The ebike class 1/2/3 concept is stupid puritan nonsense driven by cyclist jealousy and serves only to limit the usefulness of ebikes as car replacements.

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[–] Schlemmy@lemmy.ml 1 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (1 children)

These are European classes seeping through. The class C e-bikes are tremendously popular in Belgium, The Netherlands and Germany and are replacing cars for commutes.

In Belgium the adoption is huge because the class C (45 km/h) are allowed on regular bicycle paths and on the road where max speed is 50 km/h (31 mph). They are specifically useful on our cycle highways infrastructure for medium long distances. Daily commutes by bike of 20 to 30 km are quite common now.

A class 3 bike requires a license plate, insurance and a driver's license.

Class 3 bikes aren't allowed on mixed bicycle pedestrian infrastructure.

Class 2 bikes are required to follow the same regulation as mopeds and you can ride them from age 16.

It's all very logical if you place these classes in their proper environment.

[–] Mardoniush@hexbear.net 1 points 2 years ago

I did a 20km commute for a month in one of the Low countries and it was a very pleasant way to spend the morning. In the warmer months at least.