UncleThunder wrote on 02/11/15 at 2:03am:
They have E-bikes that go 30+ mph. Would that be conducive to riding on MTB trails were avg mph is below 15mph? and if e-bikes can ride the trails why not motocross bikes and ATVs? if that is your argument. What are you going to do call the police?
I don't have an argument.
I ride a single speed, steel, rigid. Nobody gets more old school than I do.
I was just pointing out reality.
And the reality is, like aluminum frames, carbon fiber and suspension bikes, these things are coming.
The difference between motocross bikes and ATV's is obvious. Appearance is one. The sound is the other. ID'ing e-bikes can be difficult now. I suspect it will become more difficult as the technology evolves (the conclusion to this in regards to restricting their use on mountain bike trails is obvious).
I'm sure the 30 mph claim is for a bike on open pavement.
Over at this e-bike website it is stated that on the mountain bike variety the speed is adjustable. It has auto, low and high speeds. On the auto setting, the power is applied automatically when ones peddle revolutions decrease. In that respect it would only help the rider, rather than being the sole power source like a motocross bike or ATV.