Engineering a new Magic Pie for California's E-bike law

[Dangwillo]

So recently California passed a law regarding ebikes and defines "An “electric bicycle” is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts."

And:
The bill would require manufacturers or distributors of electric bicycles to affix a label to each electric bicycle that describes its classification number, top assisted speed, and motor wattage.

It also categorized E-bikes with a pedal assist maximizing at 28mph.

A “class 3 electric bicycle,” or “speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle,” is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour, and equipped with a speedometer.

Another bold face part of the legislation reads thus:

“YOUR INSURANCE POLICIES MAY NOT PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR ACCIDENTS INVOLVING THE USE OF THIS BICYCLE. TO DETERMINE IF COVERAGE IS PROVIDED YOU SHOULD CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY OR AGENT.”  In Californianese this means, "You will have to buy insurance eventually and provide evidence to the bike police who will also be created via a new tax on E-bikes and batteries.  "It's the spandex secret bike police..."

So I was wondering if Golden Motors should add a California compliant model Magic Pie to the line up, an 750 watt optimized to 28mph? 

The labeling goes into effect in 2017.  What do you think?

[Dangwillo]

I contacted Gm and they are not worried because the MP can be programmed to 750watt.  But even if that is the case, does it make sense to sell a 1000 watt motor tuned down to 750 Watts in terms of overall price?  I presume a 750 watt motor would have less parts and be cheaper to manufacture and even ship?  I have seen some 250 watt motors alone at 8 pounds, about 3.5 kilos.  Less magnets? Less copper? Less money? and obviously less power, but how much less?  Could you come close to the same performance from 0-30 with a 750 watt motor? 

[MrBulp]

Dangwillo,

i think that the e bikes law should limited 36V or 24V if they want to stay at 25kmh speed..

maybe im wrong but more Watts the better speed when climbing 30degree hills?

[Dangwillo]

I did not see any voltage, but rather a wattage limit, which is 750 watts.  You can go over 750 watts, but your bike will become a class three bike, requiring a helmet and possible insurance.  Also, I believe the 750 is a federal standard, which makes it compliant with federal law.  If I were Golden Motor I would be thinking about how this would affect the sales of 1000 watt motors. this is sort of a forced paradigm shift, and the company that caters to this law, will be the more successful company.  I wonder too, how much cheaper a 750 watt motor would be to manufacture and to ship.

I drink Stella beer, and they are 11 oz as opposed to 12 oz - in the case of shipping this really adds up considering the bottle weighs about the same as the beer inside it.  I believe a smaller motor would obviously weigh less, cost less to build and ship.  Therefore it would be cheaper, and more competitive in a market that is quickly bloating.  But I am ignorant as to how difficult this would be to engineer, and how expensive, but taking the long view, it could be worth it.

[OCD]

All you likely need is one of these unless you move to Australia or somewhere else where the police can be totalitarian about ebikes.
I put one of them on every 3k watt bike I build.   

Personally I'd be very happy if I could simply pay for insurance, but here in Canada if you have anything over 500 watts, it's illegal unless it's built entirely out of Transport Canada approved motorcycle parts, then it would require the same inspection/registration process as a scratch built full custom Harley...which is just plain silly. 
http://holmeshobbies.com/500W-motor-sticker.html.



Crazy L