Motostrano.com

The Perfect Electric Scooter

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 01:05:00 +0000

I have been riding electric scooters and electric bikes for many years, well before the e-scooter share wave/scourge came about. I have ridden, broken, taken apart and sold quite a few scooters for personal use and for commercial gain. I have seen them come and go and I've seen them go and break.

One of my all time favorite electric scooters unfortunately never really caught on the US. It was too heavy and too slow for the market, hilly San Francisco Bay Area, even though it was the best designed scooter I have ever seen. CityBug has changed its design and released some new models since then, but I haven't had a chance to try them.

One of the most interesting electric scooters that has come across my desk recently is the BASECAMP H8 electric scooter. First of all, the escooter itself looks good, it is well designed and has all the right visual features.

This is a performance scooter and designed to be fast, a good climber and suitable for adult riders. The BASECAMP H8 will travel up to 25 miles per hour on flat surface and is able to climb up 30% grades with ease. It accomplishes this with an inboard 1000 watt electric motor, which is quite a lot of power for a small board like this.

It will hold a rider well above 300 lbs, another plus, if you are not currently in trim form.

My understanding is that this escooter is available on a limited trial basis for now.

Pick one up by ordering directly on the Basecamp's web site.

Spring Time Ride Half Moon Bay

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 08 Apr 2023 05:45:00 +0000

Half Moon Bay, located on the coast of California, is known for its stunning views, charming small-town atmosphere, and outdoor activities. Springtime is an especially beautiful season to explore Half Moon Bay by bike, with the warm sun, fresh ocean air, and blooming wildflowers creating a picturesque backdrop for any ride.

One of the most popular bike routes in Half Moon Bay is along the coast, which offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and rugged coastline. The route starts at the Half Moon Bay State Beach and winds its way north along the coast, passing through scenic coastal towns and beaches such as Princeton-by-the-Sea and Montara State Beach.

Along the way, riders can stop to take in the sights and sounds of the ocean, watch surfers catch waves, or simply bask in the warm sun. The route is relatively flat, making it accessible to riders of all levels, and the roads are well-paved and safe for biking. Another popular destination along the route is Pillar Point Harbor, a charming fishing village where visitors can watch fishing boats come in and out of the harbor or sample fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants. The harbor also offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, making it a great spot for a pitstop or a longer break.

For those looking for a more challenging ride, the Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail is a 6.2-mile multi-use trail that offers stunning views of the coast and ocean. The trail is hilly and requires a bit more effort than the coastal route, but it's worth it for the panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and coastal cliffs. Springtime in Half Moon Bay also means wildflower season, and riders on the coast route may encounter fields of vibrant wildflowers in bloom.

The coastal hills and valleys are dotted with poppies, lupines, and other colorful flowers, creating a truly beautiful and memorable biking experience. In conclusion, a bike ride along the coast of Half Moon Bay in spring is a must-do for any outdoor enthusiast or nature lover. With its stunning views, charming towns, and beautiful wildflowers, this bike route offers a truly unforgettable biking experience. Whether you're an experienced cyclist or a casual rider, Half Moon Bay has something to offer for everyone, making it a perfect destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway.

The DYU King 750 Fat Tire Electric Bike Is a Lot Of Bike For the Money

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 08 Apr 2023 04:54:00 +0000

You can't beat the planted feeling you get aboard a fat tire ebike. It feels like you could hop off the saddle and walk away and the bike would remain standing. Good shock dampening, great grip on the road, more tire to eat up ruts and curbs.

The DYU King 750 electric bike is a fat tire ebike that stands out for its good looks and very reasonable price tag.

28 MPH top speeds means this bike can get up hills and maintain speed with ease and I can think of 5 ebikes on the market right now that have similar features and style and sell for nearly $4,000 and you'll pay shipping.

Perhaps best of all is DYU offers a 14 day test ride policy and if you don't like what you get you can send the bike back.

Journey Down To Big Sur

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 04:03:00 +0000

"It was a dark and stormy Sunday night when I set out on my motorcycle journey down to Big Sur. The wind was howling and the rain was coming down in sheets, but I was undeterred. I knew that this was going to be one of those epic adventures that would test my mettle and leave me forever changed.

As I revved up my motorcycle, the thunderous roar of the engine echoed through the empty streets. People peered out of their windows, wondering who this madman was, daring to brave the treacherous conditions. But I knew that I was a man on a mission, and nothing was going to stop me.

The rain pelted against my helmet as I tore down the highway, the wind battering against me like an angry beast. But I held on tight, determined to make it to Big Sur, no matter what.

The road was slick and treacherous, with sharp curves and hairpin turns that threatened to send me careening off the side of the cliff. But I pushed on, my adrenaline pumping, my senses heightened, and my will stronger than ever before.

The storm raged on, but I pressed on, driven by the need to conquer the elements and arrive at my destination. And then, as suddenly as it began, the rain stopped, and the clouds parted, revealing a beautiful starry sky.

The road ahead of me was illuminated by the moonlight, and I felt a sense of calm wash over me. I had made it through the storm, and now I was in the heart of Big Sur, one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

I parked my motorcycle and looked out at the ocean, the waves crashing against the rocks below. I felt a sense of awe and wonder, as if I had been transported to another world.

As I stood there, taking in the majesty of the world around me, I realized that this was what it was all about. The thrill of the ride, the challenge of the journey, the sense of adventure that comes from pushing yourself to the limit. It was a moment that I would never forget, and one that would stay with me for the rest of my life.

So if you ever find yourself on a dark and stormy Sunday night, wondering whether to take that motorcycle ride down to Big Sur, just remember: sometimes the greatest adventures come from facing your fears head-on and daring to take that leap into the unknown."

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Looking For An Electric Bike?:

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 21:19:00 +0000

Try these easy tips

Convenience and efficiency: Electric bikes provide an easy and efficient way to travel around, especially for short distances, without having to rely on public transportation or a car. They're also great for commuting to work or running errands.

Environmentally-friendly: Electric bikes produce fewer emissions than traditional vehicles, making them a more environmentally-friendly transportation option.

Health benefits: Riding an electric bike can provide exercise and promote a healthy lifestyle, which is important for overall health and well-being.

Cost-effective: Electric bikes are generally cheaper to operate and maintain than traditional vehicles, making them a cost-effective transportation option in the long run.

Fun and enjoyment: Many people find riding electric bikes to be fun and enjoyable, especially when exploring new places or taking scenic routes.

A good example of this is the FREESky Electric Bike, 750W Bafang Motor 32 MPH Electric Mountain Bike for Adults,

【Powerful 750W BAFANG Motor】:The electric bike is equipped with 750W, 48V BAFANG Brushless Rear Hub Motor, Maximum speed of 32 mph gets you to your destination faster and reduces unnecessary time spent on the road and provide enough energy for your daily commute, cruise in the mountains, or ride along your favorite trails. This electric bike is specially designed for your daily travel and relaxation. Enjoy your journey with this ebike even during a traffic jam.
【Removable 48V 15Ah Samsung Battery】: The electric mountain bike with built-in 48V 15Ah Samsung rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery(about 4-6h Fast charging time), IP54 waterproof, riding range varies from 50miles(max range in pure electric mode) to 80miles (max range in pedal assistant mode). The removable battery can be charged wherever has a socket. There is a sturdy battery lock inside so no worries of being stolen when leaving the battery on you. Long battery life takes you farther.

Bust Your Commute at Motostrano.com

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 18:02:00 +0000

If you live in the Bay Area, "getting around" is a constant thing to be reconciled with in your daily life. But, unlike other parts of the country where cars dominate completely and your only choice is to grin and bear it, you have countless alternate transportation solutions to help you differentiate from the crowd, go against the stream instead of with it, get un-stuck from traffic and benefit from health upsides as a result.

Never before has there been such a wide variety of commuter-focused "personal transportation devices" available to you and the Bay Area is as usual a testing ground for all kinds of creative solutions to help you get from A to B. Motostranois the store at the center of all these alternative commuting solutions and we have been for almost 20 years now.

Since 2002, a big part of Motostrano's focus has been about busting your commute. In the beginning it was motorcycles and in 2009 we migrated to bicycles and specifically electric bicyclesand now we offer a complete range of solutions ranging from electric bikes, electric scooters, electric skate boards and ecargo bikes.

My name is Joe Witherspoon. I started Motostrano back in 2002 because I wanted a there to be the kind of store that I wanted to shop at for motorcycle accessories because I was commuting by motorcycle every day from Burlingame to Palo Alto. I didn't want to sit in traffic and I wanted to enjoy getting to and from work. In 2009 I started commuting by electric bike 15 miles each way from Redwood City up Ralston Ave in Belmont to the hills of San Mateo. I could not have done this without an ebike. This started the morphing of a motorcycle store to a new type of bike shop - an ebikeshop. Then, as battery and motor technologies have improved I started riding all kinds of escooters and eskateboards to get from the shop to the train station and there to home a couple miles away.

As the years progressed, Motostrano developed into a global e-commerce platform for emobility and two vibrant and full service bike stores in the Bay Area.

In 2019 I had to shut the doors of both stores due to a divorce that rattled my life apart. Everything had to go and the idea of Motostrano sat dormant for many years. Lately, I have been cleaning things up a bit and hope to maintain the web site with some fresh content, articles about biking and products and links out to some interesting products. If they help you and the bike community, I consider that a win/win.

Riding the Moustache Samedi 27 2X Tandem Electric Bike

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 21:05:00 +0000

I love riding with my partner and riding by tandem is one of my favorite ways to get around on a Sunday. Touring by tandem is literally twice as fun as riding solo,when you are on a bike with the one you love and the one that loves you. But tandem bikes are rare and excellent electric tandem bikes are even rarer, so I wanted to give you a fresh impression of our ride yesterday on the 2018 MOUSTACHE Samedi 27 X2 tandem.

Moustache is a French company, making some of the most innovative ebikes in the world. Their tandem is no exception. This bike comes in two build types, either a smooth tire touring type or a knobby tire off-road type, but the frames, motors and other specs are pretty much the same.

I've ridden tandems for the past few years on road and off road. Yesterday we did a Meet-Up ride with other fellow ebikers in the Sonoma area. Naturally we were the only tandem riders, with others riding solo on their Haibikes, KTM, Giant, Felt and Blix bikes.

Out and about in wine country, Tandems are wonderful. Before our meet-up we scouted around Sonoma for breakfast downtown. The tandem is easy to get on and get going. With the Bosch motor, starting off is nicer than without a motor, as you often need a little oomph to get momentum on a tandem.

What you notice immediately on the Samedi 2X is its wide handle bars and forward riding position. The bike is made for adventure touring on or off road with MTB type bars front and rear. Big Magura brakes also help. You also notice the sturdy Rockshox forks which smooth out the ride for potholes on road and rocks and ruts off road. The rear passenger also gets a nice Suntour suspension seat post to numb out the jerks. Both of these parts work together to even out the long frame geometry and make the bike very ridable in all riding conditions.

