Shared e-bikes, e-scooters remain on horizon

Florida Weekly 'Outdoors' column, October 16, 2019
danMOSER
bikepedmoser@gmail.com

Recently the cities of Cape Coral and Fort Myers have been approached by micromobility share companies — companies that offer shared bikes or scooters — that are seeking to set up shop. As of the time of writing this column, none have moved forward nor, as far as I’ve been able to discern based on discussions at various bicycle/pedestrian planning meetings, has either municipality come up with a plan should the companies decide to ask for forgiveness rather than seek formal permission. In fact, even for those companies that would seek formal approval or a partnership with the government, none of our local governments have thus far put in place policies to regulate the businesses or their devices.

Based on what I’ve learned in researching how other communities have been affected when micromobility devices become a common part of the transportation environment, it’s imperative to have policies and ordinances in place beforehand. The companies themselves are generally multinational and have plenty of resources to fight once they’ve established a foothold in a community — think Uber and Lyft, the two primary rideshare companies that have now gotten into the micromobility business.

Dan Moser is a long-time bicycle/pedestrian
advocate and traffic safety professional
who cycles, runs and walks regularly for
transportation, recreation and  fitness.
Contact him at bikepedmoser@gmail.com
and 239-334-6417.

Whether privately owned or as part of a rental or share business, the benefits of micromobility are undeniably appealing. Fewer cars on the roads means less pollution, congestion, and perhaps even being able to delay or completely eliminate the need to add additional motor vehicle travel lanes to existing roads.

Urban area parking woes could be alleviated. Transit users might benefit by having access to these devices as part of a commute that might otherwise require additional transfers or too much walking on either end of a trip. E-bikes, in particular, could actually add years to the time bicycle use would be an option for established riders, especially when climbing hills is necessary (something that isn’t really an issue here, other than a few bridges).

And folks who simply can’t afford cars or are otherwise unable to legally drive would now have an option. As someone who has consistently promoted ways to get folks out of cars you’d think I’d be 100% behind micromobility. But perhaps because of the hyper-capitalism that is the American way, what I’m instead seeing is an industry understandably seeking to maximize its products’ presence in the market but our governments being totally unprepared to deal with the many potential negative consequences — whether predictable or unintended — they represent.

My biggest concern is the potential for injury, or worse, especially among those users when riding on sidepaths. But whether on paths or roads, our infrastructure is clearly inadequate to handle a significant increase of even human-powered bikes, never mind e-bikes and e-scooters, meaning users themselves are at risk as well.

Considering how many people don’t even know the rules and laws that apply to traditional cyclists it seems pretty risky to add electric power to the mix. And how many potential users of share program e-scooters will actually have experience with them, including knowing laws that govern their use? Pedestrians, being the most vulnerable in the traffic mix, already deal with enough hazards, including in the form of some cyclists who use space not intended for them and who have little regard for others. E-bikes and e-scooters operate silently and can travel at up to 20 mph so now the sidewalks and bikepaths will become even dicier.

Until our governments come up with policies and regulations related to micromobility, and unless these same governments put the resources necessary to make our infrastructure able to handle them, rentals and share programs should be restricted or denied. As well, sidewalks and bikepaths should remain off-limits when e-bikes and e-scooters are used under electric power.

To learn about this topic and more, visit bikewalklee.blogspot.com and www.streetsaliveswfl.org.¦



For Lee County cycling and tri events visit Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club (caloosariders.org); Florida Mudcutters (mudcutters.org); and SW Florida Biking Meetup Group (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL). The Florida Bicycle Association (floridabicycle.org) is your source for statewide happenings. BikeWalkLee’s blog site has all the information you’ll need to stay abreast of advocacy efforts in Southwest Florida as well as statewide and nationally.

BikeWalkLee: To e- or not to e-

BikeWalkLee Column
The News-Press, August 29, 2019
by Ken Gooderham


If you’ve been on a bike path lately and have been passed by another cyclist who’s moving right along without doing much pedaling – welcome to e-bicycling!

E-bikes are a hot-selling new wave in cycling, cranking up an increased share of sales in the past few years as more manufacturers have joined the fray. They’ve also become a semi-hot item legislatively, with some governments taking action to limit or prohibit their use.

So what is an e-bike?

