this post was submitted on 28 Sep 2026
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Electric Vehicles

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Electric Vehicles are a key part of our tomorrow and how we get there. If we can get all the fossil fuel vehicles off our roads, out of our seas and out of our skies, we'll have a much better environment. This community is where we discuss the various different vehicles and news stories regarding electric transportation.


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[–] cron@feddit.org 15 points 2 hours ago (4 children)

Here is the definition of the classes from the article:

Class 1 e-bikes use pedal assist up to 20 mph (32 km/h), Class 2 e-bikes can also use a throttle up to 20 mph (32 km/h), and Class 3 e-bikes can provide motor assistance up to 25 mph (40 km/h)

Class 3 does sound more like a motorcycle to me and not like a bike.

[–] shininghero@pawb.social 4 points 1 hour ago

That's weird that New York does that. The CPSC definition for Class 3 goes up to 28, and is honestly not problematic for casual office commutes. Just stick to the breakdown lane, only take the sidewalk (obviously at reduced speed) if the former runs out, and always yield to foot traffic. It's not that hard.

That being said, I would not be opposed to Class 3 being an 18+ thing. Class 1 and 2 already match the school speed limit of 20, so class 3 could become the natural progression after graduating, unless otherwise barred in their area.

[–] SendMePhotos@lemmy.world 3 points 1 hour ago

I think class three should remain available.

To ride a moped (legally defined, a moped is 50cc or less and no more than 30mph on a flat surface), all you need is a standard driver's license.

For a bike that goes below that, I don't see an issue with even an unlicensed person, provided they are driving safely.

I suppose the standard should be a certification or something similar to an ATV/Snowmobile certificate?

[–] 13igtyme@startrek.website 4 points 2 hours ago

That's basically a 50cc scooter.

[–] Tuggsmifi@slrpnk.net 1 points 1 hour ago (1 children)

Can you build a "class 2" that is only governed to 20mph to get around this? I think these class 3s are the only way the USA will actually adopt the moped.

[–] Hawke@lemmy.world 1 points 32 minutes ago

That’s already what class 2 e-bikes are.

  • 1: 20 mph with assist
  • 2: 20 mph with throttle
  • 3: 28 mph with assist.