I am 6 foot 1 and at first my cockpit seemed short at first ride. Visually, when you look at the bike it appears that way too, but once on the bike I got used to the geometry and felt the short cockpit was working to my advantage in other ways, I just don't know how.

My partner is 5 foot 1 and she didn't complain about size much on this bike. We did have the seat too high for her at one point but lowered it and found a good balance after a few hours of riding with her not able to touch the ground when we stopped. Normally the seats are a problem on a performance bike but neither of us felt them to be too hard even after a full day in the saddle.

And ride we did, we literally spent the whole day with just a few stops on the Moustache Tandem, riding from 9AM to 5PM all over Sonoma on roads and trails, in the bike lane and in bike dirt paths.

The handle bars are quite wide, so riding on the bike paths was precarious at times as we passed through the guard zones. Our first challenge after breakfast was to climb up to the top of Sonoma Overlook trail which takes you out of town and straight up the mountain above Sonoma. This was a climbing test for the bike and it was grueling even with the Bosch motor.

As this was our first time out on the bike long term and we were about to embark on a 50 mile ride in all kinds of condition, I didn't want to do anything early on that would spend out our batteries, so we climbed up half way only, but it was enough to see that we could climb fine at 10-15 miles / hour up a very steep grade. By the end of the day, I had so much battery left, that I could have easily kept climbing to the top of Overlook Trail and had gobs of battery left for the rest of the tour. I wish I had too, as the view up at the top of the trail must be wonderful. We'll have to revisit it again next year during Spring time.

Riding around Sonoma on a crisp January morning with everything green and wet felt wonderful. Sonoma is just recovering from some nasty wild fires and we could see most of the mountainside all burned up. Must have been terrifying to be in the area during the fires. Still, the grasses were all back and flowers were already starting to bloom even though it was late January and quite cold.

After meeting up with the group, we first jumped in to the Sonoma Art Museum to check out the Jack London exhibit going on there. I'm a big fan of Jack London and his adventures. Our ride was themed for him and our route was to ride from Sonoma downtown to Jack London State Park where we'd find the trails and make our way up to the summit of the park.

The ride from Sonoma to Glen Ellen is all on roads with some shoulder and painted off bike lane. It's mostly flat and we cruised at 18MPH most of the way through wine country. The Samedi Tandem accelerates great. In fact, though my friend Frankie thought that Moustache should have offered a different gearing configuration, I found the gearing to be just perfect for all conditions we met that day. It got up to speed fine. It climbed steep stuff fine and it cruised fine. I don't think I'd change out the front sprocket.

Moustache makes the Tandem in both a touring and an off-road version. We were on the Touring version which is identical to the off-road with the exception of cruiser tires, a rear rack, a rear fender and lights. Both come with big dual 500W Bosch batteries. Truth be told, we should have been on the off-road variety this day, as the route called for some serious trail work and it turned out to be muddy and rocky.

My partner and I enjoy adventure. We road a tandem over the San Juan Bautista Anza Historic Trail recently without a motor all the way to Salinas from San Juan Bautista and back. The Moustache would have faired even better with a quicker ascent and a better ride once we got back on road.

The Trekking bike is a better bike if you plan to tour long distance and want to have the option to go both on and off-road, but tour fast on road.

In it's trekking form, this bike did great off-road. Jack London State Park has some pretty good trails. The main trail is a biking/hiking/horse path that winds up the summit past redwoods, a lake that Jack built for fishing and swimming and through many creeks and washes. It is well maintained by the locals and volunteers with lots repair work where the trail washes out. To the locals, this is their back yard play ground and everything done is in the spirit of the wild adventurer Jack London. To me, this park is a spiritual pilgrimage destination to any one who enjoys the outdoors unfettered by the safety of civilization.

Once you get past the lake and head up aways, the trail gets steep and rocky. It's 2300 feet to the top. A bit further up, you'll see a camp set in some old redwoods. This is the spot London often camped out with his crew. From here, the trail gets very challenging. I've led groups on this trail before but not by tandem so we made it up.

My partner and I gave it our best shot to get as high as we could up the mountain. At one point she had to get off and walk as the path was steep, wet and slippery. Without knobbies the back wheel was slipping. It actually slipped more without her on the bike but once we got to a flat area she climbed back on and road a few more hundred feet until we came to a vey rocky, very muddy, very washed out area that I had to push the tandem up using walk assist from Bosch. Even with that I realized that this was pretty much our turnaround point, I expect we were about 2/3 ways up. We let the rest of the riders go on ahead.

With knobbies and more commitment we could have made it all the way, but neither of felt like pushing things today and we turned back to enjoy the down hill. On the way down we got to test out the big Magura brakes, pretty much cooking them the whole way. Going down even in mud, our Super Moto X tires held grip great come to think of it. As much as we need a good system for climbing on a bike like this we need even better brakes to make sure we get down safely.

I love the Moustache Tandem! My stoker partner loves it too, so much so she wants to trade in her own Felt hybrid ebike for a Moustache tandem and let it be our main touring ebike, since we are usually riding together always anyway. As a couples option, the tandem just can't be beat. It is just the best way to tour as a couple. You get to ride together, you get to divide some of the navigation and of course the pedaling power. With a motor and 2 batteries it gets even better. On a tandem you're already blowing out the weight issue, so you're heavy. Adding a motor and batteries doesn't change much to the equation.

I joked with her when she talked a little too much about my riding choices along the way that I wished the bike had an emergency un-coupling that allowed us to disconnect while riding, but other than that the features of the Samedi Tandem are great.

In the steep steep climbs, I wonder about chain life on a bike with this much riding on the chain. I think an upgrade soon to the SRAM EX1 system will be in order for a better chain and gear life. I'm also working on finding the best pannier and touring back setup for this ride, now that I know I can ride for miles and miles on this tandem. After a full day of riding we barely made a dent in the range of the batteries with only one notch down on the battery indicator.

Think about the distance you can cover on a bike that also rolls fine with the motor off. The rolling resistance of this bike is nearly zero. It rides fine with the motor off on flat terrain and basically you can use the eco mode of the Bosch system to get you to your cruising speed quicker and then just pedal to keep it up at speed, so you're only using your battery for climbing.

Any down sides to it? Little stuff like the grips. They are meant to be used with gloves, which I didn't bring this day. At this price point on a touring bike, I'd prefer to have some Supernova lights already built into the bike. It only has one water bottle mount. This bike is meant to eat up tons of adventure miles and so I'd want mounts all over the place for it. After yesterday's muddy ride I'm also going to be putting on a front mud fender and changing out the Ostrich bar bag for an Ortlieb bike camping bar bag. Just fantastic.

I'll end there. I just fell in love with the Moustache, which I really wasn't sure about at first. The bike rides like a dream but mostly it's got me dreaming of all the amazing places we are now hoping to go as a couple with this bike.

BOSCH Powertube System United States Release Timing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 06 Dec 2017 19:25:00 +0000

Aw yea FINALLY Bosch has produced an internal battery system for their widely popular mid-drive ebike system. Only problem is.... IT'S NOT OUT YET here in the good old USA. That's right, as of this blog post, if you want to own a new Haibike, Corratec, Cube or other brand of ebike that is talking about and showing the Bosch POWERTUBE ebike battery system in their models you'll need to wait until around summer time of 2018 before you get that brand new ebike you're eyballing on our web site.

Ebikes like the Haibike SDURO Fullseven 9.0 or the Haibike XDURO (ALLTN) All Mountain 10.0 won't be shipping to any dealer until this time due in part to the fact that the BOSCH batteries take more time to get approved by the US consumer safety people before they can be allowed for sale here. We'll have this system available for Haibike and Cube ebikes soon!

Now, depending on when you are reading this, we still recommend you get on the ball and get your order in sooner rather than later for any POWERTUBE system you have your eyeballs set on if you really want one in 2018. Reason being, I predict they will sell out by the time they ship and start to get scarce. In fact it could be we miss seeing them in 2018 at all if things get delayed further.

Now- if you don't want to wait that long, just get a regular system. We have plenty of great new ebikes with the standard battery and note this "older" system is going to be around for a long, long time and the price of spare batteries is certain to go down quickly.

But, if you still want "hidden power" and don't want to wait, then we highly recommend some of the new Moustache ebikes which use the standard Bosch powerpack and hide it inside the frame quite nicely with no summer time delay. See those here in our Moustache Ebike Page.

Visit our web site to order or call 650-918-6259 to talk to a real human being.

Checking out the Haibike XDURO AllMtn 9.0 Ebike

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 00:37:00 +0000

When BOSCH announced the new powertube internal battery system we in the ebike community go really excited. EMTB riding can be a touchy situation here in the United States where entrenched camps in the MTB world often sneer at Ebikes on trail. Some trails here in the SF BAY area outright ban ebikes from trails, for no good reason. The new BOSCH intube system will make it a lot harder for a ranger or traditionalist to snoop about what you are, which means you can ride your ebike where you want in peace.

The new Haibike XDURO AMT 9.0 (all mountain) ebike features the new PowerTube system and it's going to be one of the hot tickets in 2018 when this things comes out. But, hold your hats, if you want one you're going to get to put in an order soon because these bikes will sell pre-sold before they are shipped. The other problem is they are not shipping until Summer of 2018 and there won't be enough of them.

The Haibike ALLMTN 9.0 has the BOSCH CX motor, of course and features FOX suspension front and rear. Dropper seatpost is there and great tires. The Bosch powertube is a little more expensive and weighs more than the standard 500w battery pack, but some will find it worth it.

Note- the PowerPack 500w and 400w systems will all be around for many years to come and if you are thinking about parts availability, the standard batteries will always be more common since they are easier to use on bikes.

Motostrano is taking orders on the AMT 9.0 now. Go ahead and get your order in.

Note- we also sell the Cube and Mosutache brand ebikes, which also use the Powertube (Cube) or in Moustache's case, they have a great Hidden Power system that uses that standard good old fashion Bosch system.

Haibike Urban, Race, Superrace Fork Recall

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 16 Feb 2017 18:41:00 +0000

Product recall of all Haibike XDURO Race, Superrace and Urban models

Schweinfurt, 14th February 2017 – Product recall at Haibike: XDURO Race, Superrace and Urban models were sold on the market featuring forks which exhibit rather unstable material. This might result in premature rupture and may ultimately lead to a fork break. This poses an enormous safety and injury risk for every user. Thus, the lower Franconian bicycle manufacturer decided to perform this recall. Affected are the following models of different model years: -

Haibike XDURO Urban (model year 2014, 2015) - Haibike XDURO Urban RC (MY 2016) - Haibike XDURO Race (MYs 2014, 2015) - Haibike XDURO Superrace (MYs 2014, 2015) - Haibike XDURO Race S RX (MY 2016) - Haibike XDURO Race S PRO (MY 2016) - Haibike XDURO Urban S RX (MY 2016) - Haibike XDURO Urban S PRO (MY 2016)

„The safety of our eBikes and their riders has highest priority for us. Therefore, we perform extensive endurance tests at external testing institutes. Some of our testing criteria are significantly above the DIN, ISO or EN norm standards”, explains Susanne Puello, managing director of Winora Group. “Latest findings from these tests caused us to perform this recall.“ Haibike USA |

Identifying the problem: The forks used in our Haibike Race, Superrace and Urban models might show premature breaking when being exposed to above-standard endurance tests. Therefore, the fork may suffer from rupture or a break. A manufacturing error cannot be excluded up to now. Due to safety reasons, the affected eBikes must be taken out of order immediately. This measure comprises 1765 vehicles in total

How is this recall performed?

