Friday, April 13, 2001
Friday, April 13, 2001 |
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Electric-powered bikes could be excluded from PTC path system
By JOHN
MUNFORD
Is there room on Peachtree City's golf cart paths for E-Bikes? The E-Bikes, which have electric motors that can assist pedaling or power the bike on its own, are technically not allowed on the golf cart paths. A city ordinance forbids all motorized vehicles from the cart paths except for golf carts, of course. After testing an E-Bike, a sergeant from the Peachtree City Police Department has recommended they not be allowed on the path system due to a number of reasons. Whether E-Bikes can co-exist with pedestrians, their pets and golf carts will likely be determined by the Peachtree City Council at an upcoming meeting. The bikes travel at speeds up to 14 or 18 miles per hour, depending on the model purchased. The speeds, which are controlled by a unit on the handlebars, can be set at anywhere from five to seven different speeds. The speed can also be set with cruise control and another feature allows for a burst of power to help cyclists get up hills. This all sounds convenient, but a memo from the police department portrays the E-Bike as difficult to control, particularly when braking. "The brakes are sufficient, but often lock the wheels with little effort," the police memo states. The department was loaned an E-Bike from the local E-Bike dealership that opened in Peachtree City earlier this year. The department had requested the loaner so it could be put through the rigors of the city's paved multi-use path system. "The E-Bike can be enjoyable to ride in paved areas for recreational use, but it is not, in its current design, suitable for off-road, cart path or police use," the memo states. The memo also found fault with the bike's suspension, its weight and the difficulty in handling the bike when pedaling due to the increased weight. The bike would have difficulties on portions of the path that have slick surfaces, exposed roots or heavy pine straw, the memo indicates. "The suspension of the bike is extremely stiff, and it is equipped with slick, non-aggressive tires. This, when coupled with the bike's weight, equates to a bike that is challenging to maintain control over when riding on wet slippery surfaces, as well as any unpaved or rough bumpy terrain," the memo states. The memo compared the E-Bike it tested to a moped on several occasions, although mopeds typically can travel much faster than the 18 mph maximum speed of the E-Bike. Specifically, the e-bike is similar to a moped in terms of its weight, which is 75 pounds, the memo indicated. The department tested a 36-volt model which travels up to 18 mph. Other models of the E-Bike are available with a 24-volt motor that has a maximum speed of 14 mph. Georgia law allows for electric-assisted bikes on public roads and highways, but the operator must be 15 years or older with a valid driver's license or permit. The operator of the bike must also wear an approved bicycle helmet for protection, according to Georgia law. For more information on E-Bikes, visit www.ebike.com or www.goebike.com.
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