To begin, this is part of a PEV article in the NY Times that I, Seth Leitman, the Green Living Guy, was a reference.
Although this was in 04, I (Seth Leitman) The Green Living Guy, thought it was relevant information to post and that I got mentioned.
High-End E-Bikes Stand Out Amid Cheap Imports
Although much of the personal electric vehicle (PEV) market includes cheap, unreliable imports, higher-end options are gaining traction. For instance, in September, Target recalled nearly 75,000 of its $200 Chinese-made Red Dragon and E-Scooters due to safety concerns. Meanwhile, more expensive models have emerged. These premium machines offer real range, durability, and performance—enough to serve as serious transportation tools.
The Military-Grade Ride: Tidal Force
The Tidal Force electric bike PEV stands apart. Aside from its wiring and two foot-wide black disks in each wheel, it looks like a rugged, front-suspension mountain bike. Its folding frame, originally developed for military use, adds toughness and portability. The front disk holds a 36-volt nickel metal hydride battery. Meanwhile, the rear houses a 750-watt direct-drive motor that runs at 89% efficiency.
During a test ride, the bike climbed a steep hill effortlessly. It required no pedaling. As it crested the hill and rolled downhill, the bike switched to pedal mode. It hit nearly 30 mph. Even without pedaling, it maintained a steady 20 mph with ease.
High Price, Many Alternatives
Despite its performance, the Tidal Force comes at a cost—between $1,500 and $3,000. That’s steep for many shoppers. However, alternatives exist. Buyers of PEVs can explore other electric bicycles, stand-up scooters, or Vespa-style e-motorbikes. Each offers different power levels and range. Even so, a reliable model should travel at least 10 miles per charge. Moreover, charging typically takes three to six hours.
Understanding Local PEV Laws
Local laws vary widely, but most places recognize three basic types of PEVs. Small, stand-up scooters often come with or without seats. In many regions, riders can use them on public roads—as long as speed limits are 25 mph or lower. These scooters must be electronically capped at 20 mph.
New York City nearly banned all scooters after several crashes involving gas-powered mini-bikes. However, electric scooter advocates successfully lobbied for an exception. Now, as long as scooters stay under 15 mph and avoid sidewalks, they remain legal to ride.
PEV Electric Bikes Face Fewer Barriers
Electric bicycles enjoy greater legal freedom. In most jurisdictions, they avoid heavy regulation—as long as they stay under 20 to 30 mph. On the other hand, larger electric motorbikes, like Vespa-style scooters, face stricter rules. These vehicles must include lights and turn signals. Moreover, riders must insure and register them, just like gas-powered versions.
Therefore, here’s a segment of the post from The NY Times.
Taking Hills in a Single Glide
Sales of PEV’s, increased anywhere from 40 to 200 percent annually over the last three or four years in the United States, said Seth Leitman.