All dealers were and will be informed about the situation via letter and will receive an extensive information guideline that will explain the reasons, as well as the further recall action step by step. Additionally, we will create a special dealer and end consumer area on our homepage www.haibike.com/recall/us. “With our measures, we will ensure a fast and smooth processing of this recall“, confirms Susanne Puello.

2017 Haibikes Are Here!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 06 Feb 2017 22:48:00 +0000

Haibike is on the ball this year with many of their 2017 model ebikes available for consumer consumption now! Motostrano recently took delivery of the Haibike 7.0 and Haibike 8.0 All Mountain Bikes. It looks like about 25% of the line-up is now available to own.

See the Full Haibike ebike collection on our web site and visit our stores in San Francisco and Redwood City

BOSCH Warranty Note on Consumer Imported Bikes

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 06 Jan 2017 20:15:00 +0000

Surfing the web late at night spending hours and hours of "online research" might land you a bike you want to buy that is not available through US dealers - beware that European-spec bike will not have a US-spec warranty with it.

It's important for your investment to make sure you buy a bike that is certified and backed by BOSCH USA, otherwise your bike's ebike system will have no warranty.

All BOSCH ebikes we sell come with a standard 2 year warranty that covers parts (not labor). This means that if your battery goes bad in the 2 years you own it, or you Nyon Display stops working you get a new one once we (your dealer) connect the bike to diagnostics. It's easy, but only if your bike was purchased here in the US.

1. Battery Warranty Clarification: North American eBike systems vs. European eBike systems.

North American PowerPack (bottom in picture). European PowerPack (top in picture).

In the U.S. and Canada (North America), Bosch’s limited warranty does not cover European eBike system components (whether purchased inside or outside North America).

The two most common ways a European system enters North America is via an eBike manufacturer or distributor (e.g. manufacturer or distributor exports eBike with a European system to North America and sells to local dealer) or via an end-consumer (e.g. end-consumer moves to the U.S. or Canada and brings eBike purchased in Europe, or end-consumer purchases a European eBike online). In either case, the system will not have a valid warranty through Bosch eBike Systems North America.

This isn’t only a warranty issue—it also means the system cannot be serviced properly here because some European spare parts aren’t available in the North America.

Bosch eBike systems are designed and built to meet country-specific norms and regulations. eBike Manufacturers using our system build eBikes to comply with these norms and regulations and are obliged to use North American systems for eBikes intended for North America. Once an eBike leaves a country for which it was designed, it can no longer be certain that the eBike complies with the new country’s norms and regulations (e.g: max assist speed, power, EMC compliance, etc.).

Since North American dealers might not realize the eBike they’re buying is equipped with a European system, we advise that before making future purchases, check first with your manufacturer or distributor. You can tell the difference between a North American and European system by the battery decal (see image above), and also the max assist speed—15.5 mph (25 km/h) in Europe vs. 20 mph (32 km/h) in North America. (One exception is with Performance Line Speed systems; max assist speed is same for both at 28 mph (45 km/h)). We ask all dealers to be mindful of our policy and help support it by only selling eBikes with North American eBike systems.

Death Valley By Ebike- If We Can Do It, You Can Too

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 05 Jan 2017 19:43:00 +0000

I've been organizing and leading group e-bike rides for the past two years as a way to help people of all abilities put the ebikes they buy from us or elsewhere to good use. 2016 was a very busy year for our riders and our groups have been growing as e-bikes become more popular. We had so many adventures and covered so many miles in 2016 both off-road and on-road. It was a great year! We road along the American River outside Sacramento. We road around the entire Lake Tahoe as well as the Flume Trail. We ran a 1 hour Pedelec Cycle Track race in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park and we explored the lost back country trails of Henry Coe State Park and explored Monterrey's 17 Mile Drive by e-bike, just to name a few of our adventures. Visit our Meet-up page to see all the past and future rides.

For the last ride of 2016, we wanted to do something big and special to finish off the New Year and so Death Valley was thrown on the calendar and preparations were made to spend 6 days in the desert over the Christmas Holiday riding e-bikes and exploring. I knew we'd end up being a small group because people have commitments around this time of year, so we had 5 RSVPs and 3 riders showed up. Not bad, considering. Our larger group rides usually see up to 15 riders.

The plan was to meet at Stovepipe Wells, set up camp, get acclimated and start exploring, with multiple rides leaving from from here that were between 20 and 60 miles round trip. This was the place for us to charge our batteries over night and Stovepipe is one of the main villages in the park with a range of camp sites, a hotel, restaurant, gas depot and store.

Going in Winter meant temperatures were cool (i.e. not the 130 degrees the place gets in summer), but it also meant that we could see rain. On our way many of the passes were lined with snow but when we got to Death Valley proper the skies were blue and the weather was in the mid fifties.

There's nothing more liberating when traveling than arriving at your destination by car or plane and not having to step foot in a car for the duration of your stay. Getting on your bike in a strange new place gives you a unique and up-close perspective that you can't get in a car or bus and riding an e-bike makes that experience all the more pleasureable. You're exposed to the world and therefore you are open to the experiences of this new environment in the best of ways.

Day 1, while we waited for one of the riders to arrive and meet us, we road out to Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes just a few miles from Stovepipe on our Haibike SDURO Cross SM and Hardseven SM bikes. The paved roads in the park are all well maintained and though there's not much shoulder, car traffic is scarce and well behaved in the park. With our e-bikes we could avoid the hunt for parking and go straight to the dunes. This is where George Lucas shot many of the scenes from Star Wars A New Hope. We hiked around the dunes and took photos and rested on the soft sand.

Once we were sure there were no Sand Crawlers or Storm Troopers on our tail, we got back on our bikes and headed to Stovepipe for lunch before exploring the dirt road heading towards Marble Canyon. The ride out to Marble Canyon is only 9 miles but it's on a tough desert dirt road with annoying tractor grates usually, thick sand often and at one point a small creek running in the road that creates deep mud. We passed two cars that were stuck in this stuff and were happy to be on our Haibike e-bikes since we could go around the mud river with ease and get back on the trail when it dried out. Also, any time we hit a patch of deep sand the power of the Yamaha motor easily kept up the momentum and got us through it with a fun little wobble. Without our e-bikes this ride would have been a lot more difficult. As it was, we both got tired of the tractor grating and turned back before getting to the Canyon, happy to have got as far as we did and enjoying being in the middle of the desert.

The next day we drove out to Furnace Creek to ride to Golden Canyon, Artist's Drive and Artist's Pallet and Badwater. Artist's Drive is a short back-canyon climb through colorful mountains and beautiful curved roads that wind and dip through the terrain.

Our e-bikes allowed us to keep up the pace as we spied so many fantastic sights along this ride. Otherworldly vistas, wonderful side hikes and painter's canvas perfect vistas line every foot of this road as you climb and the other half of the reward is a fast twisty downhill flight back down to the valley floor which is below sea level.

We paced ourselves for a calm ride. We are e-bikers. It's not a race. It's as much a personal challenge as it is a test of the technology we are riding on. The beauty of the ride is what it's all about and so we made sure to stop and take pictures whenever and where ever we liked.

If we can do it, you can do it.. Though I like a challenge, I also like to take it easy and let the e-bike do a lot of the work. Out here in the desert with no services around, it was critical we all watched our battery life and watches as we trekked up the mountainside, keeping mind of where we were along the route. We keep it in Eco mode most of the way to maximize range, using the higher powers only when necessary. On flat terrain, we turn the power off completely to enjoy the silence and save battery.

On our final day before heading further east, our goal was to do a loop around Titus Canyon, head up Daylight Pass Road, explore Rhyolite ghost town and then head down through the Canyon and back. The bike I road was a Haibike SDURO Cross SM, which is Haibike's budget price bike made for on and off-road riding. It's got the smooth Yamaha motor and what I like most about it is its reliability. I know when I get on this bike that it's going to work flawlessly and I know that it will give me a predictable good range that will take me where I want to go.

I outfitted the bike with a full set of THULE panniers in the back and the Pack N Pedal front bag system which is perfect for longer touring. For this longer ride, I carried a second Yamaha battery, a spare jacket, spare tubes and a pump, tools, lots of water, chargers for the phone, bike locks, lights and a few other stuff.

Lydia rode her Haibike Hardseven SM with no spare battery (she was the bravest of us all) and Steven was on his iZIP Peak. Steven was carrying 2 extra batteries and a lot of stuff too.

We got a late start and with two of us fighting the tail end of colds, this was a tough ride, with or without our motors. It's a gradual climb straight up the mountain and not too strenuous but long and constant and when you finally turn around after 15 miles you see the rewarding view behind you.

We arrived to Daylight Pass just as the sun was about to set and at 4300 feet agreed we'd have to ride down Titus Canyon next year, that Daylight Pass was our turn around point and we were all happy with this accomplishment.

The ride back down the mountain was a fun, long, fast and wild ride down the mountain - the kind you dream about as a kid - which makes you feel like you're in flight. No motor. No brakes. No cars. Just you, the wind and the setting sun over the valley letting gravity and the road take you home.

As a first time to Death Valley, we only scratched the surface and so we'll be back, but our next stop was Tecopa Hot Springs where we set up a new base at this funky little oasis in the middle of the Mojave Desert.

The first thing we found was the secret place where the actual hot springs were located. It turned out we had stopped right in front of them on the way in to town, but when a funky New York writer came out of the Bistro restaurant and told us all about the actual hot springs down the road, Lydia and I quickly got flashlights and headed out to explore.

For such a small town in the middle of nowhere, it was fantastic to see this BIKE LANE sign and a great bike lane for much of the 20 miles round trip to China Date Ranch Farm & Bakery.

For our last day in the desert and New Year Day, we road to Ash Meadows just outside of Death Valley Junction - a living ghost town with a very interesting hotel, opera house and cafe. The night before we experienced a New Year's ballet show in the famous Opera House and the weather was perfect for a long flat ride across the Mojave desert in search of the the endangered pupfish.

The pupfish is a little blue fish that only lives in this area, likes warm spring water and is on the verge of extinction. We looked for the fish at 2 other spots in Death Valley but saw none, so this would be our last chance to spot this cute little desert fish.

The road ride from Death Valley Junction to Ash Meadows gave us a tail wind that complimented the welcoming scenery. It's 10 miles on road and the last part is up a hill a bit and then we turn left down a well maintained dirt road for another 7 miles to the the points of interest.

Riding miles upon miles in the desert is an experience you'll have to try on your own. With just you and the desert on an endless horizon, you come to appreciate the vast silence, the immense terrain and sky all around you and you come to appreciate your small place in the world. It's easy to imagine you are in the middle of nowhere because you don't have the usual reference points to go by. You are not in your domain. The dirt roads around Ash Meadows are surrounded by all kinds of abundance of life and beauty though and it's impossible to absorb it all.

