The Truth About Their Lies

WHAT E-BIKE INDUSTRY REPS MIGHT NOT BE TELLING YOU

In recent years, e-bikes have surged in popularity, offering a convenient, eco-friendly alternative to traditional transportation. However, behind the scenes, some manufacturers and retailers may not be as transparent as they should be when it comes to the legality of their products. A recent class-action lawsuit against Super73 highlights serious concerns about alleged deceptive practices in the e-bike industry.

SUPER73'S LEGAL BATTLE

Super73, a well-known e-bike company, has been accused of misleading consumers, particularly parents of teenagers. The core issue lies in the bikes' ability to exceed legal speed limits for e-bikes. According to allegations, while Super73 markets its bikes as compliant with legal standards, the reality is that their bikes have the capacity to travel much faster than what the law permits for class 2 e-bikes. Here’s one article about it.

In a statement to the Independent Journal last May, a spokesperson for Super73 claimed that all of their bikes are class 2 models but have the capability to be adjusted to class 1 or 3 through their proprietary application. They emphasized that this feature “is not expressly prohibited by California state law.” However, the bikes have been found to go much faster than the 28 mph legal for the fastest of the three classes. And even if it were capped at 28 mph, that still wouldn’t be legal capacity for a class 1 or 2 e-bike.

This raises ethical and legal questions. Even if true, the claim that a simple software setting can make the bikes legally compliant does not change the underlying potential for misuse. Parents may unknowingly purchase these high-powered e-bikes for their teens, believing them to be safe and legal, while in fact, they could easily violate local e-bike regulations.

WHAT PARENTS CAN DO: EDUCATE AND PROTECT

To navigate the potential pitfalls of purchasing e-bikes for their children, parents should start by becoming fully informed.

1. Read The Caring Parent's E-Bike Survival Guide: This comprehensive guide, available as an ebook and paperback, includes a shopper's guide to buying a legal e-bike. Equip yourself with the right questions to ask and the answers to expect along with a list of what to look for on a bike. This section provides parents with the knowledge to make safe and informed purchasing decisions.

2. Research Local Laws: Complement your reading by understanding the e-bike regulations specific to your area in terms of classifications and speed limits.

 3. Verify Manufacturer Claims: Be cautious of manufacturer statements and seek independent reviews for credibility.

 4. Stay Informed: Use resources like this Silicon Valley article to educate yourself further about ongoing issues and lawsuits in the industry.

STEPS TO TAKE

Empower yourself with the tools and knowledge you need by owning The Caring Parent's E-Bike Survival Guide. Staying informed and vigilant can do more than ensure your own family’s e-bike safety — you can help keep your entire community safer, too. Together, we can advocate for greater transparency and accountability within the e-bike industry.