Legality of child seats; trailers; sidewalks- with ebikes

[vanilla ice]

Another letter of the law question. I know I know, real world this probably won't end up being an issue, but it still interests me to see what the books say whether or not I do it. Up till now I've been keeping my child trailer and seats on non-powered bicycles, but that may change. So I'm guessing as long as you're not reg'd as in the (a) moped class you're ok in cali? What about other states/countries? Whats the dillio?

 

[Rassy]

I have wondered about similar issues with trailers. In looking through the Oregon and California laws, I never saw any that addressed any type of trailer. If ever challenged, I would compare using a trailer with an electric bike is like using a trailer with a motorcycle (just because there are 4 wheels, it doen't change into an automobile). Since a power assisted bicycle is a bicycle in the eyes of the law (except for specifically noted exceptions, the only one i've seen being they can not be used [under power] on sidewalks), I would guess pulling a child in a trailler is legal.

 

[Link]

I'm gonna take a WAG and say it depends on your power level. If you're actually classified as an ebike, you're probably okay. If you're running too much power *coughcough* you'll probably be in trouble.

 

[deardancer3]

.... Since a power assisted bicycle is a bicycle in the eyes of the law (except for specifically noted exceptions, the only one i've seen being they can not be used [under power] on sidewalks),......

could you help me and indicate what states and statutes specify where bikes are legal on sidewalks, but ebikes are not?

hopefully not a state i frequent that has bad bike routes. ( I know its all ok in colorado, but elsewhere?)

Even when told (by non police)that the ebikes/bikes are illegal, when I ask the police, they tell me "Yep, we are going after all them bad guys as soon as we get all the murderers, theives and rapists."

And any other ebike limiting statutes that have been seen in the various states?

thanks bunches in advance

dick in colorado

 

[vanilla ice]

It'd be kinda dumb to class a bicycle with two-wheel pusher trailer as a car I guess.. I do get that cops aren't going be stopping us, but IMO letter of the law is still an interesting thing to discuss.

 

[Ypedal]

If your ebike is well put together and safe ( candidate for a Pedal First maybe ? ) I'm more worried about the safety of the child than Mr Law..

Not sure you want to be ripping up sidewalks at 30 mph with a kid on board lol..

But having a high-powered ebike, to help with the hills and the added weight of the bike,battery,you,kid,trailer etc.... i think it's fine.

Wear the skull caps.. ride safe and slow.. have fun !

 

[vanilla ice]

I've hit 30 2up going downhill on a road bicycle, but my kid gets mad at me for going too fast at anything much over 15. So no worries, I would keep it pretty slow and we do always use our lids. I was more posting out of curiousity on the books than thinking about tickets or safety.

About that added weight, I once tried towing two kids in a steel frame trailer... not fun. Never going to do that again without power!

 

[jerryt]

I can't find any Ca law for or against this. However, it seems that common sense would prevail.
We all have seen bicycles pulling little trailers designed for kids which is legal (although I can't find this law either). And we know that a bicycle with an electric motor under 1000w doesn't need a license or registration and therefore is basically a bicycle with assist. So I'm guessing pulling a kids trailer with an electric bike is probably OK as long as all safety factors and especially braking, are in place.

 

[Rassy]

deardancer3 wrote:

could you help me and indicate what states and statutes specify where bikes are legal on sidewalks, but ebikes are not?

I found a table here that says "no" for electric assisted bike and "yes" for bicycle (you have to look close to read the table. I don't know about any other states:

http://www.governor.state.or.us/ODOT/DMV/docs/pocketbikeguide.pdf

 

[cerewa]

could you help me and indicate what...s are legal on sidewalks, but ebikes are not?

Look for statutes that say "legal e-bikes are considered bicycles and have the same rights and responsibilities." Usually right after that, the statute says something about e-bikes being prohibited from sidewalks and multi use paths either entirely, or when a local rule says they are prohibited.

 

[deardancer3]

deardancer3 wrote:

could you help me and indicate what states and statutes specify where bikes are legal on sidewalks, but ebikes are not?

I found a table here that says "no" for electric assisted bike and "yes" for bicycle (you have to look close to read the table. I don't know about any other states:

http://www.governor.state.or.us/ODOT/DMV/docs/pocketbikeguide.pdf

GOOD RESEARCH! Thanks!

As stated above, OREGON statute makes Ebike use on a sidewalk ILLEGAL even though bicycle use is OK (if following the other safety guidelines).

The summarry listed above is quite good, (except I could not find the helmet, light or the implied consent things, but that is off topic)

http://www.leg.state.or.us/ors/814.html is where you find the actual statutes if you are so interested. If in Oregon, a pretty good idea to read.

dick