At Devil's Hole there was no seeing pupfish because the area is fenced off for research purposes. The visitor's center here is brand new and state of the art and very helpful. A helpful ranger pointed us to the place we're guaranteed to see the fish and sure enough when we arrived at the spot they were every where.

Our Pupfish hunt now completed, we mounted up and headed back to Death Valley Junction with a fantastic BLT lunch on every one's mind at the Amargosa Cafe attached to the Amargosa Hotel and Opera House.

The 20 mile ride back was very different than the ride to the park and here's where the benefit of our e-bikes really kicked in. Though the road was flat, the tail wind that we had going out - that allowed us to ride in Eco mode - was now a strong head wind coming in. I could see what looked like dust devils near our final destination and the last thing I wanted to do was to ride straight into some kind of dust storm. To keep up the pace, all of us had to ride in standard or high power modes and the Haibikes and iZIP were very helpful. Steven ran out of battery just before getting to the Cafe and Lydia and I both made it back with power to spare.

Death Valley is a very rideable National Park. It's huge it has basic services to use as a base and the park's wide open spaces, smooth roads and well marked off-road trails make it ideal for a an e-bike ride if you have the right stuff. E-bikes will help you experience the park in ways that a car or regular bike can't. Still, even with an e-bike, Death Valley creates a number of challenges that make riding in the desert a true adventure.

We've done a lot of good rides over the years on our e-bikes. At the end of it all, words can't do the experience or place justice. There's no place like Death Valley and there's nothing like riding through it and around it on your e-bike. We fell in love with Death Valley and we'll be doing another ride next year. If we can do it, you can do it. Go there, experience it for your self. Come with us next year when we'll be doing it again. Check out our videos on our YouTube page to see more.

New Haibike Video Featuring Italy and Guido

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 07 Dec 2016 21:02:00 +0000

Haibike has put out another thrilling Guido video this time in the back country of Tuscany Italy.

Now that you have seen the video, visit our stores to buy the latest and greatest Haibike ebikes!

Thinking of Selling Your Motorcycle and Getting An Ebike? You're Not Alone

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 04 Nov 2016 18:38:00 +0000

With the rise in popularity of electric bicycles, many long time motorcyclists are trading in their 200 lb Kawasaki mx bikes bikes and 400 lb Ducati road bikes for 45 lb electric bicycles. With our long history and involvement in the motorcycle industry (since 2002), perhaps no other company sees this happening real-time than Motostrano, since we too made the switch almost completely from motorcycle to bicycle and now to e-bike in the last 7 years.

To be clear, we still dabble in moto stuff and are the leading provider of Supermoto Parts and also the billet goodies from Italy we're known for, (Rizoma parts)but the motorcycle industry as a whole tanked along with the last recession and hasn't come back. We are wagering that it will never come back and that's why the cool part of motorcycling has pretty much been relegated to the bygone years of vintage moto bike style ala Triumph and the like. Local racing series are nearly gone. Off-road riding areas are closing down.

For the aging motorcyclist, or the would-be motorcyclist, looking at a 2 wheel steed for a variety of reasons- a motorcycle carries with it a lot of undesirable baggage, not the least of which is its weight.

"I just need to get to work..."

What you can't do with a motorcycle, you can do with a bike. ie, pick it up and put it on a train, bus or car. Store it in an apartment. Change a tire. Take it with you on a trip. Let your girl friend ride it.

"Wife said I can't ride my motorcycle anymore..."

If you have a girl friend, she probably doesn't want to hang out on the back of a motorcycle wearing chaps or tight leather pants these days. That role for her is largely a relic from her 20s and 30s and more than likely she wants to ride a bike too, an e-bike, or a bicycle. Also, she probably doesn't want her boy friend or husband to be the balls-out risk-taker Evil Knievel type that some of us were raised to think was really cool. She wants you to be a forward-thinking, techno-friendly, financially stable emotional and physical resource in her life, not a beer-bellied Marlboro man in dirty leathers bar-hopping and barn-dusting the backroads of any urban area.

For road motorcyclists who want to bypass traffic and commute, Ebikes are allowing many would-be motorcyclists to realize some of toned-down the advantages of a moto with fewer of the negatives. Ebikes are cheaper. Don't need a license, or insurance. You can park them anywhere and get to your destination without ever getting bogged down in traffic.

"It's nuts out there, with every one on their cell phones...."

Though motos have great gas mileage, ebikes have unlimited gas mileage and where a motorcycle ride through peak-hour traffic can be a death-sentence, as you fly through stop-go traffic with every car not watching the road but watching their cell-phones, the notion of going a lot slower on an ebike and being on the side of the road, not in the middle or better yet, on a protected separate bike lane, can be a huge plus.

"I sold my KTM a few years ago..."

For off-road motorcycles, firstly, if they live in a dense urban area, they no longer need to pack their moto-x in the back of the truck at 4 in the morning and drive 4 hours to the pristine hazardous waste dump a million miles from any water source to have some fun in the dirt for a few hours only to return in deep traffic. The ebiker can usually ride straight from their garage to the local trail back canyon and enjoy a few hours of early morning fun and be back home in time for lunch with the whole family.

Because most good quality ebikes operate by pedal assist, a further advantage is one of health. Besides the obvious health risk of motorcycling to one's life, bicycling by e-bike literally adds years to your lifespan through the health benefits gained by pedaling vs just sitting in the seat and gassing it. This is true for motorcycling as much as for cars.

"I'm out of shape..."

For society at large, as more and more people turn to e-biking, the general population will see an improved life style as more and more people of all ages, gender and health-condition have access to bicycling where they once saw it as a much harder thing to get into than, for instance, simply sitting on a sofa.

"I want something for my wife so she can ride with me..."

So, it's no wonder that we are seeing a sizable group of riders come in to our store and tell us "I sold my KTM dirt bike a while ago and want to ride and I want to get an e-bike like my buddies". Or, "traffic is so bad and every one is on their cell phone, I just want to get to work, get a bit of a work-out and be happy. I want to buy an ebike".

E-bikes supply a lot of the adrenaline rush that motorcyclists thrive on and much of the same aura of danger, with less of the death, cigarettes and booze. Check out some of the rad downhill and emtb photos online and you'll see the same shenanigans as in the moto-x arena. In the coming months and years we hope to see a whole world of electric bike racing both off and off-road too, complete with Redbull sponsors, umbrella girls and all the other stuff that go along with extreme sports.

"I'm tired of lugging my bike out to Hollister..."

In Europe, e-bikes are replacing regular bikes and scooters and motorcycles too. On a recent trip to Germany and Switzerland, I noticed there's no more mopeds, very few scooters. True- Rome is still the hub of Vespa scooters, but still- ebikes are taking over all over the world.

"We just got back from an e-bike tour in Germany and Switzerland, is was fabulous..."

In reality we're not only "president of the Hair Club, we're also a client". We (motostrano) get it. We made the switch years ago too. Why ride a motorcycle when you can jump on this new technology and ride the wave while it's still new? (though ebikes have actually been around longer than motorcycles) Since getting involved in e-bikes my own health has improved, my stress and blood pressure has gone down, as has my weight. The rest will pretty much be history. Get an ebike!

Electric Bike Laws in California & United States

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 04 Apr 2016 20:25:00 +0000

Here are some handy resources if you ride an electric bike in California.

We are asked a lot, both before and after customers buy their ebikes- "is my ebike legal"?

Is your bike legal?

http://www.peopleforbikes.org/blog/entry/new-e-bike-law-passes-in-california

DMV Office of Public Affairs
2415 First Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 657–6437 | dmvpublicaffairs@dmv.ca.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 22, 2015

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/pubs/newsrel/newsrel15/2015_65

Electric Bicycles (AB 1096, Chiu): This law adds an entirely new definition of an electric bicycle to the California Vehicle Code. An electric bicycle is defined as a bicycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. The law creates three classes of electric bicycles. Manufacturers will also need to certify the electric bicycles comply with specified requirements. Electric bicycle riders will be able to use roads similar to other bicycle riders, while providing a measure of local control if safety concerns arise on specific paths or public trails.

Assembly Bill No. 1096

http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160AB1096

Assembly Bill No. 1096

CHAPTER 568

An act to amend Sections 406, 12804.9, 21113, 21207.5, and 24016 of, and to add Sections 312.5 and 21213 to, the Vehicle Code, relating to vehicles.

[ Approved by Governor October 07, 2015. Filed with Secretary of State October 07, 2015. ]

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST

AB 1096, Chiu. Vehicles: electric bicycles.

Existing law defines a “motorized bicycle” or a “moped” as a 2-wheeled or 3-wheeled device having fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power, or having no pedals if powered solely by electrical energy, and an automatic transmission and motor, as specified.

Existing law also defines a “motorized bicycle” as a device that has fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power and has an electric motor that meets specified requirements. Existing law requires a motorized bicycle, as described by this definition, to comply with specified equipment and manufacturing requirements. Existing law also imposes specified requirements relating to the operation of bicycles. A violation of the Vehicle Code is a crime.

This bill would delete the latter definition of a “motorized bicycle.” The bill would define an “electric bicycle” as a bicycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts, and would create 3 classes of electric bicycles, as specified. 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. The bill would require every electric bicycle manufacturer to certify that it complies with specified equipment and manufacturing requirements. The bill would also require an electric bicycle to operate in a manner so that the electric motor disengages or stops functioning when brakes are applied, or in a manner so that the release or activation of a switch or other mechanism disengages or stops the electric motor from functioning.

The bill would require a person riding an electric bicycle to comply with the above-described requirements relating to the operation of bicycles. The bill would prohibit persons under 16 years of age from operating a class 3 electric bicycle. The bill would also require persons operating, or riding upon, a class 3 electric bicycle to wear a helmet, as specified. The bill would prohibit the operation of a class 3 electric bicycle on specified paths, lanes, or trails, unless that operation is authorized by a local ordinance. The bill would also authorize a local authority or governing body to prohibit, by ordinance, the operation of class 1 or class 2 electric bicycles on specified paths or trails. The bill would prohibit a person from tampering with or modifying an electric bicycle to change its speed capability, unless he or she appropriately replaces the classification label. The bill would specify that a person operating an electric bicycle is not subject to financial responsibility, driver’s license, registration, or license plate requirements. The bill would also make conforming changes.

This bill would incorporate additional changes to Section 21113 of the Vehicle Code proposed by AB 604 that would become operative only if this bill and AB 604 are both chaptered, and this bill is chaptered last.

Because the bill would create new requirements regarding electric bicycles, the violation of which would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

DIGEST KEY

Vote: majority Appropriation: no Fiscal Committee: yes Local Program: yes

BILL TEXT

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1.

Section 312.5 is added to the Vehicle Code, to read:

312.5.

(a) An “electric bicycle” is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts.

(1) A “class 1 electric bicycle,” or “low-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 20 miles per hour.

