this post was submitted on 14 Jul 2025
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Fuck Cars

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Today is a big day for the future of e-bikes in New York City. A hearing starts at 10 a.m. You can file a written comment until 5 p.m. You can also send an email to [email protected] until 5 p.m

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[–] [email protected] 10 points 6 days ago (2 children)

IMO, it should be 20mph, but it’s a software limit. It’s nothing to “tune” it.

You're talking about vehicles that typically aren't open source and don't have a firmware update mechanism. There is no reason to expect they're even possible to change without swapping out the entire controller.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 6 days ago (1 children)

People really need to stop buying those. The companies are parasites for reasons that go far beyond this.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 6 days ago* (last edited 6 days ago) (1 children)

The people who ride these ebikes are usually immigrant delivery guys who have little to no cash and not many alternatives.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 6 days ago (1 children)

And they'll be fucked when the company involved stops updating their app. It will happen sooner or later.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 6 days ago* (last edited 6 days ago) (1 children)

I don't think most delivery guy ebikes have an app... They're a battery-powered motor with a throttle, that's about it. There are low-cost mechanics who specifically service the delivery guys, a lot of the motorized parts are custom rebuilds by those dudes.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 6 days ago (1 children)

Like a Bafang? Because those controllers are completely customizable with open source tools. That's how I built my ebike, and it can set custom assist limits.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 6 days ago* (last edited 6 days ago)

Oh I dunno. But yes I imagine they're decently customizable since they're so simple. If a mechanic wanted to limit the throttle at the hardware level they probably could.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 5 days ago

That's just factually incorrect. This 25 km/h limit has been law for years in (most of?) Europe. And it is totally possible to "jailbreak" virtually any common platform.

The real problem is that if you get into an accident you might get sued and dropped by your insurance company, and be held liable for all damages. No thanks.