Simply put, it’s a bicycle that has an electric motor to boost pedaling (or eliminate it altogether). Pedal-assisted bikes augment your own pedal power (so you do some of the work), while throttle-operated bikes run on the motor alone (so you can do none of the work if you wish). Either way, to be considered a bicycle they must not be able to exceed 20 mph (per state law), and they can (mostly) legally be ridden anywhere a regular bicycle can go (exceptions to be discussed in a minute).

A little online searching reveals a number of places locally that sell and/or rent e-bikes, if you decide to give one a try.

But should you?

If your goal with bicycling is to get some exercise, probably not. If your goal is transportation, maybe so.

As far as exercise, pedal-assist does mean you have to do some of the work… so not a complete loss. However, in flat-as-a-pancake Florida making a case that you need help riding is a little more difficult – unless this about distance rather than elevation. And if you as a Florida cyclist ever find yourself somewhere with actual hills… well, an e-bike could be a good bet there.

A pedal-assisted e-bike. Source: wikimedia

The benefits of e-bikes:

• They can be a good way to get (or keep) people on bikes… by making it easier to get started in riding or stay on a bike longer.
• They can be a good equalizer… making slow riders faster and weak climbers better.
• They can be a great short-trip mode of transportation… again, easier to ride and haul things when there’s a little help.

The negatives of e-bikes:

• They’re heavy and more expensive… because you’ve added a motor and batteries on board.
• They take some getting used to compared to a regular bike… they may start faster, brake slower and ride differently due to the extra weight and oomph.
• They may not be allowed where you want to ride… Fort Myers Beach banned them on sand, sidewalks and paths last year, and Sanibel is considering a similar prohibition (next hearing will be Sept. 9). There may be other prohibitions in parks and other restricted-riding places, so check that out before you plan to e-bike there… and be aware of the legal issues in the paragraph after next.

Of course, a big concern with e-bikes is speed (theirs) and safety (everyone else’s). Mixing bicycles that can easily do 20 mph on a shared-use path with much slower walkers, runners and riders is asking for trouble if the e-cyclist isn’t used to navigating a bigger and faster bike amidst the other path users. Riding a bike where the amount of assistance can be controlled would be a plus here, as the e-cyclist could ride like a normal cyclist in traffic then open it up again once (and if) the other slower users thinned out. (If you regularly ride on the road with other motorized traffic, the boost that pedal-assist brings could be a welcome benefit.)

This brings up an even more pressing issue: Per Florida Statutes, e-bikes aren’t actually legal to ride on a bike path or sidewalk unless specifically allowed by local ordinance – something that hasn’t occurred locally, except in the instances cited above where their use is explicitly banned. (Devices used by people with mobility issues are not banned under this statute.) This e-bike prohibition isn’t rigorously (or even lackadaisically) enforced, but it does exist… so if you’re looking at an e-bike, also look at where you can legally ride it so there aren’t any surprises (or potential liability) down the road.

Any development that could convince more people to try cycling – and enable cyclists to stay riding longer – is certainly worth considering. But those e-cyclists must be ready to ride responsibly rather than recklessly, recognizing their size and speed could bring risk to others even as they bring a boost to the person behind the handlebars.

NOTE: Remember that school is back in session, which means kids are back at bus stops… so slow down and watch out for students.

Ready to ride or run? 

Run? Labor Day kicks off the fall running schedule, with a Naples 5K on Monday. Things really pick up on Sept. 14, with the Tunnel to Towers 5K run/walk in Lakes Park, the Average Joe 5K in North Collier Regional Park, and a half-marathon in Venice. Details at gcrunner.org, ftmyerstrackclub.com, active.com and venicehalf.com.

Ride? A big weekend for Critical Mass, with the Cape ride Friday night, the Slow Roll in downtown Fort Myers Saturday morning, and an anniversary party Saturday afternoon that morphs into a night ride. Then the regular downtown ride happens on Sept. 6. Lights required for the night rides and helmets recommended for all rides; details at meetup.com.

Both? Upcoming events include:

• Monday, Sept. 2: Venice Sprint Tri, Sharky’s on the Pier, Venice (trifind.com)
• Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 7-8: Galloway Captiva Tri. Sprint on Saturday, kids’ events Sunday (https://www.gearedup.biz/captiva-triathlon)
• Saturday, Sept. 21: The Original Siesta Key Tri, sprint (runsignup.com)
• Willing to drive? Check trifind.com or active.com for tris around the state.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR RIDE:

Have a favorite route you like to bike, or a unique walk you’d like to share with others? Tell us about it at info@bikewalklee.org, and maybe we can feature it in an upcoming column.