(2) A “class 2 electric bicycle,” or “low-speed throttle-assisted electric bicycle,” is a bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.

(3) 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.

(b) A person riding an electric bicycle, as defined in this section, is subject to Article 4 (commencing with Section 21200) of Chapter 1 of Division 11.

(c) On and after January 1, 2017, manufacturers and distributors of electric bicycles shall apply a label that is permanently affixed, in a prominent location, to each electric bicycle. The label shall contain the classification number, top assisted speed, and motor wattage of the electric bicycle, and shall be printed in Arial font in at least 9-point type.

SEC. 2.

Section 406 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:

406.

(a) A “motorized bicycle” or “moped” is a two-wheeled or three-wheeled device having fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power, or having no pedals if powered solely by electrical energy, and an automatic transmission and a motor that produces less than 4 gross brake horsepower and is capable of propelling the device at a maximum speed of not more than 30 miles per hour on level ground.

(b) Every manufacturer of a motorized bicycle or moped, as defined in this section, shall provide a disclosure to buyers that advises buyers that their existing insurance policies may not provide coverage for these bicycles and that they should contact their insurance company or insurance agent to determine if coverage is provided. The disclosure shall meet both of the following requirements:

(1) The disclosure shall be printed in not less than 14-point boldface type on a single sheet of paper that contains no information other than the disclosure.

(2) The disclosure shall include the following language in capital letters:

“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.”

SEC. 3.

Section 12804.9 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:

12804.9.

(a) (1) The examination shall include all of the following:

(A) A test of the applicant’s knowledge and understanding of the provisions of this code governing the operation of vehicles upon the highways.

(B) A test of the applicant’s ability to read and understand simple English used in highway traffic and directional signs.

(C) A test of the applicant’s understanding of traffic signs and signals, including the bikeway signs, markers, and traffic control devices established by the Department of Transportation.

(D) An actual demonstration of the applicant’s ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in operating a motor vehicle by driving it under the supervision of an examining officer. The applicant shall submit to an examination appropriate to the type of motor vehicle or combination of vehicles he or she desires a license to drive, except that the department may waive the driving test part of the examination for any applicant who submits a license issued by another state, territory, or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico if the department verifies through any acknowledged national driver record data source that there are no stops, holds, or other impediments to its issuance. The examining officer may request to see evidence of financial responsibility for the vehicle prior to supervising the demonstration of the applicant’s ability to operate the vehicle. The examining officer may refuse to examine an applicant who is unable to provide proof of financial responsibility for the vehicle, unless proof of financial responsibility is not required by this code.

(E) A test of the hearing and eyesight of the applicant, and of other matters that may be necessary to determine the applicant’s mental and physical fitness to operate a motor vehicle upon the highways, and whether any grounds exist for refusal of a license under this code.

(2) (A) Before a class A or class B driver’s license, or class C driver’s license with a commercial endorsement, may be issued or renewed, the applicant shall have in his or her driver record a valid report of a medical examination of the applicant given not more than two years prior to the date of the application by a health care professional. As used in this paragraph, “health care professional” means a person who is licensed, certified, or registered in accordance with applicable state laws and regulations to practice medicine and perform physical examinations in the United States. Health care professionals are doctors of medicine, doctors of osteopathy, physician assistants, and registered advanced practice nurses, or doctors of chiropractic who are clinically competent to perform the medical examination presently required of motor carrier drivers by the United States Department of Transportation. The report shall be on a form approved by the department. In establishing the requirements, consideration may be given to the standards presently required of motor carrier drivers by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

(B) The department may accept a federal waiver of one or more physical qualification standards if the waiver is accompanied by a report of a nonqualifying medical examination for a class A or class B driver’s license, or class C driver’s license with a commercial endorsement, pursuant to Section 391.41(a)(3)(ii) of Subpart E of Part 391 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

(3) A physical defect of the applicant that, in the opinion of the department, is compensated for to ensure safe driving ability, shall not prevent the issuance of a license to the applicant.

(b) In accordance with the following classifications, an applicant for a driver’s license shall be required to submit to an examination appropriate to the type of motor vehicle or combination of vehicles the applicant desires a license to drive:

(1) Class A includes the following:

(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (H) of paragraph (3), a combination of vehicles, if a vehicle being towed has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 10,000 pounds.

(B) A vehicle towing more than one vehicle.

(D) The operation of all vehicles under class B and class C.

(2) Class B includes the following:

(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (H) of paragraph (3), a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 26,000 pounds.

(B) A single vehicle with three or more axles, except any three-axle vehicle weighing less than 6,000 pounds.

(D) A farm labor vehicle.

(E) A single vehicle with three or more axles or a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 26,000 pounds towing another vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less.

(F) A house car over 40 feet in length, excluding safety devices and safety bumpers.

(G) The operation of all vehicles covered under class C.

(3) Class C includes the following:

(A) A two-axle vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 26,000 pounds or less, including when the vehicle is towing a trailer or semitrailer with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less.

(B) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), a two-axle vehicle weighing 4,000 pounds or more unladen when towing a trailer coach not exceeding 9,000 pounds gross.

(D) A three-axle vehicle weighing 6,000 pounds gross or less.

(E) A house car of 40 feet in length or less or a vehicle towing another vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less, including when a tow dolly is used. A person driving a vehicle may not tow another vehicle in violation of Section 21715.

(F) (i) A two-axle vehicle weighing 4,000 pounds or more unladen when towing either a trailer coach or a fifth-wheel travel trailer not exceeding 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating, when the towing of the trailer is not for compensation.

(ii) A two-axle vehicle weighing 4,000 pounds or more unladen when towing a fifth-wheel travel trailer exceeding 10,000 pounds, but not exceeding 15,000 pounds, gross vehicle weight rating, when the towing of the trailer is not for compensation, and if the person has passed a specialized written examination provided by the department relating to the knowledge of this code and other safety aspects governing the towing of recreational vehicles upon the highway.

The authority to operate combinations of vehicles under this subparagraph may be granted by endorsement on a class C license upon completion of that written examination.

(G) A vehicle or combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating or a gross vehicle weight rating, as those terms are defined in subdivisions (j) and (k), respectively, of Section 15210, of 26,000 pounds or less, if all of the following conditions are met:

(i) Is operated by a farmer, an employee of a farmer, or an instructor credentialed in agriculture as part of an instructional program in agriculture at the high school, community college, or university level.

(ii) Is used exclusively in the conduct of agricultural operations.

(iii) Is not used in the capacity of a for-hire carrier or for compensation.

(H) Firefighting equipment, provided that the equipment is operated by a person who holds a firefighter endorsement pursuant to Section 12804.11.

(I) A motorized scooter.

(J) A bus with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 26,000 pounds or less, except a trailer bus.

(K) Class C does not include a two-wheel motorcycle or a two-wheel motor-driven cycle.

(4) Class M1. A two-wheel motorcycle or a motor-driven cycle. Authority to operate a vehicle included in a class M1 license may be granted by endorsement on a class A, B, or C license upon completion of an appropriate examination.

(5) (A) Class M2 includes the following:

(i) A motorized bicycle or moped, or a bicycle with an attached motor, except an electric bicycle as described in subdivision (a) of Section 312.5.

(ii) A motorized scooter.

(B) Authority to operate vehicles included in class M2 may be granted by endorsement on a class A, B, or C license upon completion of an appropriate examination, except that no endorsement is required for a motorized scooter. Persons holding a class M1 license or endorsement may operate vehicles included in class M2 without further examination.

(c) A driver’s license or driver certificate is not valid for operating a commercial motor vehicle, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 15210, any other motor vehicle defined in paragraph (1) or (2) of subdivision (b), or any other vehicle requiring a driver to hold any driver certificate or any driver’s license endorsement under Section 15275, unless a medical certificate approved by the department that has been issued within two years of the date of the operation of that vehicle and a copy of the medical examination report from which the certificate was issued is on file with the department. Otherwise, the license is valid only for operating class C vehicles that are not commercial vehicles, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 15210, and for operating class M1 or M2 vehicles, if so endorsed, that are not commercial vehicles, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 15210.

(d) A license or driver certificate issued prior to the enactment of Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 15200) is valid to operate the class or type of vehicles specified under the law in existence prior to that enactment until the license or certificate expires or is otherwise suspended, revoked, or canceled. Upon application for renewal or replacement of a driver’s license, endorsement, or certificate required to operate a commercial motor vehicle, a valid medical certificate on a form approved by the department shall be submitted to the department.

(e) The department may accept a certificate of driving skill that is issued by an employer, authorized by the department to issue a certificate under Section 15250, of the applicant, in lieu of a driving test, on class A or B applications, if the applicant has first qualified for a class C license and has met the other examination requirements for the license for which he or she is applying. The certificate may be submitted as evidence of the applicant’s skill in the operation of the types of equipment covered by the license for which he or she is applying.

(f) The department may accept a certificate of competence in lieu of a driving test on class M1 or M2 applications, when the certificate is issued by a law enforcement agency for its officers who operate class M1 or M2 vehicles in their duties, if the applicant has met the other examination requirements for the license for which he or she is applying.

(g) The department may accept a certificate of satisfactory completion of a novice motorcyclist training program approved by the commissioner pursuant to Section 2932 in lieu of a driving test on class M1 or M2 applications, if the applicant has met the other examination requirements for the license for which he or she is applying. The department shall review and approve the written and driving test used by a program to determine whether the program may issue a certificate of completion.

(h) Notwithstanding subdivision (b), a person holding a valid California driver’s license of any class may operate a short-term rental motorized bicycle without taking any special examination for the operation of a motorized bicycle, and without having a class M2 endorsement on that license. As used in this subdivision, “short-term” means 48 hours or less.

(i) A person under the age of 21 years shall not be issued a class M1 or M2 license or endorsement unless he or she provides evidence satisfactory to the department of completion of a motorcycle safety training program that is operated pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 2930) of Chapter 5 of Division 2.

(j) A driver of a vanpool vehicle may operate with a class C license but shall possess evidence of a medical examination required for a class B license when operating vanpool vehicles. In order to be eligible to drive the vanpool vehicle, the driver shall keep in the vanpool vehicle a statement, signed under penalty of perjury, that he or she has not been convicted of reckless driving, drunk driving, or a hit-and-run offense in the last five years.

SEC. 4.

Section 21113 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:

21113.

