-]

Maxrdt@reddit

Put colorful tassels, a cute front basket, flower stickers, and wear a helmet on a bike. You'll get cargo space and no one will bother you.

[-]

PapaOoMaoMao@reddit

I got a pink ladies cruiser and slapped a massive Bafang mid drive on it. Never did anything crazy on it. I just wanted the oomph to get up the hill to my place. I mounted a crate on the back for my shopping. I never had a single encounter with the police. Was it because it was a pink ladies cruiser or because I didn't ride like a moron? Maybe both.

[-]

DefiantConsequence22@reddit

The sidewalk thing is the big one here. Even if your bike is legal, riding on the sidewalk will get you stopped fast.

[-]

FlyinDtchman@reddit

I've been pulled over on my e-bike twice.... And it's a REAL e-bike class 2.

Once for running a stop sign on an empty street and the second time for not using hand-signs... which I've never seen ANYONE use ever.

[-]

elvid88@reddit

I have also been pulled over for running a stop sign on an otherwise empty street (cop was sitting in a parking lot) and got a written warning tied to my driver's license.

I almost never use hand signals...and have almost never seen anyone use them either. I don't feel confident removing one hand off my bike especially with how many potholes there are on New England streets.

I've considered getting those helmets or some other turn signal device for my bike.

[-]

Wild59Bill@reddit

I highly recommend the WSDCAM smart bike alarm with multiple choice tail taillights, (I personally like the flashing red lights), with turn signals & brake lights, a very loud horn & a motion alarm, - All for $50 CAD on Amazon.

[-]

thetonk@reddit

A buddy in the force told me they are specifically looking for Surrons, Talarias, and the like. Sadly he mentioned Bonnell as well. I asked about the cafe racer looking ones that can hit 40+ and he told me that as long as the rider is following rules, they could care less.

I've said it once before, the days are numbered for emotos. It was fun while it lasted. Screw all the people who helped it accelerate. Now stop trying to fit in with us ebikes.

[-]

SAwfulBaconTaco@reddit

Some guy said, huh. That sounds reliable.

[-]

Findadmagus@reddit

This is a reddit comment section. It’s literally all “some guy said” unless you link a reputable source. Who gives a shit.

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SAwfulBaconTaco@reddit

So you don't care about facts.

[-]

Findadmagus@reddit

Oh, I do. I just don’t come to fucking reddit for my facts lmao

[-]

SAwfulBaconTaco@reddit

This is some maga-level failure to engage with reality. Rather than discuss the topic at hand, your rather whine or distract by bringing up something else. The "facts" had to do with the previous post, not some nebulous fAcTs out in the ether. Buh bye, troll.

[-]

Smooth_Tell2269@reddit

Well said. Class 1 bikes should nit be regulated

[-]

Cargobiker530@reddit

Where I am if you're an adult riding in the bike lane, wearing a helmet, and under 20 mph you might as well be invisible. The police are interested in the kids on Surrons and Talarias.

[-]

Mysterious_Lesions@reddit

I think it will still take some time as legislation is not moving fast enough. When I see squads of emotos with teen riders racing down public streets doing wheelies, I am sad to admit that I'm hoping one or two fall.

[-]

Secret-Boss-7000@reddit

I thought half the fun of a ebike is doing a U turn and flipping of the pigs as your pass?
Am I commute poorly?

[-]

bentnotbroken96@reddit

My bike comes from the factory locked to legal max speed where I live. It can be unlocked to go slightly faster, but I haven't done it. One morning when I left the house a couple of minutes late, I was riding to work at 20MPH (max speed allowed here) and I heard a car come up behind me but allowed and didn't pass.

After 10 seconds I looked over my shoulder and it way a cop, pacing me.

They're watching.

[-]

Smooth_Tell2269@reddit

Were you peddling or just using throttle?

[-]

bentnotbroken96@reddit

Pedaling.

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ladybugseattle@reddit

The Kids around here are doing group rides through downtown and scaring tourists. This will get ugly.

[-]

pfhlick@reddit

Pretty thin skinned tourists if they can't handle some bikes riding by for a few minutes. Snap a picture, you've got a story to tell.

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Physical_Delivery853@reddit

If that's all they were doing you wouldn't see the current crackdown, now would we. They are driving the wrong way, doing wheelies & hitting people, one 80 year old man was killed last week.

[-]

pfhlick@reddit

Man, wait til you hear about cars.

[-]

Physical_Delivery853@reddit

Or MAGA pedos

[-]

Acsteffy@reddit

I was once pulled over while commuting on a regular bicycle at 05:00am. I rode through a red light at a T-intersection when there were no cars in sight.
Cop pulls out of a parking lot and flashes his lights. I was fuming at how stupid the cop was being about it but I acted respectful because of the unfair power dynamic at play. Thankfully I didn't get a ticket.
Cops are just bored sometimes and want to hold power over others.

BTW, you are talking about an e-Moto, not an e-Bike.

[-]

Smart_Classroom2668@reddit

lol you ran a red light he should have giving you a ticket

[-]

lFightForTheUsers@reddit

16 states carry "Idaho stop" laws that allow for cyclists to do a slow yield without stopping at stop signs if traffic is clear and do a stop then proceed even if red on a red light.

