Toward the latter part of the 19th century, a series of laws required motorists, both in the United Kingdom and the United States, to have a person walking in front of their vehicle carrying a red flag to warn other road users of the potential danger. Needless to say, the need for a pedestrian waving a red flag ahead of the driver spoiled one of the most obvious value propositions of the new technology, which was the ability to move quickly.
These laws were repealed within a few decades, but have been remembered as an example of an absurd reaction to the development and adoption of a disruptive technology.
Speaking of which, as of July 1, the European Union, in its infinite wisdom, has decreed that all electric vehicles wishing to use the roads must be equipped with an Acoustic Vehicle Alert System or AVAS, a device that emits a noise reaching between 56 and 75 decibels when circulating at less than 20 kph. It would seem our lawmakers believe an electric vehicle should sound like it is powered by an internal combustion engine, lest a pedestrian cross the street without looking and is run over. The law, however, does not require bicycles or electric motorcycles to emit any noise, nor does it ban pedestrians from walking around with headphones on.
The sound level is about the same as an air conditioner or electric toothbrush, can be of any type, and…