(a) A person shall not drive a vehicle or animal, or stop, park, or leave standing a vehicle or animal, whether attended or unattended, upon the driveways, paths, parking facilities, or the grounds of any public school, state university, state college, unit of the state park system, county park, municipal airport, rapid transit district, transit development board, transit district, public transportation agency, county transportation commission created pursuant to Section 130050 of the Public Utilities Code, joint powers agency operating or managing a commuter rail system, or any property under the direct control of the legislative body of a municipality, or a state, county, or hospital district institution or building, or an educational institution exempted, in whole or in part, from taxation, or any harbor improvement district or harbor district formed pursuant to Part 2 (commencing with Section 5800) or Part 3 (commencing with Section 6000) of Division 8 of the Harbors and Navigation Code, a district organized pursuant to Part 3 (commencing with Section 27000) of Division 16 of the Streets and Highways Code, or state grounds served by the Department of the California Highway Patrol, or any property under the possession or control of a housing authority formed pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 34240) of Chapter 1 of Part 2 of Division 24 of the Health and Safety Code, except with the permission of, and upon and subject to any condition or regulation that may be imposed by, the legislative body of the municipality, or the governing board or officer of the public school, state university, state college, county park, municipal airport, rapid transit district, transit development board, transit district, public transportation agency, county transportation commission, joint powers agency operating or managing a commuter rail system, or state, county, or hospital district institution or building, or educational institution, or harbor district, or a district organized pursuant to Part 3 (commencing with Section 27000) of Division 16 of the Streets and Highways Code, or housing authority, or the Director of Parks and Recreation regarding units of the state park system or the state agency with jurisdiction over the grounds served by the Department of the California Highway Patrol.

(b) A governing board, legislative body, or officer shall erect or place appropriate signs giving notice of any special conditions or regulations that are imposed under this section and the governing board, legislative body, or officer shall also prepare and keep available at the principal administrative office of the governing board, legislative body, or officer, for examination by all interested persons, a written statement of all those special conditions and regulations adopted pursuant to this section.

(c) When a governing board, legislative body, or officer permits public traffic upon the driveways, paths, parking facilities, or grounds under their control then, except for those conditions imposed or regulations enacted by the governing board, legislative body, or officer applicable to the traffic, all the provisions of this code relating to traffic upon the highways shall be applicable to the traffic upon the driveways, paths, parking facilities, or grounds.

(d) A public transportation agency that imposes any condition or regulation upon a person who parks or leaves standing a vehicle, pursuant to subdivision (a), is authorized to do either of the following:

(1) Enforce that condition or regulation in the manner provided in Article 3 (commencing with Section 40200) of Chapter 1 of Division 17 of this code. The public transportation agency shall be considered the issuing agency for that purpose.

(2) Designate regularly employed and salaried employees, who are engaged in directing traffic or enforcing parking laws and regulations, for the purpose of removing any vehicle in the same manner as a city, county, or jurisdiction of a state agency pursuant to Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 22650) of Division 11 of this code.

(e) With respect to the permitted use of vehicles or animals on property under the direct control of the legislative body of a municipality, no change in the use of vehicles or animals on the property, that had been permitted on January 1, 1976, shall be effective unless and until the legislative body, at a meeting open to the general public, determines that the use of vehicles or animals on the property should be prohibited or regulated.

(f) A transit development board may adopt ordinances, rules, or regulations to restrict, or specify the conditions for, the use of bicycles, motorized bicycles, electric bicycles, skateboards, and roller skates on property under the control of, or any portion of property used by, the board.

(g) A public agency, including, but not limited to, the Regents of the University of California and the Trustees of the California State University, may adopt rules or regulations to restrict, or specify the conditions for, the use of bicycles, motorized bicycles, electric bicycles, skateboards, and roller skates on public property under the jurisdiction of that agency.

(h) “Housing authority,” for the purposes of this section, means a housing authority located within a county with a population of over 6,000,000 people, and any other housing authority that complies with the requirements of this section.

(i) “Public transportation agency,” for purposes of this section, means a public agency that provides public transportation as defined in paragraph (1) of subdivision (f) of Section 1 of Article XIX A of the California Constitution.

SEC. 4.5.

Section 21113 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:

21113.

(f) A transit development board may adopt ordinances, rules, or regulations to restrict, or specify the conditions for, the use of bicycles, motorized bicycles, electric bicycles, skateboards, electrically motorized boards, and roller skates on property under the control of, or any portion of property used by, the board.

(g) A public agency, including, but not limited to, the Regents of the University of California and the Trustees of the California State University, may adopt rules or regulations to restrict, or specify the conditions for, the use of bicycles, motorized bicycles, electric bicycles, skateboards, electrically motorized boards, and roller skates on public property under the jurisdiction of that agency.

SEC. 5.

Section 21207.5 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:

21207.5.

(a) Notwithstanding Sections 21207 and 23127 of this code, or any other law, a motorized bicycle or class 3 electric bicycle shall not be operated on a bicycle path or trail, bikeway, bicycle lane established pursuant to Section 21207, equestrian trail, or hiking or recreational trail, unless it is within or adjacent to a roadway or unless the local authority or the governing body of a public agency having jurisdiction over the path or trail permits, by ordinance, that operation.

(b) The local authority or governing body of a public agency having jurisdiction over a bicycle path or trail, equestrian trail, or hiking or recreational trail, may prohibit, by ordinance, the operation of a class 1 or class 2 electric bicycle on that path or trail.

SEC. 6.

Section 21213 is added to the Vehicle Code, to read:

21213.

(a) A person under 16 years of age shall not operate a class 3 electric bicycle.

(b) A person shall not operate a class 3 electric bicycle, or ride upon a class 3 electric bicycle as a passenger, upon a street, bikeway, as defined in Section 890.4 of the Streets and Highways Code, or any other public bicycle path or trail, unless that person is wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards of either the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), or standards subsequently established by those entities. This helmet requirement also applies to a person who rides upon a class 3 electric bicycle while in a restraining seat that is attached to the bicycle or in a trailer towed by the bicycle.

SEC. 7.

Section 24016 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:

24016.

(a) An electric bicycle described in subdivision (a) of Section 312.5 shall meet the following criteria:

(1) Comply with the equipment and manufacturing requirements for bicycles adopted by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (16 C.F.R. 1512.1, et seq.).

(2) Operate in a manner so that the electric motor is disengaged or ceases to function when the brakes are applied, or operate in a manner such that the motor is engaged through a switch or mechanism that, when released or activated, will cause the electric motor to disengage or cease to function.

(b) A person operating an electric bicycle is not subject to the provisions of this code relating to financial responsibility, driver’s licenses, registration, and license plate requirements, and an electric bicycle is not a motor vehicle.

(c) Every manufacturer of an electric bicycle shall certify that it complies with the equipment and manufacturing requirements for bicycles adopted by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (16 C.F.R. 1512.1, et seq.).

(d) A person shall not tamper with or modify an electric bicycle described in subdivision (a) of Section 312.5 so as to change the speed capability of the bicycle, unless he or she appropriately replaces the label indicating the classification required in subdivision (c) of Section 312.5.

SEC. 8.

Section 4.5 of this bill incorporates amendments to Section 21113 of the Vehicle Code proposed by both this bill and Assembly Bill 604. It shall only become operative if (1) both bills are enacted and become effective on or before January 1, 2016, (2) each bill amends Section 21113 of the Vehicle Code, and (3) this bill is enacted after Assembly Bill 604, in which case Section 4 of this bill shall not become operative.

SEC. 9.

No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution.

US Federal Law

https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2011-title15/pdf/USCODE-2011-title15-chap47-sec2085.pdf

§ 2085. Low-speed electric bicycles (a) Construction Notwithstanding any other provision of law, low-speed electric bicycles are consumer products within the meaning of section 2052(a)(1) 1 of this title and shall be subject to the Commission regulations published at section 1500.18(a)(12) and part 1512 of title 16, Code of Federal Regulations. (b) Definition For the purpose of this section, the term ‘‘lowspeed electric bicycle’’ means a two- or threewheeled 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 solely by such a motor while ridden by an operator who weighs 170 pounds, is less than 20 mph. (c) Promulgation of requirements To further protect the safety of consumers who ride low-speed electric bicycles, the Commission may promulgate new or amended requirements applicable to such vehicles as necessary and appropriate. (d) Preemption This section shall supersede any State law or requirement with respect to low-speed electric bicycles to the extent that such State law or requirement is more stringent than the Federal law or requirements referred to in subsection (a) of this section. (Pub. L. 92–573, §38, as added Pub. L. 107–319, §1, Dec. 4, 2002, 116 Stat. 2776.)

NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNITIES REPORT Regulations of E-Bikes in North America

http://ppms.trec.pdx.edu/media/project_files/NITC-RR-564_Regulations_of_E-Bikes_in_North_America_1.pdf

Haibike SDURO Models Hardseven and Cross SM

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 12 Mar 2016 02:09:00 +0000

The all new Haibike SDURO SM models offer ebike riders a price-point ebike with a huge range and excellent performance. We have lived the bike now for about 4 months and can vouch for the performance and value of this one. For $2500 you'd be hard pressed to buy a bike that can take you as far as the Haibike SDURO.

It's mid-drive motor offers up to 90 miles distance and that's been verified by our test riders.

As a bike, this is a solid hard tail. It's not high end. It's a price point bike, but you can almost not tell, particularly if you stack this bike next to other ebikes in a similar price.

Try comparing this bike on performance alone to any other bike in our store and then factor in price and it's just a great buy.

Haibike came to the US with these bikes in December and they are a US exclusive. They come in both a street version in Haibike CROSS SM SDURO and the off-road version in the Haibike SDURO Hardseven SM 27.5

Motostrano has a full store of the bikes on hand. Come check them out.

Ebike Buyers Survey

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 23:40:00 +0000

From time to time we conduct customer surveys to find out more about you so we can make sure what we are doing and selling matches what you are seeking and buying.

Our latest Ebike Buyer's Survey is intended to field some basic questions from prospective ebike customers to see what is on your mind with regards to your next ebike.

It's also a fine way to help you keep thinking about what ebike might be right for you.

This weekend is the next installment of the Electric Bike Expo. Take some time to fill out the survey and get to San Diego if you can't get to one of our stores.

Of course, we have been doing our own mini-expos here in Redwood City for years and with our over 150 ebikes in stock at store, we think we're a great place to test an ebike in our own right.

Visit motostrano.com for all your ebike needs!

Sea Otter Classic Ebike Race Friday April 15 Sponsored by Haibike

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 17:51:00 +0000

Sea Otter Classic Ebike Race Friday April 15 Sponsored by Haibike

2016 will be the year ebikes make their whopping KER-PLUNK in the United States. There is so much going on, between a near endless supply of high quality electric mountain and road and every other kind of bike coming on to the scene, to multiple stores and tours and riding enthusiast groups emerging, to a nationwide tour and Expo extravaganza and now a full blown EMTB Race at the 2016 Sea Otter Classic in Monterrey California.

Motostrano has a vested interest in seeing the technology, the design and the riders push these bikes to their limits both in technology, but also in fun-factor. Motostrano has also long been involved in national and international racing events through our pioneering work in the Supermoto arena. Now- we take a dive into the growing sport of EMTB Racing with a our own riders and support for our own customers.

This race is all about fun, performance and promoting this new and great sport for riders of all ages and skill levels. Get involved. Get a bike. Sign up and race for the ride of a lifetime at the Sea Otter Classic 2016!

Firstly, get a great electric mountain bike at one of our stores. Secondly, register at the Sea Otter web site. Thirdly, bring your bike in to our service department and ready up for the race. Customers competing in this year's EMTB races will receive one free pre-race pro-level tune-up and one post-race pro-level tune up when you reference our store as your sponsor. If you don't have a bike yet, you can earn $200 off the price tag when you buy your bike for the purpose of this race. Lastly, our preferred gear and clothing manufacturer is Alpinestars for riding gear and Lazer for head protection. See our store for discounts and deals on race wear for the day.

