America Doesn't Need Faster E-Bikes, It Needs Better Small Electric Vehicles

The electric bike industry has been in a constant arms race, with each new launch promising more speed, power, and bigger batteries. However, some argue that this focus on speed is misplaced and that the industry should be exploring other options.

The current Class 3 e-bike framework in the US tops out at 28 mph with pedal assist, which is a reasonable limit for a vehicle that still behaves like a bicycle and often shares bike infrastructure. However, there are many riders who don't want a bicycle but also don't want a 400-pound motorcycle capable of highway speeds.

They want something in between - a vehicle that is smaller, lighter, quieter, and less intimidating than a traditional motorcycle, but still faster than an e-bike. This is where vehicles like the Infinite Machine Olto come in. It cruises comfortably around town, carries two people, has useful cargo capacity, and reaches around 35 mph in its unlocked moped mode.

The answer, however, isn't simply allowing e-bikes to go 35 mph. Bicycles should remain bicycles, with their unique characteristics and design. Instead, regulators should seriously consider creating a new class of modest-speed electric vehicles.

Imagine something limited to around 35 mph, with requirements for proper lighting, mirrors, scooter-level hydraulic brakes, turn signals, and perhaps registration and a helmet requirement. These vehicles wouldn't belong on bike paths, but they also wouldn't need to meet the same regulatory burden as a full-size motorcycle capable of 80 mph.

Many cities in the US feature 25 mph speed limits, meaning actual traffic flow can be around 10 mph faster. This is a bit much to ask from an electric bicycle, but fits perfectly with this proposed class of slightly faster electric mopeds and scooters.

As companies continue building machines like the Infinite Machine Olto, the Beachman Aviator, the Engwe M20 3.0, and other compact electric two-wheelers that exceed typical e-bike limits, the demand for this middle ground is only going to become more obvious.

The technology is there, and the demand is there. Now we just need regulations that recognize not every practical urban vehicle has to fit into categories that were created decades before electric mobility started reshaping our streets.

**A New Class of Electric Vehicles**

The proposed new class of modest-speed electric vehicles would fill the gap between e-bikes and motorcycles. It would be limited to around 35 mph, with requirements for proper lighting, mirrors, scooter-level hydraulic brakes, turn signals, and perhaps registration and a helmet requirement.

This class of vehicles would be designed for urban use, with a focus on practicality and safety. They would be smaller, lighter, and quieter than traditional motorcycles, but still faster than e-bikes.

**Regulatory Framework**

Regulators should seriously consider creating a new class of modest-speed electric vehicles. This would require a new regulatory framework that takes into account the unique characteristics of these vehicles.

The proposed class of vehicles would need to meet certain requirements, such as proper lighting, mirrors, scooter-level hydraulic brakes, turn signals, and perhaps registration and a helmet requirement. This would ensure that these vehicles are safe and practical for urban use.

**The Way Forward**

The electric bike industry has been focused on increasing speed, but some argue that this is not the right approach. Instead, they propose creating a new class of modest-speed electric vehicles that would fill the gap between e-bikes and motorcycles.

This new class of vehicles would be designed for urban use, with a focus on practicality and safety. They would be smaller, lighter, and quieter than traditional motorcycles, but still faster than e-bikes.

The demand is there, and the technology is there. Now we just need regulations that recognize not every practical urban vehicle has to fit into categories that were created decades before electric mobility started reshaping our streets.