Now one other US state needs to drive registrations for e-bikes

Simply because the mud is settling from New Jersey’s extensively criticized transfer to deal with many electrical bicycles extra like motor autos, one other state is floating a proposal that has riders and advocates shaking their heads.

This time, it’s New Hampshire, the place lawmakers are contemplating a invoice that may require bike and e-bike homeowners to register their rides yearly and pay a $50 charge simply to make use of public roads, paths, and trails.

Home Invoice 1703sponsored by Rep. Thomas Walsh (Republican-Hooksett) and at the moment in committee, would apply not solely to electrical bikes however to all bicycles used on state or municipally funded infrastructure. Failure to register might lead to a $100 wonderful per violation.

The proposal would cost $50 to register a motorcycle and is being framed as a approach to assist shore up transportation funding, with the invoice’s sponsor pointing to registration methods already in place for snowmobiles and off-highway leisure autos.

Commercial – scroll for extra content material

Native officers and biking advocates have raised sensible considerations. Police in school cities like Hanover observe that bikes are often purchased, offered, or handed alongside, making possession monitoring a large number. State companies estimate it will value lots of of hundreds of {dollars} simply to create and employees a brand new registration system, probably wiping out a lot of the income this system is meant to generate.

Critics argue that the proposal dangers discouraging precisely the form of low-impact, wholesome transportation states ought to be encouraging. That argument echoes a lot of the backlash seen lately in New Jersey, the place a brand new legislation dismantling the three-class e-bike system sparked opposition even from teams that help cracking down on unlawful high-powered bikes.

At a time when states say they need fewer automobiles, cleaner air, and more healthy residents, forcing individuals to pay for the privilege of pedaling – or calmly throttling – down a path or bike path looks like an odd method to get there.