Race Day: Friday April 14 4PM to 5PM

For more information, contact Joe Witherspoon, 650-918-6259.

Recommended brands for this event: Haibike, Felt, Cube, BH EasyMotion and iZIP. Recommended drive systems: BOSCH Performance, BOSCH Performance CX, Yamaha, Shimano

MORE INFO:

New to Sea Otter - a competitive eMTB race! Yes, eMTB racing on the "swale." The 2016 Haibike eMTB Race epowered by Bosch race route will offer a few road descents, single track trails, a challenging distance, and a bit of climbing. The race is time-based – 60 minutes in duration – a hybrid between short track and cross country. As a reminder, eBikes are considered motorized vehicles and are not permitted on Fort Ord National Monument trails or roadways.

START/FINISH Location is near the Dual Slalom on the "swale."

Men's eMTB Categories

15-18 Men

19-29 Men

30-39 Men

40-49 Men

50-59 Men

60+ Men

Women's eMTB Categories

15-18 Women

19-29 Women

30-39 Women

40-49 Women

50-59 Women

60+ Women

RULES

Helmets are mandatory for all Sea Otter Classic events.
Participants in the Haibike eMTB Race epowered by Bosch ride at their own risk. Participants waive all legal claims of third parties and to the organizers and also confirms with their signature that they trained and are healthy. Appropriate insurance policies are the responsibility of participants. This event is not sanctioned/permitted by USA Cycling.
Sea Otter Classic reserves the right to add subsequent amendments to the Rules.
Only eMTBs (pedelec), with supportive pedal power to a maximum of 20 mph and a maximum output of 350 watts are allowed (this will be tested in samples after the finish).
Tuned eMTBs are excluded from the competition.
A change of batteries is not permitted. The batteries must be sealed with an appropriate label.
The eMTBs must be technically in perfect condition. All participants’ bikes will be inspected at race start and must pass inspection prior to racing.
Technical assistance from the outside during the race is not allowed.
Leaving the Laguna Seca marked trails is prohibited. eBikes are not permitted on the Fort Ord National Monument, or in any other Sea Otter Classic event.
No refund, transfer, or roll-over of race registration.

PLEASE NOTE: Any pedal assist eBike with unlimited pedal assistance (i.e. motor assists at speeds above 20 mph) is deemed to be a moped or motorbike, and is therefore not allowed to participate in the eMTB race.

ENTRY FEES

All categories entry fee: $55. (Add $20 after 11:59 p.m. PST on March 28, 2016.)
Sorry, absolutely no refunds, transfers, or rollovers of race registration permitted. No exceptions.

ON-SITE REGISTRATION AND PACKET PICK-UP HOURS

Wednesday, noon to 8 p.m.
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
No race-day registration—no exceptions. (Pre-registered athletes may pick up their packets on the day of their race.)

IMPORTANT REGISTRATION INFORMATION

eMTB race field is limited to 500 riders (all categories). In the case of small fields, the categories/classes may be combined.
Only eMTBs with supportive pedal power (pedal assist) to a maximum of 20 mph and a maximum output of 350 watts are allowed in this race.
eMTBs must pass technical inspection prior to race start. Inspection will be located near the race start on the swale.
No race-day registration. You must register no later than 8 p.m. the day prior to your race day.
This race is NOT USA Cycling sanctioned - no license is needed.

IMPORTANT REGISTRATION INFORMATION FOR ALL OTHER SOC RACES.

Online registration only through April 10, 2016, 11:59 p.m.
On-site registration begins at noon on April 13, 2016.
No phoned, faxed, or mailed race registrations will be accepted.
Entries are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Race numbers must be picked up in person and you must present a valid photo ID.
Prior to April 10, 2016, requests for event changes and for category changes within an event, will be complimentary and can be done by emailing frosty@seaotterclassic.com. You will be responsible for any increase in entry fee. There will be no refunds for a reduction in entry fees.
Beginning April 13, 2016, requests for event changes and for category changes within an event, will only be accepted on-site at registration. (Registration opens at noon on April 13.) A $10 fee will be charged for each event change, and you will also be responsible for any increase in entry fee. There will be no refunds for a reduction in entry fees.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PRE-RIDE/COURSE INSPECTION

Pre-ride/course inspection is available on all courses beginning Thursday, April 14, at 8 a.m.
You must have your race number on your bike to pre-ride/inspect the eMTB course.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL SOC RACES

ANSI -or Snell-approved helmets are required for all events.
All participants must sign a waiver/release form at registration. A parent or guardian who is present on-site must sign for participants under 18 years old.
Race numbers may not be cut, folded, altered, or defaced in any way. If they are, the athlete will be disqualified and fined.
Please verify start times and other critical event details when checking in at registration.
All information is subject to change. Please check this website frequently.
Click here for age group, start times, and distance.

AWARDS

Awards presentations will be held on the main Awards Stage for each category of race as that category finishes, and after the top three awards results are made final.

AWARDS DETAILS FOR ALL SOC RACES

Preliminary results. All preliminary race results will be posted on or near the Main Awards Stage. Preliminary results will be posted within fifteen minutes of competition.
Protests. For protest rules and regulations, click here. Any protests must be filed with a designated protest official within fifteen minutes of preliminary-results posting. No protests/changes/edits to race results will occur after the designated protest period. No exceptions.
Complete final race results will be posted online at www.seaotterclassic.com by 11:59 p.m. of that race day.
All podium winners (top three in each racing category) will receive a commemorative Sea Otter Classic medal.
Podium winners may receive merchandise from various Sea Otter sponsors.
Athletes must be in attendance at the Awards Ceremony to receive their prizes. Awards will not be mailed; no exceptions.
Download the awards schedule here.

Got dogs?

Sorry, dogs are not allowed in the festival, including the racing areas.

This policy will be strictly enforced.

Sea Otter Classic and the Bureau of Land Management

The Standard of Private-Public Partnerships

The Bureau of Land Management welcomes you to the Fort Ord National Monument, Fort Ord Public Lands, and the Monterey Peninsula. When training for competitive events, please share the trail and yield to other users. And as a reminder, eBikes are considered motorized vehicles, and are not allowed on Fort Ord National Monument trails or roadways.

As the premier conservation agency in the United States, the BLM sustains the health, diversity, and productivity of public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The BLM asks that you tread lightly on the land when you train for and compete in the Sea Otter Classic.

To preserve these trails at Fort Ord for future users, please:

ride only on marked trails;

do not ride or brake on open terrain;

do not cut across switchbacks; and

do not use trails when they are wet or muddy.

To learn more about these spectacular lands, contact the BLM at (831) 394-8314.

We hope you enjoy your visit!

2015 Model Year Haibike Ebike Sale On Now!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 23 Oct 2015 17:29:00 +0000

With over 40 models coming to the US in 2016, all of our 2015 Haibike units are on sale. Save 20-30% off standard retail and know that the 2015 and 2016 models are nearly identical in terms of BOSCH motor systems. Save thousands in the mean time.

Haibike 29er RX MTB for just $3300.
Haibike AMT Pro for just $6500!

YAMAHA Ebike Systems - What you Can Expect

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 21:37:00 +0000

On the heels of the popular BOSCH ebike system, YAMAHA is making their debut in the United States on the HAIBIKE ebike platform and brand and MOTOSTRANO is representing this package to riders in the California region.

We've ridden the system. We like the system. It's main benefit, besides the promise of being extremely reliable and nearly as powerful as the BOSCH set-up is the reduced price. Where the standard price of a BOSCH system started at $4,000, the starting price for a YAMAHA equipped Haibike now pops in at $2500 for a basic hybrid or mountain bike. That's a lot of savings and you're still riding on 2 great brands: Yamaha and Haibike.

About it. The Yamaha employs a mid-drive system like the BOSCH. There are two main advantages in center mount type units. First, the gears originally equipped to the bicycle can be utilized as a part of e-Bike systems, allowing for optimal motor performance. Second is weight distribution. Centralization of mass leads to a natural weight balance while riding and while stopped, retaining the superior weight distribution of a bicycle.

Yamaha says they have succeeded in developing one of the world's smallest and lightest drive units. This involves the direct transmission of the motor power to the crankshaft, providing for a minimal exterior design.
The high-power motor has ample amounts of low-down torque, making electrical assist on hills and gravel roads – under the hardest of conditions - extremely powerful.

The triple sensor system

A triple sensor system is used to check what power needs to be delivered and when. The "triple sensor" system is what holds the product concept of "smooth and powerful" in place. The three sensors are the: 1. a torque sensor that detects pedaling power, 2. a speed sensor that detects the bicycle's speed, and 3. a crank sensor that detects the number of rotations through pedaling. By equipping the three sensors to the unit, the rider is supported by continuous assistance under every riding condition. The constant assist is what allows the "smooth and powerful" concept to come alive during the ride. The torque sensor has great response, resulting in an optimal assist timing through fine-tuning the motor control.

Design and Ergonomics

There are two types of main display systems available. The LED 3-way digital display main switch and the LCD multi function Drive Controller.
The LCD multi function Drive Controller is designed for and has the specs to satisfy all forms of riding.
The newly adopted vertical display makes information such as remaining assist distance highly visible. Attachment is also ergonomically designed, with the display on the center of the handle bars and switches adjacent to the hands. The display can be controlled without taking your hands off the handle bars, resulting in a safer rode, and smoother control of the switch.

Easy to use in any scene

One of the design philosophies of the PWseries, in addition to the "smooth and powerful" concept, is "ease of use". This is reflected on the design of the main switch. The LCD multi function Drive Controller is equipped with the following functions.

By pressing the "Pushing assist switch", an appropriate level of assist for walking is available.
The display can be removed to prevent theft.For sport-riding oriented riders that monitor their cadence while riding, a cadence meter is available. The unit is designed to provide satisfaction to riders of all types, including those with a strong inclination towards "riding quality".

Selecting the Assist Modes

Mode	Assistance pofile
High	Provides a constant and powerful assistance. Perfect for riding uphill.
STD	Satisfies both power and cruising range. Recommended for daily use.
ECO	Saves energy for an extended cruising range. Best used when cruising on a flat road.
+ECO	Range of +Eco mode will be approximately 30% longer than Eco mode.
OFF*	Allows you to ride without power assist while switch functions remain enabled.

* The OFF mode is available only on the LCD display

Four assist modes (or five, including 0 assist) are available so that the optimum assist level can be selected according to use. The Assist Mode can be selected with ease by using the switch.

Select where you load your battery pack from 2 locations

The battery pack employs a large capacity cell (highest spec available) compared to prior models. Being a lithium-ion battery, it lasts long, and over-charging does not detract from the battery's recharging functions.

The battery pack can also be attached to the following places – on the down tube, or on the rear carrier. The battery pack can be recharged without being removed from the bicycle when placed on the down tube or rear carrier.

