While not quite the fastest commercially available e-bike in the world as some have suggested (as far as we can tell, that claim belongs to a DIY kit out of Taiwan by a company called Cyclone), the Specialized Turbo is still a speedy little beast. In fact, it’s fast enough to find itself on the wrong side of the law…
From the Manawatu Standard, 17-Apr
Encouraging recreational riders to affiliate to Bike Manawatu is proving a challenge for the 18-month-old body.
Most of them take part in the Sunday rides organised by Bike Manawatu, but not all are paid-up members.
So when the end of a three-month grace period lapsed on March 31, secretary Glenys Taylor was sent to the Sunday ride on April 8 to ascertain who were members and non-members.
Many cyclists arriving in Blenheim for the 2012 Grape Ride were stopped and ticketed ($150 fine) for driving with number plates obscured.
Under the law, it is mandatory that your registration plate (and lights) are legible and unobscured day or night. The 2011 regulation allows drivers to obtain supplementary registration plates that can be attached to objects such as bike racks that obscure permanent registration plates.
Penalty for infringement is $150 however common practice as recently seen over the Graperide weekend is to issue the fine plus 20 demerit points. Note: If you get 100 or more demerit points within two years, you will be suspended from driving for three months.
One BikeManawatu member was let off with a warning because he has a “home made” number plate attached to the bike rack.
Photos thanks to Kirsty Kaihau
Photos thanks to Kirsty Kaihau