Saturday, January 4, 2014

What are the electric scooter laws in California?

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Al Francis


I'm unable to get a licence so the best I can really do is get a scooter. I'd like to at least get around town easier without relying on public transportation. I've done a little bit of research in which people say its possible to ride a scooter that clocks out at a speed of 20 mph and no more without a licence. The kind of scooter i'm talking about looks like a gas powered scooter but is actually just an electric assisted bike. there's so many places on the internet to look but I just want to hear someone from California to confirm what I can ride. I'd greatly appreciate your help`
the type of scooter i'm looking at is electric and does not require gas. it has slip on pedals and has no exhaust.



Answer
http://www.chp.ca.gov/html/motors.html is useless -- does not cover the new electrical scooters. Not to mention that the CHP sometimes ignores the law. It you want to be legal, read the law from the Legislature: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/calawquery?codesection=veh

A CVC 407.5 "motorized scooter" is a stand-on vehicle, such as a Razor or Go-Ped. Such is legal on the streets, requires a driver's license of some sort. See CVC 21220-21235.

You want something that looks like a motor-scooter, that looks like a Vespa. That will be a CVC 406 "motorized bicycle" or "moped." If electric powered it can do 20 mph if it can also be pedaled, or if no pedals it can do 30 mph. To be legal on the streets you need to have a Class M2 motorcycle driver's license.

You say you cannot get a license? You are up sh*t creek -- there is *NO* motorized vehicle you can legally ride without a driver's license. Why not? Under age or what? If 18-20 years of age you can take the CMSP class, go to the DMV and pass the written and eye tests and walk out with a motorcycle permit. If 21, don't even need the CMSP class.

Otherwise, about all you can do is get a pedal bicycle. Legally. You can buy a bicycle wheel with a motor in the hub and a battery in your panniers and ride in stealth mode, illegally.

Does anyone have any experience with a velomobile?




Breath on


With an increased interest in alternative forms of transportation it would seem that a velomobile would be a natural. Downhill breaking is problematic in a velomobile so with the addition of electric assist and regenerative breaking this issue may be resolved.


Answer
My experience has been mostly with solar car racing and recumbent trikes. I also have electrical/electronics qualifications.

The problem with regenerative braking in a relatively light vehicle is there is not that much energy to be recovered. Most systems that can deliver regenerative braking have a more complicated or a very expensive drive system.

Any energy recaptured during regenerative braking comes from momentum (kinetic energy = 1/2 mass x velocity squared).(Note momentum will be affected by gravity) Even with some of the best technology around, it is unlikely that much more than about 80% of this energy could be utilized. With commercial available equipment this percentage drops dramatically.

My experience has been that for day-to-day travelling there are few hills where speed becomes excessive to the point where braking is required. Generally if you coast down hills the forces of wind and rolling resistance will balance out gravity at a manageable speed.

Adding an electric assist kit will make climbing the hills quicker and easier, but also adds complexity and expense to your machine. Regenerative braking ultimately only extends the range of the battery by a very small percentage.

There are a few systems around (not many) that enable the motor to be used as a peddle generator, when coasting or stationary. I find this a more interesting feature as the machine can then be used as a mobile power source.

Also be aware that a velomobile is much heavier than the humble bicycle. This means that it will accelerate at a slower rate for the same effort (Force =mass x acceleration). Most will eventually reach much higher cruising speeds, though in many real life applications the stops and starts often mean the difference in travel times is marginal


There are a few companies that have been experimenting with electric and regenerative systems for their versions of the velomobile. Here are a couple you might find interesting.
http://www.aerorider.com/
http://www.twike.us/


Various aftermarket kits for http://www.go-one.us/index.html




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