With these two variations, bicycle manufacturers have increased freedom of design, allowing more models to equip the assist system. The PWseries is designed to cater to a variety of bicycle types, from commuters, road bikes, mountain bikes, and small-wheeled bicycles.

High Speed Charger

Only for down tube and rear carrier battery pack
Input voltage: 220-240V
Frequency: 50/60Hz
2016 model has 46% smaller volume than 2015 model.

Mode	2015 Model	2016 Model
Size	207X107X65mm	184X86X50mm
Volume	1350cc	791cc

High Speed Charger

Safety Information

This battery charger can be used by children aged from 8 years and above and persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge if they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the battery charger in a safe way and understand the hazards involved.
Children shall not play with the battery charger.
Cleaning and user maintenance shall not be made by children without supervision.

If the power cable is damaged, stop using the battery charger and have it inspected at an authorized dealer.

Localization for the European Market

The PWseries is a new system that was developed for a perfect European market fit. With a strong focus on the "organic" bicycling feel, the end product is a natural ride for sport-riding bicycle enthusiasts and every-day riders alike.

Bill to Improve Access for Electric Bicycles Signed by Governor Brown AB 1096 Updates Regulations for Healthy and Environmentally-Friendly Transportation Option

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 00:37:00 +0000

Hot off the presses!

‪#‎betterwithanebike‬
‪#‎howiraleigh‬
‪#‎izipusa‬
‪#‎haibikeusa‬

Contact: Judson True, Office of Assemblymember David Chiu
judson.true@asm.ca.gov; (415) 606-3524

Bill to Improve Access for Electric Bicycles Signed by Governor Brown

AB 1096 Updates Regulations for Healthy and Environmentally-Friendly Transportation Option

(Sacramento, CA) – Governor Brown today signed Assembly Bill 1096 by Assemblymember David Chiu (D – San Francisco), which will help foster the use of electric bicycles while ensuring public safety and simplifying enforcement.

“Electric bicycles are poised to become another healthy, environmentally-friendly way to get around for Californians,” said Assemblymember Chiu. “Modernizing laws around e-bikes will help us encourage their safe use by new and experienced bicyclists. We appreciate Governor Brown’s signature on this bill.”

AB 1096 updates California regulations regarding electric bicycles to reflect advances in technology that make modern electric bicycles operate just like regular bicycles, except that they are easier to pedal. Current regulations treat these bikes like mopeds, presenting a barrier to their wider adoption by the public.

Electric bicycles are an important tool to help Californians turn to bicycling for some of their trips; they are becoming increasingly popular around the world and in California. Electric bikes benefit people new to cycling who may be discouraged from riding a traditional bicycle due to limited physical fitness, age, disability or convenience. They are especially important for senior citizens, parents with children, people with disabilities, and people whose trips involve steep hills or whose work commutes are within the 5-20 mile range and who traditionally drive.

“Bicycling is great for our state’s economy, for our residents’ health, and for our communities’ prosperity. E-bikes make bicycling more accessible to Californians so they’re an important part of that solution,” said Dave Snyder, executive director of the California Bicycle Coalition, the bill’s sponsor.

Electric bikes use green battery technology and can be an important addition to California’s growing energy-efficient transportation system. These quiet and low-speed transportation devices also benefit small business owners by providing a cost-effective alternative to cars and trucks when used for equipment transport and deliveries.

AB 1096 clarifies the definition of electric motor-assisted bicycles by defining three specific classes of e-bikes: bikes with a top assisted speed of 20 mph that must be pedaled to operate; those with a top assisted speed of 20 mph that can be operated without pedaling; and bikes with a top assisted speed of 28 mph. By regulating these bikes differently than mopeds, AB 1096 will enable a reexamination of the access restrictions imposed on users of these bikes in order to permit more access to bicycle paths, where appropriate and safe.

By eliminating ambiguity in the regulations, AB 1096 will support the fast-growing electric bike industry in California, where the headquarters of the largest national companies are located. Clarifying the definition of and updating the regulations around low-speed electric bicycles is critical to the expansion of their use, and therefore helps further the goals of enabling more bicycling for the health, safety, and prosperity of all Californians.

Assemblymember David Chiu (D – San Francisco) is the Assistant Speaker Pro Tempore of the California State Assembly and represents the 17th Assembly District, which encompasses eastern San Francisco.

Some Great Commuter Ebikes Under $3000

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 23:20:00 +0000

For most people, the idea of spending $3,000 or $2,000 or even $1,000 for a bicycle is little more than an impossibility. But, if you've put yourself in the market for an electric bike, you know that anything under $1000 is not worth your time and that all the highest quality bikes start at around $4,000.

But this does not mean you have to settle for POS ebike that you can't ride around with a sound mind on, knowing it won't break down on you and knowing you can you can expect lots of miles on it in the future.

Some shops will flat out tell you that you need to buy the "highest quality" or most "high end" bike you can get or not buy anything at all. We disagree and we're not bike snobs and that's one of the many reasons customers come to our store vs other stores around the Bay Area- we offer a wide selection of bikes in various price points and quality ranges all over the spectrum.

For new riders of an electric bike, a price point ebike may be the right bike to get to start with. Also, if the bike is going to be ridden and parked in a high-theft area, you'd only be doing the thief a great favor by parking your "high quality" bike on the street only for it to get stolen.

We think, a price-point bike can be some thing worth your money and time if you just don't need a high performance ebike to do the job. For this, there's a long list of price oriented ebikes that pack a lot of punch. Here's some of our favorites:

A2B KUO+ Electric Folding Bike - this little folding ebike packs a lot of punch for just $1699.00. A true Swiss Army knife of the ebike world. It folds. It climbs. It goes. It saves you time and money.

A2B Ferber Ebike - this standard town commuter is priced at $2299, features a 350W motor and scoots around town or paths reliably and efficiently.

iZIP PEAK - The latest iZIP Peak is a competent on and off road ebike with a mid-drive motor and a long lasting LI battery for just $3,000.

iZIP ZUMA - Rear hub motor and cruiser comfort for just $2550. 500Watts of power with both a throttle and pedal assist mode.

BLIX KOMFORT - this 3 speed town cruiser is designed in Sweden and looks sweet. It's priced great too at $1990.

Magnum Ui5 - a step thru model bike with big battery and lots of features for just $1800.

These are just some of price point ebikes we sell here at Motostrano. Our stores are stocked to the ceiling with the largest variety of ebikes in California. Come see for your self.

Motostrano DEMO Event October 10, Saturday

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 23:04:00 +0000

One of the best ways to do this is to get out and ride a bike and Saturday October 10, we're having another EBIKE demo featuring some of the best e-bikes in the business. This is where you get to explore the bikes up close and get them on the trail and get them dirty. Guaranteed to put a smile on your face while you learn about ebikes, talk to other riders and vendors.

WHEN: Saturday October 10 from 10AM to 5PM
WHERE: 926 Broadway St, Redwood City, CA 94063

Ample parking around our store

ALERT: Haibike, Felt, A2B have kicked in give-away items like t-shirts and hats for all who attend.

24 Hour Fitness is also giving away one 30 day free membership to one lucky attendee.

What's it like to ride a real mountain bike with a low center of gravity electric motor mounted to the crank with a long range battery system mounted to the battery? It's causing a revolution in e-biking and it just might cause you to trade in your dirt bike.

Climb any hill with ease, silently. Enjoy a battery assisted range up to 90 miles.

Ride with pedal assist up any hill and still get a great work-out!

We currently offer performance mountain e-bikes from the following brands: FELT, Haibike, Lapierre, KTM, iZIP and more brands are on the way. These are real mountain bikes that any pro-level MTB rider will feel right at home on.

It will change the way you ride and view mountain biking.

Speaking of BOSCH, they are interested in your opinion and have a survey going on currently and any one who completes the survey is eligible to win a new ebike! CLICK here for more information and enter to win!

If you like riding in groups and don't have friends with an e-bike, check into one of our group rides coming up over at Meet-up.com. Rides of all types and for all rider skills! Rides are set for places like Tahoe, Pacifica and Big Sur!

RSVP to the EBIKE DEMO so we know you're coming! Just reply to this email with questions or call us at 650-918-6259.

The Felt Bruhaul Electric Cargo Arrives - It's ELECTRIC!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 16 Sep 2015 00:51:00 +0000

If you've been holding out for the perfect electric cargo bike to come served up to your door on a platter of wonderful perfection- the Felt Brühaul electric cargo bike has been served.

Arriving to our stores in Redwood City and San Francisco THIS WEEK (we found out all by oursleves), the Felt Brühaul is what we'll be dropping the kids off at school with this semester, complete with our rad-dad eco friendly can't-stand traffic jams attitude. Fresh from a morning run with the whole family, we'll blow a kiss to our techno-wife and pick up our happy-go-lucky kids from the front porch and they will climb aboard the big bronze bullet with B52s Love Shack playing out of the iPHONE speaker amp and the kids will hop on all care-free and blow bubbles all through the neighborhood to their totally rad COOP alternative brainiac school on this ever so sleek eco-alternative traffic-cruncher. Once there, we'll sit in with our kids in class for a few minutes, maybe install a new driver on the clunky old desktop computers there and then play some hoops with the janitor. Then it's back on the Bruhaul (which by now has attracted a crowd other parents from the neighborhood all wondering where they can get one) for some early morning grocery shopping to stock up for the weekend: wholesome stuff, non-GMO, farm fresh, gluten free, paleo diet, local grown, fresh squeezed, craft....will all fit perfectly on to the back of the Felt Bruhaul and we know it because we've done it.

Bypass all that angst-ridden morning drop-off get-to-work commute traffic with this high quality, high performance electric e-cargo bike and enjoy life a little more, a little better and a litter faster.

Commute in your flip-flops.

Powered by the latest and greated BOSCH system to the US soil, you know it will always start up when you need it to and never let you down when you don't need it to. Climb up any hill. Carry any load. Don't look like a dweeb doing it.

Beautiful to ride and wonderful to behold. Visit our San Francisco and Redwood City locations to enjoy this bike and integrate it into your lifestyle today.

This bike is available in our store only and may not be shipped.

Felt Bruhaul

We're huge fans of electric cargo bikes. They extend the usefulness of the bike, while replicating and improving on much of the effectiveness of the car. A cargo bike can change your life in a great way. Try one.

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LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST

DIGEST KEY

BILL TEXT

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1.

312.5.

SEC. 2.

406.

SEC. 3.

12804.9.

SEC. 4.

21113.

SEC. 4.5.

21113.

SEC. 5.

21207.5.

SEC. 6.

21213.

SEC. 7.

24016.

SEC. 8.

SEC. 9.

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Sea Otter Classic Ebike Race Friday April 15 Sponsored by Haibike

Got dogs?

Sorry, dogs are not allowed in the festival, including the racing areas. This policy will be strictly enforced.

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Some Great Commuter Ebikes Under $3000

Motostrano DEMO Event October 10, Saturday

The Felt Bruhaul Electric Cargo Arrives - It's ELECTRIC!

Sorry, dogs are not allowed in the festival, including the racing areas.

This policy will be strictly enforced.