Electric Motorcycles?

[KG4CGC]

I think the market is geared towards the big bikes because that's what people want. We really don't have graduated restrictions on the size of bike based on experience and ability like those damned socialist countries over there in Europe Land. Americans just want the biggest baddest bike and the sellers will cater to that. I have heard the sheriff on television saying that the problem in the US is that inexperienced riders will go out and buy a big bike and get themselves killed or hurt because they just don't know how to ride.

[KG4CGC]

Yeah baby. There ya go. Nice and slow just like you like it.
What's that? Smack you ass? Oh my!
You ARE a dirty girl!

[KB3LAZ]

LOL

[KG4CGC]

Note the rear sprockets. See them both?

[NQ6U]

Note the rear sprockets. See them both?

That's a really old model, you actually had to splice in an extra piece of chain using quick links to use the big sprocket. Some time in the mid-Sixties, Honda eliminated the second sprocket and put in a shiftable low range gear box.

[KG4CGC]

[n2ize]

Anyone have any experience with these? From what I see there are two type: So-called Electric Bicycles, no licenses needed; and Electric motorcycles, license required.

Thinking about getting the licensed type, they're DOT approved, and whatnot; so I can commute and save on gas. Any issues with them, or whatever?

if you live in New York State you need a license for any vehicle that has any kind of motor, be is a small electric, gas, etc. In addition the vehicle must be registered and tagged. Furthermore not all motorized vehicles are approved for use on public roads. The electric bicycles are most likely for off road use only. New York is one of the toughest states in the nation when it comes to motorized vehicles.

Technically I am breaking New York State motor vehicle law even when I operate my self propelled snow thrower on the street to clear the snow from near the curb. The snow thrower is an "off the road only" vehicle and does not belong on a public thoroughfare. If I want to clear the snow near the curb I am supposed to use a manually operated shovel, not a motor propelled device. Even a motorized rc car is not allowed on a public roadway in NYS.

Now, some local jurisdictions may not bother you for using a small electric bike or moped, But it depends on the locality and the mood of the cop who see's you riding. The few times they spotted me riding an untagged moped they didn't bother me, except once to tell me to make sure I put on a helmet. But it depends on the cop and the mood he's in. Catch him on a bad day he might pull you over, impound the bike and issue a stiff fine.

[KB3LAZ]

Idk about in NY but in PA you do not need a class M on your DL for a scooter under 50cc. You still have to have a DL though.

[KC2UGV]

if you live in New York State you need a license for any vehicle that has any kind of motor, be is a small electric, gas, etc. In addition the vehicle must be registered and tagged. Furthermore not all motorized vehicles are approved for use on public roads. The electric bicycles are most likely for off road use only. New York is one of the toughest states in the nation when it comes to motorized vehicles.

Technically I am breaking New York State motor vehicle law even when I operate my self propelled snow thrower on the street to clear the snow from near the curb. The snow thrower is an "off the road only" vehicle and does not belong on a public thoroughfare. If I want to clear the snow near the curb I am supposed to use a manually operated shovel, not a motor propelled device. Even a motorized rc car is not allowed on a public roadway in NYS.

Now, some local jurisdictions may not bother you for using a small electric bike or moped, But it depends on the locality and the mood of the cop who see's you riding. The few times they spotted me riding an untagged moped they didn't bother me, except once to tell me to make sure I put on a helmet. But it depends on the cop and the mood he's in. Catch him on a bad day he might pull you over, impound the bike and issue a stiff fine.

If the motor is under 0.5 kW, or 50cc; and if gas powered, wheels smaller than 10"; you do not need to get it tagged, or have a license to operate it.

[KG4NEL]

Almost bought a BMW R60/2 a few years ago...still might in the future. Love the look of the old ones :)