those crazy MIT kids are at it again MIT researchers reinvented the wheel, turning any bike into an electric hybrid
This is great. Unfortunately, it won't be legal, at least as an add-on, where I live. Ontario's laws allow electric bikes (no license - must be 16+), provided they meet specs (max speed 32kph, must have pedals and a bunch more) AND the bike must be manufactured as an electric - no aftermarket stuff. I always thought that was a most uncool provision - until I met this wonk in the park one day. He was old enough to know better - maybe 35. He'd lost his car license for a year (and been fined $5K) for driving without insurance. So, he turned to his trusty bicycle and installed an aftermarket electric motor that would propel it to at least 60 clicks - around double the permissible max. He proceeded to demonstrate it. Bikes are legal in the park, but no motorized ones of any kind - so I asked him if he wasn't a bit worried about the no-motor rules. His reply: "Oh no. I looked it up. It's not a motor! A motor has to consume fuel, by definition!" Obviously, he'd never thought of the electric MOTOR in his wife's washing machine, or the MOTORS that run his furnace blower, refrigerator etc. I realize the rules are meant to stop nitwits from killing themselves and others. Too bad they don't always work; they can't, if stupid people disregard them! I'm OK with unlicensed electric bikes -- but perhaps there should be an IQ test! J.
Oops - that sounds sexist, but I think it's accurate. Make it his ex-wife's washing machine. I know he was a divorced dad and (from my own experience) I can assume... J.