Re: Ebikes on Mackinac Island

On 4/28/2024 1:46 PM, Roger Merriman wrote:

Catrike Ryder <Soloman@old.bikers.org> wrote:

In the island’s business district, under the proposal, the limit would
be 10 mph.
>
Electric bikes, or e-bikes as they’re commonly known, have become a
“real problem” on the island, said Sen. John Damoose, R-Harbor
Springs, the sponsor of the new bill to make the speed limit on most
of the M-185 loop 15 mph.
>
https://www.theepochtimes.com/bright/michigan-lawmakers-try-to-put-brakes-on-mackinac-islands-e-bike-riders-5638114
>

 Looks like a tourist attraction? And shared road with pedestrians and e
bikes that do 28 mph ie mopeds in all but name seems fairly unwise.
 The USA laws seem rather more lax and allowing what are essentially mopeds
by any other reasonable definition exist in the E bike space.
 

Always question anything from Epoch times (a far-right newspaper that spreads kunich-esque conspiracy theories about covid 19 the 2020 election), but in this case they appear to be regurgitating already-published reports from other sources:
https://www.govtech.com/policy/michigan-may-put-the-brakes-on-mackinac-island-e-bikes
Yes, Mackinac is a tourist destination, and yes, most states in the US haven't recognized ebikes as smaller electric mopeds.
Cars aren't allowed on Mackinac.
"The current e-bike ban exempts residents and visitors with a “mobility disability,” allowing them to operate a Class 1 pedal-assist bicycle or tricycle with an electric motor that kicks in while a person is pedaling."
"fast-moving e-bikes propelled by motors while the rider is not pedaling have become a danger on the island as riders weave between pedestrians and horses pulling wagons and carriages"
According to https://www.freep.com/story/money/business/michigan/2023/05/26/mackinac-island-police-chief-ebike-rules/70258955007/, only class 1 ebikes are allowed, and can only be driven by people with disabilities, and they must have a drivers license.