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Daddy_Macron t1_iwcoc2w wrote

>Those pushing for changes and regulations want to make it clear they are not looking to ban e-bikes and e-scooters, they just want guidelines in place.

That's what people who are trying to ban something always say. This is the NYC Council, so I have the fear they'll probably go with the dumbest option possible which is an effective ban on e-bikes altogether.

The local neighborhood smells and sounds so much better now that the vast majority of delivery people have switched over to electric bikes and scooters. Those gas scooters have no environmental controls and put more particulates into the air than a F150 pickup truck. Plus, electrics are cheaper to operate in general.

And this is an issue that's solving itself as Chinese manufacturers are planning to switch over to sodium ion batteries for low margin products like scooters and bikes, which is a more stable chemistry.

https://www.electrive.com/2022/08/08/niu-to-debut-two-wheeler-with-sodium-ion-batteries-in-2023/

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ThreeLittlePuigs t1_iwcpmjy wrote

I mean it’s a real issue. There’s been people killed in fires these things have caused…..

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throws_rocks_at_cars t1_iwd6gnt wrote

Damn wait til you hear about how many people get killed by cars which this city insists on catering to far more than ebikes

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ThreeLittlePuigs t1_iwd9kgd wrote

That’s just textbook whataboutism. I also think it’s silly to have parking requirements in construction

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throws_rocks_at_cars t1_iwdao44 wrote

Honestly worse than “whataboutism” is the redditor’s proclivity to say “that’s whataboutism” whenever someone confronts them with their own argument.

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ThreeLittlePuigs t1_iwddg47 wrote

Not really. It’s highly relevant. I think the city should cut down on cars as well. Has nothing to do with regulating another hazard.

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Daddy_Macron t1_iwcq4xz wrote

So have gas stove mishaps including my mom's apartment building. But because the users of gas stoves aren't predominately working class immigrants, it gets left alone.

Electric bikes and scooters are far superior to the alternative, and the industry is switching over to more stable chemistries anyway. It's a problem that will solve itself without introducing legendary NYC bureaucracy to the equation.

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ThreeLittlePuigs t1_iwcqno9 wrote

It’s not left alone, the whole city is switching to electrify and get off natural gas. There’s been massive amounts of legislation passed to do it this year.

Yes I agree they are better than the alternative, but doesn’t mean they should be unregulated.

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KaiDaiz t1_iwcu2va wrote

Gas stoves & appliances are heavily regulated as well. Every 2 yr inspections of gas lines, plus need permits for install. Need childproof covers and other regulations. Can't say the same for ebikes. It has minimal regulations & safety guards vs a gas stove

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