If they blew through it without even slowing down or looking then okay yeah that's a bit more understandable, but 5 am low traffic I'm willing to give OP the benefit of the doubt. If a light is red I'll stop, but if traffic is low and I know it's a problem intersection that doesn't recognize cyclists then I'm going to go when it's safe to. I'm not going to sit there for 5+ minutes waiting on another car to come up fuck that.

[-]

Acsteffy@reddit

Riding through a T intersection on the side of the road on a bicycle.
Lick that boot harder

[-]

BarkleEngine@reddit

I was recently at a red light at about 5am. A cop pulled up just after me and I didn't even notice him as I rode across the empty intersection against the light. He did nothing.

[-]

Odin-spark@reddit

I seen one get pulled over today in ocean city Maryland. He was riding along the street and all a sudden a cop flipped his lights on and sped across the street to get him.

I am not sure what bike it was but looked more like a motorcycle with peddles than a traditional ebike.

[-]

wukongaddict@reddit

Downvoting all of you calling it an emoto. I have one as well & it's an Ebike.

[-]

Rod_Stiffington69@reddit

I got stopped for riding my bike on a sidewalk on a regular bike. 6 in the morning when no one was out.

[-]

Bogmanbob@reddit

I've seen it too. However I also saw the reckless behavior that led to it being the right choice ebike, bike or rollerskates.

[-]

TheHedonyeast@reddit

funny how doing illegal things will get you pulled over, huh?

[-]

Jmk-2296@reddit

He was probably riding an emoto like a Sur-Ron not an ebike there's a big difference between the two Sur-Ron's and other similar emotos usually don't have any pedals and only have pegs and are extremely regulated where I'm from. Everything where I'm from has to be class 2 or under.

[-]

Difficult_Coast2848@reddit

I live in dog fart Virginia oop's I ment Danville, Va to see people walking on the sidewalk be like spotting a UAP 😹🤣😁

[-]

Difficult_Coast2848@reddit

It all depends on what state and city... In some cases countries!! 🤓🤠😎

[-]

Bitter_Technician875@reddit

I got pulled over on my ebike in wildwood NJ a month ago by 2 cops

[-]

Fonzdj@reddit

Is it ok to ride an E-bike in peddle mode on the sidewalk?

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LiveCheesecake6080@reddit

Look up local laws where you live don't rely on someone online telling you.

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koookiekrisp@reddit

From what I’ve seen it’s the reckless driving, the sidewalk driving, the super fast driving, and the underage driving that gets you pulled over. In my state a “moped” can go 35mph without a license, insurance, registration, etc. only rule I think is under 16 needs a helmet. Is an emoto illegal without all the DOT stuff and registration? Absolutely. But so is jaywalking and riding your normal bike on the sidewalk, and a whole lot of stuff that people do every day.

As long as you’re not blasting highways speeds in neighborhoods, popping wheelies, and generally being a dingus on public roads then the cops should generally leave you alone. But be warned that it is still illegal and if they pull you over they have every right to. The laws don’t reflect the current state of accessible technology and the cops are there to enforce it. They’re not there to argue whether your rocket with two wheels is an ebike because you can technically pedal it.

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LiveCheesecake6080@reddit

Mostly yes except for the sidewalk comment. There are many places this is legal and acceptable.

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PatrickGSR94@reddit

I got pulled over on my ebike, but not because of my ebike, but because I rolled through a red light that is notorious for changing when there is NO ONE on the cross street in the morning (mall entrance on one side, dead-end street by a church on the other side). The stupid light is on timer operation at early morning hours or something. It's annoying as hell. I rode through it, and didn't see the cop right behind me, who got me instantly. Didn't get a ticket. But I'm sure all the motorists were laughing about how "that biker who never follows the road laws got his hurr hurr hurr!"

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poofer_cat@reddit

A lot of bots in this thread

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_haha_oh_wow_@reddit

Sounds like you are describing an emoto, not an ebike.

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fastwanabe@reddit

I got yanked once.... On the sidewalk.... Didn't wait for the light at a crosswalk. Sucks because I had a warrant too.

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Barbarake@reddit

How fast was the rider going? Fast enough to look unsafe (I know that's subjective)?

In my town, it's illegal to ride on the sidewalk but we also don't have any bike lanes. I've chatted with several policemen - they understand the dangers of riding in the street and won't bother you unless you're riding fast.

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ArmchairPancakeChef@reddit

It might be that that emoto was illegal beyond a certain wattage or voltage.

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LiveCheesecake6080@reddit

Many places riding on the sidewalk is both legal and safer. Don't generalize here, it leads to arguments..

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LeighofMar@reddit

In my small city they don't enforce it as there are no bike lanes and you'll get killed on the street. Plus we have sidewalks that take you to trails that wind thru downtown and the parks. People commute thru the parks. My personal example is I can go thru the back of my neighborhood and then it's just 2 blocks to the downtown park trail. No one is stopping anybody for 2 blocks ride. Have done it in full view of cop and sheriff cars.

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ProgenitorOfMidnight@reddit

even though technically illegal, cops pretty much ignore bikes on side walks around here as long as you're not showing your ass, doubt they would let an E-moto slide though.