NHTSA Proposes Adding Sound to Electrics

By Bud Wilkinson of RIDE-CT.com

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has posted a “notice of proposed rulemaking” to establish minimum sound requirements for hybrid and electric vehicles, including motorcycles. “This standard would ensure that blind, visually-impaired and other pedestrians are able to detect and recognize nearby hybrid and electric vehicles,” the NHTSA said.

In the Netherlands, Domino’s Pizza has already tackled the problem of pedestrians not being able to hear its electric delivery scooters:

—

BMW sales in the U.S. rose by 14 percent in 2012 over 2011. Dealers sold 12,057 motorcycles last year, compared to 10,572 in 2011. Sales of the S 1000 RR superbike increased by 20.9 percent to 1,934.

—

More to read:

– A petition effort is underway to get the federal government to halt NHTSA funding of motorcycle-only checkpoints. “Asphalt & Rubber” has a roundup here.