# # #

Ken Gooderham writes this on behalf of BikeWalkLee, a community coalition raising public awareness and advocating for complete streets in Lee County — streets that are designed, built, operated and maintained for safe and convenient travel for all users: pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities. Information, statistics and background online at www.BikeWalkLee.org. 


 

E-bikes may be boon for transit, but safety is an issue

Florida Weekly 'Outdoors' column, June 19, 2019
danMOSER
bikepedmoser@gmail.com

Electric bikes are useful for seniors, for those who may want to ride to work and those
who seek a motorized vehicle but have no driver’s license. COURTESY PHOTO

I’m not sure of my position on e-bikes and other electric micro mobility devices such as e-scooters.

But I am concerned about the potential for injury due to the seemingly imminent proliferation of the devices on our roads, shared-use paths and especially sidewalks that are meant specifically for pedestrians.

Already I’m not happy that so many adults routinely operate bicycles on sidewalks — it can be dangerous for them and pedestrians alike. Adding e-bikes to the pedestrian space will only make things worse. But that being said, there are many positive aspects of e-bikes to consider. As for e-scooters, perhaps I’m too old to understand why any adult would take the risk they represent to users and those around them. So, let’s just say I’m not a fan.

Speaking of being too old, folks in my age group (60-plus) and beyond can benefit greatly from e-bikes.

“Lee County has a very large population of retirees. Electric bikes are season-of-life extenders for older riders. We can expect them to be very popular here,” is a statement provided to me by Ed Benjamin, a former local bike shop owner and one of our area’s early bicycle advocates. Since selling his bike shop decades ago, Mr. Benjamin been an international expert on e-bikes. His statement is no doubt true, especially for those who no longer have the ability or will to undertake a lengthy and sustained pedal, particularly if wind or hills (something we deal with only when bridges are involved) are an issue. Whether more serious cyclists will embrace them as they get up in years is yet to be seen. Perhaps a better question is whether fellow riders who are using only human-power bikes will accept users of e-bikes into their groups having this advantage.

 For those who commute to work or elsewhere, being able to get there without having to put out so much physical energy that they are soaked with sweat upon arrival is a clear benefit. Owning an e-bike might also be an incentive for folks who are thinking about commuting by bike but have no access to a shower once at their workplace.

Another obvious benefit of e-bikes is related to transportation equity. It’s truly an inexpensive transportation option for those who otherwise would not be able to afford a motorized vehicle. While the price for a reliable e-bike starts at over $1,000, it’s nonetheless much less expensive than even the cheapest dependable car would be. As well, costs of operating are minuscule as compared to other forms of motor-powered vehicles.

Also, e-bikes can be driven by those with no driver’s license, or those whose license has been suspended or revoked. Whatever the reason one might be without a valid license — whether due to medical conditions, DUI or other traffic law violations — e-bikes are a practical transportation alternative.

Clearly, there are individual benefits to e-bikes as well as collective benefits to having them added to the traffic mix. Getting enough bikes on the roads to reach a critical mass where drivers are forced to deal with them as the legitimate part of traffic would be a great improvement to our current environment.

Until that point is reached, however, the fact that our infrastructure is still designed and built to accommodate 2-ton motor vehicles first and foremost means safety is a major concern. And having folks who don’t know or care how to safely operate traditional bikes get on e-bikes that can travel at much higher speeds than they’d otherwise be able to reach adds another level of risk — an enhanced risk that’s shared by both the e-bike operators and other vulnerable road and pathway users. If awareness and education efforts are made part of the push by the e-bike industry, it would go a long way in making me a full-fledged proponent.

To learn about this topic and more, visit bikewalklee.blogspot.com and www.streetsaliveswfl.org.¦



 
- Dan Moser is a long-time bicycle/pedestrian advocate and traffic safety professional who cycles, runs and walks regularly for transportation, recreation and fitness. Contact him at bikepedmoser@gmail.com and 334-6417. 

For Lee County cycling and tri events visit Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club (caloosariders.org); Florida Mudcutters (mudcutters.org); and SW Florida Biking Meetup Group (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL). The Florida Bicycle Association (floridabicycle.org) is your source for statewide happenings. BikeWalkLee’s blog site has all the information you’ll need to stay abreast of advocacy efforts in Southwest Florida as well as statewide and nationally.

