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(c) To further protect the safety of consumers who ride low-speed electric bicycles, the Commission may
promulgate new or amended requirements applicable to such vehicles as necessary and appropriate.
(d) This section shall supersede any State law or requirement with respect to low speed electric bicycles to the
extent that such State law or requirement is more stringent than the Federal law or requirements referred to in
subsection (a).
SEC. 2. MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS.
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 vehicle as defined by section 30102(6) of title 49, United States Code.
Local Bicycle Laws
Most states have their own set of bicycle laws regarding traditional pedal powered bicycles. With most
states recognizing electric bicycles as traditional pedal powered bicycles you must know these 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 changes with areas
with 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 G Plus Genesis 500 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 with the laws of the areas where you ride, and to comply with all applicable laws.
Do you know how to correctly check your wheel axle nuts? Do you understand proper braking techniques?
Is your saddle properly adjusted? How do you power your new electric bicycle? These are all questions
you should have the answers to prior to riding for the first time. This USER GUIDE will answer most of the
questions you have in regards to your new bicycle 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.
For further safety guidelines, please read Chapter 4: Safety
f.
Mechanical safety check
Check the condition of your bicycle before every ride.
Nuts, bolts and straps:
Make sure nothing is loose. Lift the front wheel off the ground by two or three
inches then let it bounce on the ground. Anything sound, feel or look loose? Do a quick visual and tactile
inspection of the whole bike. Are there any loose parts or accessories? If so, secure them. If you’re not
sure, ask someone with experience to check.
Tires and Wheels:
Make sure tires are correctly inflated, see Chapter 6. Check by putting one hand on the
saddle, one on the intersection of the handlebars and stem, then bouncing your weight on the bike
while looking at tire deflection. Compare what you see with how it looks when you know the tires are
correctly inflated; and adjust if necessary. Are the tires in good shape? Spin each wheel slowly and
look for cuts in the tread and sidewall. Replace damaged tires before riding the bike. Spin each wheel
and check for brake clearance and side-to-side wobble. If a wheel wobbles side to side even slightly,
or rubs against or hits the brake pads, take the bike to a qualified bike shop to have the wheel trued.
Brakes:
Check the brakes for proper operation. Squeeze the brake levers. Are the brakes properly
releasing? All control cables seated and securely engaged? Do the disc brake pads grasp the rotors
within an inch of brake lever movement? Can you apply full braking force at the levers without having
them touch the handlebar? If not, your brakes need adjustment. Do not ride the bike until the brakes
are properly adjusted.
