electric bicycles(under 20mph)also as consumerproductsand notMotor Vehiclesforsafetystandards.TheNHSTAadheresfor the
mostparttotheCPSCguidelines.WeincludedreferencebelowonhowelectricbicyclesareperceivedbytheFederalGovernment’s
mostimportantagencies.Wedobelievenewregulationandruleswillapplyinthefutureupontheelectricbicyclebecomingoneofthe
standard forms of transportation for the masses. Prodeco Technologies will continue to follow new rules and guidance set forth by
theseagencies,alwayswelcomingandadheringtotheguidelinestheyfeelarerequiredtoassuresafetyfortheelectricbicyclerider.
On October 22, 2008, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) updated the Bicycle and Pedestrian Provisions of
FederalTransportationLegislationto maketechnicalcorrectionsandclarifications.
Belowaretheimportant updates reflecting electric bicycles:
Motorized Vehicle Use: In general, motorized vehicles are not permitted on non-motorized trails and pedestrian walkways funded
under Title 23. Exceptions to this general rule exist for maintenance vehicles; motorized wheelchairs; when State or local
regulations permit, snowmobiles; and electric bicycles (weighing under 100 pounds and a top speed of less than 20 miles per
hour); "and such other circumstances as the Secretary deems appropriate" (except the Recreational Trails Program which
specifically provides funds for motorized trails). In 2008, FHWA developed a Framework for Considering Motorized Use on Non-
motorizedTrailsandPedestrianWalkwaystoimplementthe"othercircumstances"provision.
Prodeco Technologies only offers electric bicycles that fall under the category of ―weighing under 100 pounds and a top speed of
less than 20 miles per hour‖. According to the DOT and NHSTA, Prodeco electric bicycles meet the exception of Motorized
Vehiclesandthereforecanberiddenonnon-motorizedtrails andbikepathspermittingstateandlocallaws.
FrameworkforConsideringMotorizedUseonNon-motorizedTrailsandPedestrianWalkwaysunder23 U.S.C.§217
The purpose of this document is toprovide guidance to Federal HighwayAdministration (FHWA) division offices and a consistent
frameworkfordeterminingwhen topermitanexceptionformotorizeduseonnon-motorizedtrailsand pedestrianwalkwaysunder
23U.S.C. §217(h)(5).Therelevantlegislation readsas follows:
23 U.S.C. § 217. Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways (h) Use of Motorized Vehicles.--Motorized vehicles may
not be permitted on trails and pedestrian walkways under this section, except for-- (1) maintenance purposes; (2) when snow
conditions and State or local regulations permit, snowmobiles; (3) motorized wheelchairs; (4) when State or local regulations
permit,electricbicycles;and(5)suchothercircumstancesastheSecretarydeemsappropriate.
(j)Definitions.--Inthissection,thefollowingdefinitionsapply:
(2)Electric bicycle.--The term "electric bicycle" means any bicycle or tricycle with a low-powered electric motor
weighing under100pounds,witha top motor-poweredspeednot inexcessof20milesperhour.
(4) Wheelchair.--The term "wheelchair" means a mobility aid, usable indoors, and designed for and used by individuals with
mobilityimpairments,whether operatedmanuallyor motorized.
The above23U.S.C.§217offers directionthattheProdecoElectricBicyclesareallowedonbike-paths(non-motorizedtrails)due
toProdecoelectric bicyclesfallingunder theclassificationoflessthan 100pounds andunder20mph.
HR727
SECTION 1, CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY ACT
TheConsumerProductSafetyAct(15U.S.C.2051etseq)isamendedbyaddedattheendofthefollowing:
LOW-SPEEDELECTRICBICYCLES
SEC. 38.(a) Notwithstanding anyother provision of law, low-speed electric bicycles are consumer products within the meaning of
section3(a)(1)andshallbesubjecttotheCommissionregulationspublishedatsection1500.18
(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
solelybysuchamotorwhileriddenbyanoperatorwhoweighs170pounds,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
Statelaworrequirementismorestringent thantheFederallaworrequirementsreferredtoinsubsection (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)of title49,United StatesCode.
Local BicycleLaws
Most states have their own set of bicycle laws regarding traditional pedal powered bicycles. With moststates recognizing electric
bicyclesastraditionalpedalpoweredbicyclesyoumustlearnthe applicablelaws in yourarea. YourDepartmentofTransportation
orCycleClubsinyourareawillhavethedetails involving riding a bicycle in your area and your city’s bike pathways. Requirements
for riding will change depending on location. Most cities requiring LED lights, hand signals, riding on the correct side of the road,
ridingbehindandnotparalleltoother 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 Phantom X2 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 withthelaws of theareaswhereyou ride,andto complywith all applicablelaws.
Do you know how to correctly check your wheel axle nuts? Do you understand proper braking techniques? Is your
saddle properly adjusted? Howdo you power your new electric bicycle? These are all questions you should have the
answers toprior toriding for the first time.This USER GUIDE will answermostof the questions youhaveinregardsto
your new bicycle and assist you in ensuring your electric bicycle remains safe to ride. You shouldfirst read the USER
GUIDEinits entirety andfamiliarize yourself with your new bicycle prior toriding.
Forfurther safetyguidelines,pleaseread Chapter4:Safety
