New research suggests riders and city planners need to make changes to keep people safe.

  • Pandemanium@lemm.ee
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    10 days ago

    I also wonder if it’s even possible for people to determine how fast they are going. Is there a speedometer? If the thing is motorized, then there should be one!

    • Showroom7561@lemmy.ca
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      10 days ago

      I actually don’t remember if there’s a speedometer built into the handlebar, or if it tells you through the app (phone mount built-in).

      But I don’t think it’s so much not knowing the speed, but people not realizing that their effort is basically amplified. So it may feel like you are not putting in a lot of effort (i.e “I’m going slow”), but the scooter or bike is putting out a good amount (i.e. you’re actually going faster than you think!).

      And for those who don’t know, an e-bike may have a 250 - 1000+ watt motor. An average cyclist may only be able to put out a sustained 100-200w, so they actually get the power of a much stronger rider.

      • FuzzyRedPanda@lemm.ee
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        10 days ago

        And for those who don’t know, an e-bike may have a 250 - 1000+ watt motor.

        True, but as far as I know, no city-approved rental company is renting bikes with anything greater than 750watts, as it would be a major liability, especially when the rental companies don’t offer helmets.

        If anyone’s city is offering e-bikes with motors over750 watts, I would be very interested to hear about it.

        • Showroom7561@lemmy.ca
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          10 days ago

          Rentals, likely not. But private e-bikes can get to 1000+ watts or more.

          Even a 500w motor is a lot, and for someone who would typically ride at 150w (their own power), it would feel like they have superpowers.