(2)Electric bicycle.--The term "electric bicycle" means any bicycle or tricycle with a low-powered electric motor
weighing under100pounds,with atopmotor-powered speed notinexcessof 20 milesperhour.
(4) Wheelchair.--The term "wheelchair" means a mobility aid, usable indoors, and designed for and used by individuals with
mobilityimpairments,whetheroperatedmanuallyormotorized.
Theabove23U.S.C. §217 offersdirection thattheProdecoElectricBicyclesare allowedonbike-paths(non-motorizedtrails)due
toProdeco electric bicyclesfallingundertheclassificationoflessthan100poundsandunder 20mph.
HR727
SECTION1, CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY ACT
TheConsumerProductSafetyAct(15U.S.C.2051etseq)isamendedbyaddedattheendofthefollowing:
LOW-SPEED ELECTRIC BICYCLES
SEC. 38.(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, low-speed electric bicycles are consumer products within the meaning of
section3(a)(1)andshallbesubjecttotheCommissionregulationspublished atsection1500.18
(a)(12)andpart1512of title16,CodeofFederalRegulations.
(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
solelybysuchamotorwhileriddenbyanoperator who weighs170pounds,islessthan20mph.
(c) To further protect the safety of consumers who ride low-speed electric bicycles, the Commission may promulgate new or
amendedrequirementsapplicabletosuchvehiclesasnecessaryandappropriate.
(d) This section shall supersede any State law or requirement with respect to low speed electric bicycles to the extent that such
StatelaworrequirementismorestringentthantheFederallaworrequirementsreferredtoinsubsection(a).
SEC.2.MOTORVEHICLESAFETYSTANDARDS.
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
vehicleasdefinedbysection30102(6)oftitle49, United StatesCode.
Local BicycleLaws
Most states have their own set of bicycle laws regarding traditional pedal powered bicycles. With most states recognizing electric
bicyclesastraditionalpedalpoweredbicycles you must learn the applicable 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 will change depending on location. Most cities require 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 Mariner 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 withthe laws of the areas where you ride,and to complywith allapplicable 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 safetyguidelines,please read Chapter 4: Safety
f) Mechanical safety check - Check the condition of your bicycle before everyride.
Nuts, bolts and straps: Makesure nothing is loose. Lift the front wheel off the ground by two or three inchesthen 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 anyloose 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 putting 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 notride the bikeuntil thebrakes are properlyadjusted.
Quick Releases: Make sure seat post, stem, rear axle & frame quick release levers are properly adjusted and all
are in the locked position.
Handlebar and saddle alignment: Makesure the saddle and handlebar stem are parallel to the bike’s center line, clamped
andboltstightenedenough so that you can’t twist them out of alignment. If not, align and tighten them.
Handlebar ends: Makesurethelefthandlebargripandrightthrottlegriparesecureandingoodcondition.Ifnot,replacethem.
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.
