Buses and Motorized Bikes

[pavers]

In my area, the bus authority has installed bike racks on the front of buses so that bikers can ride the bus with their bikes. HOWEVER, they have a rule that they will not carry motorized bikes. Has anyone else experienced this regulation? I can perhaps understand not carrying gas powered bikes, but what would be the reason for not carrying electric bikes, and has anyone here slid in and stealhily (sp?) done it anyway?

Thanks.

 

[fitek]

Caltrain prohibits motorized bikes here too. However, no one has said anything about my bike the few times I've gone on with it. I think the regulation is for gas bikes that would be a hazard to bring onboard (gas spills, fumes, etc). I think as long as you aren't obnoxious about it (for example, you're supposed to take the saddle bags off your bike on Caltrain), you can probably just go ahead and bring the bike on.

 

[Dr. Shock]

You can always say your hubmotor is a brake, which is true.

 

[Toshi]

Seattle explicitly disallows gas-motorized bikes and allows electrics. However, the nominal weight limit is 55 lbs so the batteries would need to come on board with me.

 

[Mathurin]

Motorized bike is another name for moped. Electric bicycles are a different entity.

 

[mvadventure]

Most state regulations consider electrically assisted bicycles as regular bicycles and have no problem with them riding in areas where motorized vehicles are prohibited. Motor size is limited and speed limits are set at 20 MPH. I carry a copy of the Florida regulations in a waterproof pouch on my bike but I've never been either stopped or questioned. Google electric bike regulations for your state and you'll likely find several helpful pages.

IMHO if you can pick it up easily and place it in the rack it should be OK. While I've never had the opportunity to use such a service I can imagine the racks aren't designed for heavy bikes. My balloon tires for example won't fit into regular bike racks.

Mike