Electric Bicycles Get Push From Official

Ventura City Councilman Brian Brennan, fresh from an alternative-energy conference in Maryland, wants to pave the way for electric bicycles in Ventura.

One obstacle facing the battery-pack-powered bikes, though, is the fact that motorized vehicles are not allowed on bike paths and trails.

But following the lead of San Francisco and Petaluma, Brennan will suggest this week that the City Council amend the city’s code.

Riders must be at least 16 years old and must wear a helmet, but a driver’s license is not required.

And riders do have to pedal. Just a lot less.

“It feels like Arnold Schwarzenegger got behind you on a tandem and started pedaling,” said Shelley Sund of Cycles 4 Rent.

Sund sells the ZAP bike, a popular brand that starts at about $700, at her West Main Street store. Showing off the Zap Shopper, with dual baskets on the back, Sund said most people don’t know it is electric at first glance.

“They just think it has a big bag on it,” she said, pointing to a black bag attached to the frame. The bag holds the battery, and a motor rubs against the back tire. A flip of a lever pushes the motor away from the tire, allowing the bike to be operated without power.

The batteries run for about eight miles, at 10 to 12 miles per hour, if the rider isn’t pedaling much, Sund said. With more legwork, the battery lasts longer and the bike goes faster. Batteries can be recharged in any electrical outlet in two to four hours.