Today, while out running errands on my hybrid, I saw an e-motorbike (this style) using the bike lane (dude also had a motorcycle helmet on).
Personally, I think these people should stay on the road like other motorbikes, as it’s clear that these are supposed to be an electric analog to ICE powered bikes.
I called this person out as well, due to my position being they actually are more of a hazard to other cyclists and pedestrians when the lanes switch to MUP’s without warning. Especially where they would be heavier than even e-bikes and would cause anyone they hit more damage than they would receive.
If it requires a plate, it should use the road. Otherwise, it’s fair game according to my local bike lane laws. In my state ebikes must have a plate if it doesn’t have pedals or if the throttle can go above 20 mph. That makes sense to me.
I have both an emotorcycle (csc city slicker) and a traditional ebike. I ride the former on the road and the latter in bike lanes. I wear a full face motorcycle helmet and armored jacket with both because I’m at an age where I won’t easily recover from an injury.
This is true - laws already make the distinction. If the law allows it but it shouldn’t - e.g. allowing pretend bikes that are just heavy mopeds with pretend pedals, then perhaps the law should disallow them. Or perhaps we should get used to them. 😅