[*BCM*] Electro Bike....Re: Battered Biker Syndrome

[Silivrenion]

Well then, that's their loss. We're all bombarded with irrelevant
information everyday, and the Delete button isn't too far away from this
email if you're not interested.

The laws are really unclear as to the definitions of certain vehicles on the
road. It appears that this is what we have:

Mopeds, "motorized bicycles," contain a conventional engine of less than
50cc, an automatic transmission, max speed of 30MPH (25 operating), and must
comply with all road rules, and must pass on the right. Mopeds may use
bicycle lanes, excluding limited-use recreational paths. Requires a
registration sticker from the RMV, and a drivers license or permit. From MGL
90: "Motorized bicycle'', a pedal bicycle which has a helper motor, or a
non-pedal bicycle which has a motor, with a cylinder capacity not exceeding
fifty cubic centimeters, an automatic transmission, and which is capable of
a maximum speed of no more than thirty miles per hour.

Motorized scooters are intended to be those things kids zip around on,
however the law is extremely vague on defining one. You need a drivers
license or permit, can ride in bike lanes except limited-use recreational
paths, and must pass on the right. 20MPH limit. They can't be operated
during night hours. -- MGL 90: "Motorized scooter'', any 2 wheeled tandem or
3 wheeled device, that has handlebars, designed to be stood or sat upon by
the operator, powered by an electric or gas powered motor that is capable of
propelling the device with or without human propulsion. The definition of
"motorized scooter'' shall not include a motorcycle or motorized bicycle or
a 3 wheeled motorized wheelchair.

A  "Motorcycle'' is any motor vehicle having a seat or saddle for the use of
the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact
with the ground, including any bicycle with a motor or driving wheel
attached, except a tractor or a motor vehicle designed for the carrying of
golf clubs and not more than four persons, an industrial three-wheel truck,
a motor vehicle on which the operator and passenger ride within an enclosed
cab, or a motorized bicycle.

Regular bicycles are not defined in the general laws, but there are laws
about them, including that all bicycles must follow the regular rules of the
road -- with the exception of passing both left and right.

So, this leaves us with a problem with the electric bicycle given before.
Technically, it could be a motorcycle? But motorized bicycles must have real
engines? So what is it, and what laws are required of it? These
classifications, and what it is have a lot to do with where it is allowed to
be parked, and what ways it can be on. Technically, if a nice greenery path
allows bicycles, it is excluding anything that's not a bicycle -- except
bicycle isn't defined.

Honestly, I think Massachusetts should just rewrite all the classifications
to contain more specific information.
--------------------
Angela Morley
Founder & CEO, ionFyre Technologies
Computer Specialist, Salem State University Information Technology Services
General Manager, WMWM Salem



On Tue, Aug 10, 2010 at 4:39 PM, Timothy Gorin <tgorin at gmail.com> wrote:

> it was just a suggestion, do what you will.  it just
> seems counterproductive if people to unsubscribe because they find a
> somewhat tangential conversation a little annoying.
>
>
> On Tue, Aug 10, 2010 at 4:21 PM, Mars <martian at mit.edu> wrote:
>
>>  Compared to other BCM list threads?
>>
>>
>> On 8/10/2010 4:18 PM, Timothy Gorin wrote:
>>
>> seems like this convo is between a small group of individuals...maybe you
>> all could start your own email thread for the purposes of this discussion?
>>
>> On Tue, Aug 10, 2010 at 4:15 PM, Jym Dyer <jym at econet.org> wrote:
>>
>>> > The bottom line is that true mopeds (motorized bicycles with
>>> > pedals) blur the lines of legality, and fall into the same
>>> > kind of issues as motor scooters.
>>>
>>>  =v= The bottom line is that this is increasingly off-topic
>>> for a Critical Mass list, given that Critical Mass is, at
>>> bare minimum, about bicycles on streets.
>>>     <_Jym_>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
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>>> list at bostoncriticalmass.org
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>>> To unsubscribe email list-unsubscribe at bostoncriticalmass.org
>>>
>>
>>
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>
>
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