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HR 727
SECTION 1, CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY ACT
The Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2051 et seq) is amended by added at the end of the following:
LOW-SPEED ELECTRIC BICYCLES
SEC. 38.(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, low-speed electric bicycles are consumer products within the meaning of
section 3(a)(1) and shall be subject to the Commission regulations published at section 1500.18(a)(12) and part 1512 of title 16,
Code of Federal Regulations.
(b) For the purpose of this section, the term `low-speed electric bicycle' means a two or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable
pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p.), whose maximum speed on a paved level surface, when powered
solely by such a motor while ridden by an operator who weighs 170 pounds, is less than 20 mph.
(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 the applicable laws for 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 change depending upon your location. Most cities require LED lights, hand signals, riding on
th
e 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 Outlaw 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? 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 bike experience to check.
Tires and Wheels:
Make sure tires
are correctly inflated, see Chapter 6. Check by placing one hand on the
saddle and the other on the intersection of the handlebars and stem, then bounce 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.
Quick Releases:
Make sure seat post, rear axle & frame quick release levers are properly adjusted and all
are in the locked position.
Handlebar and saddle alignment:
Make sure the saddle
and handlebar stem are parallel to the bike’s center line,
clam
ped and bolts tightened enough so that you can’t twist them out of alignment. If not, align and tighten them.
Handlebar ends:
Make sure the left handlebar grip and right throttle grip are secure and in good condition.
If not, replace them.
Battery Pack Attachment:
Ensure your battery pack is firmly attached to your bicycle before riding. To test
battery attachment, pull up on the battery pack handle after battery is locked in place. If attached properly
you will not be able to slide the battery off the bike. If not, the battery pack will slide off the bike.
CAUTION:
The braking of your bicycle is one of the highest concerns in safety. Proper brake lever
mounting and cable adjustment is crucial for your brakes to work properly.
WARNING:
All Quick release levers must be closed and the clamps or axles tight. One loose quick
release lever can cause the rider to lose control and cause serious injury or death.
WARNING:
Loose or damaged handlebar grips or extensions can cause you to lose control and fall.
Unplugged handlebars can cut your body, and can cause serious injury in an otherwise minor accident.
