Lock said:
August Edition
The ministry has become aware of scooter-style vehicles that technically meet the pilot's e-bike definition, but not the intent, as they are not primarily operated by muscular power due to their heavy weight. Therefore, in addition to evaluating how safely the e-bike can integrate with other motor vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians, the emergence of the scooter-style e-bikes requires the ministry to also assess if the pilot?s original intent continues to be appropriate. The ministry may clarify its position on the original intent of the pilot when final legislation is drafted."
Funny, now the MTO is looking to "clarify original intent", in addition to the NCC that already has.
No more call them "rule changes", call them "clarificatons".
So they are targetting scooters or other "bikes" that are impractical to operate without electric. I saw a Chinese (?) electric scooter at GearHead here in Ottawa and I asked where the pedals were. She showed me where they could be attached.
Anyway, they don't seem to be targetting we real bike converters, at least, but what happens to those who bought these scooters ? Do they become illegal or require a licence/insurance ? How will they define difference between scooters/"bikes" that are impractical without electric due to weight, handling, pedal placement. etc.
Given the whole nature of the "pilot program" I've always been nervous about how it might change. That said, I don't really care too much. Nobody so far has actually noticed my bike is electric, even with 10 light switches under the seat, and now 3 outlets and a power cord !
Because it's a recumbent, or a recumbent pulling a double kid trailer, people see that if anything and I don't think they even notice my legs aren't spinning.
So if they outlaw it, fine I'll be an outlaw... Was talking to a nice cop today who showed my 6 year old (and I) his lights and other equipment. We chatted for a good 10 minutes. Says he's seen maybe 3 electric bikes but he doesn't really know what the law is about them...
I told him, and explained the 32+ KMH muscle fuzziness in ebike speed limit. He laughed and indicated he couldn't see giving a speeding ticket to a bike. (BTW he was doing laser speed stops in 60 KMH zone, at least 500 feet from where it drops from 80, and said they don't bother with 80 KMH in 60 zone, 85 is ticket.)
Today I did a google on "bicycle brake" and came up with a recent story from Germany where police confiscated an office chair some kids added a gas motor and bike wheels and brakes to. Bwahahaha
Ban ebikes and 50+ KMH office chairs are coming....