electricbicycles(under20mph)alsoasconsumerproductsandnotMotorVehiclesforsafetystandards.TheNHSTAadheresforthe
mostparttotheCPSCguidelines.Weincludedreferencebelowonhowelectricbicyclesare perceived by the Federal Government’s
mostimportantagencies.Wedobelievenewregulationandruleswillapplyinthefutureupontheelectricbicyclebecomingoneofthe
standard forms of transportation for the masses. Prodeco Technologies will continue to follow new rules and guidance set forth by
theseagencies,alwayswelcomingandadheringtotheguidelinestheyfeelarerequiredtoassuresafetyfortheelectricbicyclerider.
On October 22, 2008, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) updated the Bicycle and Pedestrian Provisions of
FederalTransportationLegislationtomaketechnicalcorrections and clarifications.
Belowaretheimportantupdatesreflectingelectricbicycles:
Motorized Vehicle Use: In general, motorized vehicles are not permitted on non-motorized trails and pedestrian walkways funded
under Title 23. Exceptions to this general rule exist for maintenance vehicles; motorized wheelchairs; when State or local
regulations permit, snowmobiles; and electric bicycles (weighing under 100 pounds and a top speed of less than 20 miles per
hour); "and such other circumstances as the Secretary deems appropriate" (except the Recreational Trails Program which
specifically provides funds for motorized trails). In 2008, FHWA developed a Framework for Considering Motorized Use on Non-
motorizedTrailsandPedestrianWalkwaystoimplementthe"other circumstances"provision.
Prodeco Technologies only offers electric bicycles that fall under the category of ―weighing under 100 pounds and a top speed of
less than 20 miles per hour‖. According to the DOT and NHSTA, Prodeco electric bicycles meet the exception of Motorized
Vehiclesandthereforecanberiddenonnon-motorizedtrailsandbikepathspermittingstateandlocallaws.
FrameworkforConsideringMotorizedUseonNon-motorizedTrailsand PedestrianWalkwaysunder23U.S.C. §217
The purpose of this document is to provide guidance to Federal HighwayAdministration (FHWA) division offices and a consistent
framework fordeterminingwhen topermit anexceptionformotorizeduseonnon-motorizedtrails andpedestrian walkwaysunder
23U.S.C. §217(h)(5).The relevant legislationreads as follows:
23 U.S.C. § 217. Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways (h) Use of Motorized Vehicles.--Motorized vehicles may
not be permitted on trails and pedestrian walkways under this section, except for-- (1) maintenance purposes; (2) when snow
conditions and State or local regulations permit, snowmobiles; (3) motorized wheelchairs; (4) when State or local regulations
permit,electric bicycles;and(5)suchothercircumstancesastheSecretarydeemsappropriate.
(j)Definitions.--Inthissection,thefollowingdefinitionsapply:
(2)Electric bicycle.--The term "electric bicycle" means any bicycle or tricycle with a low-powered electric motor
weighingunder 100pounds,witha top motor-poweredspeednotinexcess of 20milesperhour.
(4) Wheelchair.--The term "wheelchair" means a mobility aid, usable indoors, and designed for and used by individuals with
mobilityimpairments,whetheroperatedmanuallyormotorized.
Theabove23 U.S.C. § 217 offersdirectionthat theProdecoElectricBicycles are allowedonbike-paths(non-motorizedtrails) due
toProdecoelectric bicycles fallingundertheclassification of lessthan 100poundsandunder 20 mph.
HR727
SECTION 1, CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY ACT
TheConsumerProductSafetyAct(15U.S.C.2051etseq)isamendedbyaddedattheendofthefollowing:
LOW-SPEED ELECTRIC BICYCLES
SEC. 38.(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, low-speed electric bicycles are consumer products within the meaning of
section3(a)(1) andshallbesubjecttotheCommissionregulationspublishedatsection1500.18
(a)(12) andpart1512oftitle16,CodeofFederalRegulations.
(b) For the purpose of this section, the term `low-speed electric bicycle' means a two or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable
pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p.), whose maximum speed on a paved level surface, when powered
solelybysuchamotorwhileriddenbyanoperator whoweighs 170pounds,islessthan20mph.
(c) To further protect the safety of consumers who ride low-speed electric bicycles, the Commission may promulgate new or
amendedrequirementsapplicabletosuchvehiclesasnecessaryandappropriate.
(d) This section shall supersede any State law or requirement with respect to low speed electric bicycles to the extent that such
State laworrequirementis morestringentthantheFederallaworrequirementsreferredtoinsubsection(a).
SEC.2.MOTORVEHICLESAFETYSTANDARDS.
For purposes of motor vehicle safety standards issued and enforced pursuant to chapter 301 of title 49, United States Code, a
low-speed electric bicycle (as defined in section 38(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Act) shall not be considered a motor
vehicleas definedbysection30102(6)oftitle49,United States Code.
LocalBicycleLaws
Most states have their own set of bicycle laws regarding traditional pedal powered bicycles. With moststates recognizing electric
bicycles astraditionalpedalpoweredbicycles you mustlearnthe applicable laws in your area. Your Department of Transportation
or Cycle Clubs in your area will have the details involving riding a bicycle in your area and your city’s bike pathways. Requirements
for riding will change depending on location. Most cities requiring LED lights, hand signals, riding on the correct side of the road,
riding behind and not parallel to other cyclist, etc…
e) Safety first
It is important you follow your local bicycle laws but also it is important you ride safely. Below are examples of understanding
how to ride your new Storm safely. Always wear an approved helmet when riding your bike, and follow the helmet
manufacturer’s instructions for fit, use and care of your helmet.
Do you have all the other required and recommended safety equipment for your area? It’s your responsibility to
familiarize yourself withthe laws of theareas where you ride, and to comply withall applicablelaws.
Do you know how to correctly check your wheel axle nuts? Do you understand proper braking techniques? Is your
saddle properly adjusted? Howdo you power your new electric bicycle? These are all questions you should have the
answers to prior to ridingfor the first time. This USER GUIDEwill answer most of the questions you have in regards to
your newbicycle and assist you in ensuring your electric bicycle remains safe to ride. You should first read the USER
GUIDE in its entirety and familiarize yourself with your new bicycle prior to riding.
Forfurthersafetyguidelines, please read Chapter4:Safety
