I notice that you are considering lobbying the Federal Government. Although this seems like the right way to go, considering that we are supposed to have consistent road rules across the country, it is actually the State Governments that decide how the Road Rules are applied at state level.
A good example of this, is that in Qld, you can ride a moped on a car license. In Victoria, you need a full motor cycle license. There are other discrepancies, but you get the picture.
I personally think that individuals lobbying the Government, either Federal or State, will have minimal effect. What we would need to do, is to get established organisations on board, that would be prepared to lobby the relevant Governments on our behalf.
We have already seen the sustainable? transport electric bike ride from Sydney to Melbourne. The Monash Uni have already prepared a submission paper, albeit, several years ago.
I would love to see electric assist bikes become even more commonplace in our society, but with uptake of electric bikes as the norm, what would be the cost? (To us!)
Yes, we would see more e-bikes on the road, and I would hope, less cars.
One of the downsides could be what we have already seen in Melbourne. More people on bikes, using a combination of bikes/public transport.
I see that bikes are now banned on the suburban train network! I also see that I cannot take my bike on a country train service arriving in Melbourne at specific times. (Usually when you need to get to work!, and get home again)
Where is the incentive in that? You try and use alternative transport, and find that restrictions are placed on you.
Imagine if you created a section of the community that used a combination of e-bikes and public transport, because of distance? You would overload the train system even more.
the point is? The infrastructures are not in place to support a wholesale change in the way we do things, Even if the change was like, only 1% of commuters, that would make a huge difference in how the infrastructure works.
If you could get people off public transport, and on to e-bikes, then you could have a chance. But then the infrastructure will still need to be in place to handle an increase in bike transport. And somewhere to park/secure your bikes.
On the downside with an uptake in e-bike usage, would be an increase in regulation. How would the Government regulate 1000's of e-bikes zipping around the cities? Probably ban them from bike paths, probably limit the power output(yeah, I know, it already is!), and probably introduce an imposed speed cutout. Bear in mind that the Governments would more likely than not, choose the 'lowest common denominator'
Don't be surprised if all we get out of this would be an EU/UK style of e-bike regulation. I think we are dreaming if we think we could even come close to what is available in the US, or even Canada.
Forget 750 watts, will probably never happen. The powers that be would say, yes, good for a responsible adult, but what would happen if the 15 y/o son took it for a spin at full tilt down the local shopping mall? Riding around totally oblivious to the road rules, as they usually do!
Can you imagine it? No helmet, riding down the footpath, wrong side of the ride, not looking at where they are going, etc, etc. gee, its bad enough on their BMX's, how would it be if they were on a bike that could do 40 kph+?
These are the sort of things that Governments look at. The best we could hope for would be a moderate increase in power levels, and maybe a corresponding limitation on power assisted speed.
If this is what you want, then go for it.
Oh, we do need to change the way we do things, and the way we get around. I think e-bikes are part of the answer. Maybe small neighbourhood electric cars would be a more acceptable part of the answer for short distance commuting, but that's a topic for another thread.................................
I'll have grid connected solar to supply all my needs. Thanks for the Nano tip Hayden - maybe I should wait a while 'till their supply is ramped up....