Florida Weekly 'Outdoors' column, 2/14/18
danMOSER
bikepedmoser@gmail.com

One of a number of e-bikes on display at this year’s Tour de Cape.
COURTESY PHOTO

The coming wave of e-bikes brings with it many benefits as well as problems and controversies. In this second part of a two-part report, I’ll do my best to lay out some of the issues involved and perhaps help you decide if an e-bike is right for you.

There are advantages to consider. From a purely practical standpoint, e-bikes are about as economical as motorized transportation can be. For those with very long or difficult commutes that include features such as bridges and hills (obviously, this is not an issue here) or even wind (think Cape Coral, our own “windy city”), using an e-bike can keep one from having to expend energy that may be required for other purposes, such as work. The sweat factor can be reduced as well, another important work-related factor for some.

E-bikes can potentially get folks on a bike who wouldn’t otherwise consider taking up cycling, thereby increasing the critical mass on the roads, an important element in improving safety. And for those who are already serious cyclists but due to advancing age or physical limitations are pedaling a bit too slow to keep up with their riding partners, an e-bike might be what it takes to stay on the road. I realize that any serious road rider is likely dismissing this option, but as we all get up there in age and our physical abilities change, it may eventually sound appealing.

Some of the drawbacks to e-bikes are similar to those associated with any other motorized vehicle. A primary one is that far too many folks who ride bikes don’t know the laws applicable to them or how to safely and appropriately operate their bikes. Adding artificial power to the situation makes it that much more problematic, regardless of the fact that it’s relatively low-power, compared to many other motor vehicles. In fact, one class of e-bikes can propel someone up to 28 mph before the power assist disengages. Speeds like that are usually not realized by an average cyclist, so it would be foreign to almost everyone — both the e-bike rider and others sharing the road.

Another problem is that our laws have not kept up with advances and unforeseen upticks in low-powered vehicles in general. In the case of e-bikes, there’s likely going to be much confusion among users and law enforcement officials about where they can be ridden (under power or otherwise) and what laws apply to which class of vehicle. The federal Consumer Product Safety Act defines a “low speed electric bicycle” as a two- or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals, a top speed when powered solely by the motor under 20 mph and an electric motor that produces less than 750 watts.

The rules for e-bikes on public roads, sidewalks and pathways are under state jurisdiction so are different in each. Along with federal and state laws the e-bike industry defines three classes. A Class 1 electric bicycle, or “low-speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle,” is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 mph. A Class 2 electric bicycle, or “low-speed throttle-assisted electric bicycle,” is a bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 mph. A Class 3 electric bicycle, or “speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle,” is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling (no throttle) and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 mph and is equipped with a speedometer. The Class 3 e-bike isn’t covered by either CPSA’s or Florida’s legal definition. And while no driver’s license is required, in Florida one must be at least 16 years old to operate an e-bike.

One clarification that a reader reminded me to include on this topic is that any low-powered motorized vehicle that’s approved for use as an assistive device for those with mobility limitations or other disabilities is allowed to be used anywhere a person is allowed to walk, outdoors as well as indoors. Power wheelchairs and e-scooters are examples of Mobility Assistive Equipment. Unfortunately, some devices that serve this purpose but aren’t classified as MAEs are being used in places where they present problems. Also, MAEs are not to be confused with electric personal assistive mobility devices, such as Segways, as defined by Florida law.

I’m all for getting more bikes on our roads but there are concerns that need to be handled on the front end of what is likely going to be a boom in the near future. That boom may be good for those selling e-bikes, but maybe not so great for vulnerable road and pathway users, whether because of potential physical harm or legal problems that may become commonplace.

For example, in Florida one section of our laws allows those without a driver’s license to operate a moped but another section negates that law based on its classification as a motor vehicle because it’s gas-powered. For those with suspended or revoked licenses this is a serious matter if they are found operating a moped. Class 3 e-bikes may create that same problem, especially before any changes to the law are enacted. ¦

- Dan Moser is a long-time bicycle/pedestrian advocate and traffic safety professional who cycles, runs and walks regularly for transportation, recreation and fitness. Contact him at bikepedmoser@gmail.com and 334-6417. 

For Lee County cycling and tri events visit Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club (caloosariders.org); Florida Mudcutters (mudcutters.org); and SW Florida Biking Meetup Group (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL). The Florida Bicycle Association (floridabicycle.org) is your source for statewide happenings. BikeWalkLee’s blog site has all the information you’ll need to stay abreast of advocacy efforts in Southwest Florida as well as statewide and nationally.

