Re: Ebikes on Mackinac Island

On 4/28/2024 8:53 PM, zen cycle wrote:

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.
  

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