

I would argue that a battery powered bike is closer to a dirt-bike/motorcycle/mini-bike and should probably be looked at the same as those. I would not expect someone to be riding any of those modes of transport on a “walking path” either. And all 3 of those have current battery powered versions that do not change the rules around where you are expected to ride them, or even who can ride them.
I think bike manufacturers have made it this far because unfortunately the law makers in most countries are older, and slower to respond to regulating new technology until it becomes an issue “for the masses” (aka effects their votes). And I know the business side tells these companies to make as much money as fast as possible, but in cases like this, having some sort of internal group looking at regulation as an eventuality instead of a “we’ll cross that bridge when we get there” should be something required. Because I think we all knew this day was coming in most countries once these bikes (and also the scooters) starting showing up more widely, and being proactive instead of reactive would do a lot to help themselves, as well as the customer base they have now put in a bad spot.








I have it on good authority that they do. =)