The changes in California laws related to e-bikes is the first salvo in an effort by the bicycle industry to sell more e-bikes. I'm not saying this is good or bad, just adding transparency to what happened in California and is slated for New York and then other states. .
>From Bicycle Retailer, January 23, 2015 http://www.bicycleretailer.com/north-america/2015/01/23/bpsa-initiative-seeks-model-e-bike-legislation-california-new-york#.VqpcrFLO_8Q The Bicycle Product Suppliers Association has launched an ambitious initiative to pass model electric bicycle legislation in California and New York. The BPSA's e-bike committee, chaired by Currie Technology president and CEO Larry Pizzi, is seeking $300,000 from component suppliers, bike brands and retailers to underwrite the campaign. Pizzi said Thursday that the BPSA has already received $250,000 in pledges. He expects to meet the goal as a "few key industry players" commit to the campaign, and others increase their pledges. In a letter to the industry, Pizzi noted that outdated, inconsistent state vehicle codes could hamper the emergence of the e-bike category. "An antiquated and patchwork regulatory environment threatens consumer confidence, retailer acceptance, and could cause market disruption just as significant use begins to take off," Pizzi wrote. The BPSA is organizing an e-bike advocacy summit in February where cycling advocates and industry representatives can fine-tune proposed legislation and work out disagreements before facing lawmakers. >From Bicycle Retailer October 8, 2015 http://www.bicycleretailer.com/north-america/2015/10/08/california-governor-signs-law-modernizing-e-bike-regulations#.VqpagVLO_8Q The California law is the first significant victory for an industry lobbying effort that was launched early this year by the e-bike committee of the Bicycle Product Suppliers Association, and soon joined by PeopleForBikes and the California Bicycle Coalition, or CalBike. The BPSA and PFB hope to mount similar lobbying efforts in other states next year. California is a key state because it is a large market for e-bikes and is home to most of the leading U.S. e-bike brands. By boosting access to e-bikes, supporters believe the measure will help grow cycling by opening up the market to consumers who may be unable or unwilling to ride conventional bicycles. Arthur Ross, Pedestrian-Bicycle Coordinator City of Madison Traffic Engineering Division 215 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Suite 100 PO Box 2986 Madison, WI 53701-2986 608/266-6225
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