Growth of low-powered vehicles raises questions about legality

Florida Weekly 'Outdoors' column, 1/31/18
danMOSER
bikepedmoser@gmail.com

This “official use” cart is legally operating on a
McGregor Boulevard sidewalk in Fort Myers.
DAN MOSER / FLORIDA WEEKLY

Electric bicycles, or e-bikes, are becoming more common in Southwest Florida. Perhaps because baby boomers are getting “less ambitious” or because of the economics of using them for transportation, there appears to be a decided uptick in availability and use of e-bikes.

But not all e-bikes are the same, either in the way they operate or their legal status.

My transportation safety experience makes clear to me there’s quite a bit of confusion about the legal status of low-powered vehicles in general.

Golf carts and gas-powered bikes such as mopeds are the most misunderstood.

But because there are three distinct classes of e-bikes, their status is and will remain just as confusing — and controversial — as low-powered vehicles proliferate.

In this week’s column I’ll cover vehicles other than e-bikes.

In Florida, mopeds and bikes equipped with a gas engine require a driver’s license, regardless of how small the engine is or its top speed. That goes for any gas-powered vehicle, including pedal-less scooters.

Many people with suspended licenses have had their lives complicated even further by depending on a moped salesperson’s insistence that a 49cc engine that won’t propel the vehicle above 29 mph is legal have found out the hard way that’s not the case, at least in Florida.

Electric golf carts are not allowed to operate on public roads unless special permission has been granted on specific roads, a rarity in Lee County.

There are probably a few more, but the locations I’m aware of that allow golf carts on the roads are Whiskey Creek and part of Captiva Island. Golf carts can also be operated on the shared use path that runs along Shell Point Boulevard and on Boca Grande’s rail-to-trail pathway. Additional restrictions, such as hours of use, can also be attached to any permitted uses. Operators must be at least 14 and golf carts can never be driven on sidewalks (pathways that are less than 10-feet wide and clearly intended for pedestrian traffic).

Regardless of how many golf carts are seen on McGregor Boulevard’s sidewalks and neighborhood streets, the general public may not operate them there. It’s no secret that anyone using a golf cart in the Dunbar, Midtown or most other areas of Fort Myers or Lee County wouldn’t do so for very long before being stopped by law enforcement.

Personally, I like the idea of slow-speed vehicles (including bikes) operating on our neighborhood roads and any streets with speed limits under 40 mph because of their traffic-calming effect.

But the use of motorized vehicles on pathways is not appropriate for a number or safety-related reason.

As for where their illegal use is overlooked, this is a clear example of social inequality in applying the law.

Florida allows golf carts powered by any type of energy source to be converted to Low Speed Vehicles or Neighborhood Electric Vehicles that can operate to at least 20 mph but not above 25 mph. This allows them on public roads that have speed limits no higher than 35. They must be registered and have specific safety equipment such as headlights and turn signals. The operator of a LSV/NEV must have a valid driver’s license and carry insurance. Local jurisdictions may restrict their use by ordinance.

All-terrain vehicles are not allowed on paved public roads but may on unpaved public roads with speed limits of less than 35. Adult operators must hold a valid driver’s license and minors must be “supervised” by a licensed driver. The law specific to ATVs is silent about use on pathways but that’s covered in state law — “No person shall drive a vehicle except by human power on a sidewalk or sidewalk area.” Off-highway vehicles need not be registered and are not required to be insured. Most of the vehicle types being discussed are allowed to be used by government workers and other “official” operators where they’d otherwise be banned.

Next week: The types of e-bikes and some of the issues involved for the operator, other road- and path-way users, governments and law enforcement. ¦

- For running, biking and pedestrian events, and transportation issues, see bikewalklee.blogspot.com.


- Dan Moser is a long-time bicycle/pedestrian advocate and traffic safety professional who cycles, runs and walks regularly for transportation, recreation and fitness. Contact him at bikepedmoser@gmail.com and 334-6417. 

For Lee County cycling and tri events visit Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club (caloosariders.org); Florida Mudcutters (mudcutters.org); and SW Florida Biking Meetup Group (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL). The Florida Bicycle Association (floridabicycle.org) is your source for statewide happenings. BikeWalkLee’s blog site has all the information you’ll need to stay abreast of advocacy efforts in Southwest Florida as well as statewide and nationally.