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I often wonder about electric bicycles. There are certain trails around here that are very strenuous to bike on. As a hiker, I don't mind dodging the occasion

I often wonder about electric bicycles. There are certain trails around here that are very strenuous to bike on. As a hiker, I don't mind dodging the occasional cyclist on them. Instead I just respect that cyclist. This works because they are few. Lately, there have been many more cyclists on this trail. Many of which are less experienced. When I witness an accident I often make bets with my dog: I bet it was an ebike in violation of the "no motor vehicles" rule. I'm usually right. Do you think it's appropriate to consider this controversial notion when deciding what rules to enforce? > Cyclists on ebikes tend to be less skilled than other cyclists, in potentially dangerous ways. Because it's really not about the vehicle at all.

deleted 3y ago
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Rapzid 3y ago
You shouldn't really need to wonder about this. Trail systems are starting to specify if motorized bicycles are allowed, and most of them only allow motor assist bikes.
- __MatrixMan__ 3y ago
  I'm not uncertain about the rules. They're not allowed here. I'm uncertain about whether I'd like to see those rules enforced. Mostly, I don't want to see rules enforced except when the consequences are significant: Be good, or be good at it, either works. I feel a bit weird compromising on this stance because I think ebike riders are generally not skilled enough to safely navigate these trails.
MacsHeadroom 3y ago
In most jurisdictions e-bikes are motor vehicles. Frequently if they are under 1000 watts they are in a special class of motor vehicle, same as mopeds/scooters. Technically they are typically not legal to have on bike paths, as motor vehicles. But this varies by jurisdiction. Over the 1000 watt limit (1200w or 1500w some places) they tend to be considered motorcycles and require a license and break lights at a minimum to be legal. Basically everyone ignores this and treats them like regular manual bicycles though.
- ianburrell 3y ago
  Most places have rules for ebikes with pedal assist and power below certain limit, 250W in the US, are treated the same bicycles. Throttle and more power aren't ebikes but electric mopeds.

deleted 3y ago

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Rapzid 3y ago

You shouldn't really need to wonder about this. Trail systems are starting to specify if motorized bicycles are allowed, and most of them only allow motor assist bikes.

__MatrixMan__ 3y ago
I'm not uncertain about the rules. They're not allowed here. I'm uncertain about whether I'd like to see those rules enforced. Mostly, I don't want to see rules enforced except when the consequences are significant: Be good, or be good at it, either works. I feel a bit weird compromising on this stance because I think ebike riders are generally not skilled enough to safely navigate these trails.

MacsHeadroom 3y ago

In most jurisdictions e-bikes are motor vehicles. Frequently if they are under 1000 watts they are in a special class of motor vehicle, same as mopeds/scooters. Technically they are typically not legal to have on bike paths, as motor vehicles. But this varies by jurisdiction. Over the 1000 watt limit (1200w or 1500w some places) they tend to be considered motorcycles and require a license and break lights at a minimum to be legal. Basically everyone ignores this and treats them like regular manual bicycles though.

ianburrell 3y ago
Most places have rules for ebikes with pedal assist and power below certain limit, 250W in the US, are treated the same bicycles. Throttle and more power aren't ebikes but electric mopeds.