I have a question, I remember I have read in one of the post that e-bikes are not allowed in parks and trails in the USA, in other words their use is very restricted. Am I correct? Will this change?

Doc00t wrote on 09/20/17 at 2:23pm:


I was reading about the Federal laws that allows the use of e-bikes on paved areas only or where offroad vehicles are alloed. The Federal Law also prevails on state laws therefore state parks etc have to follow the federal law in this regards. Private land is different of course!

Banjopickin wrote on 09/20/17 at 3:45pm:


Machines are taking over... 
I have found this (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)
there are no laws in NC, therefore Federal Laws are the law...
You made a great point, what shops has to say about this? I know that in Italy ebikes are allowed everywhere unless stated otherwise, here there is the vehicle thing.... even though I really do not think it is a vehicle (but what do I know???)

Banjopickin wrote on 09/20/17 at 4:32pm:


Frankly I could not care if they are in the woods, again personal opinion. I think that are a great help for those who have no more stamina but still up to enjoy trails. They are not like motorcycles, they do not pollute or leave heavy markings. But I see your point. Frankly if you are 30-40-50 and you ride an e-bike on a trail, I think you should spend the money wiser elsewhere. 

I test rode one.
 
It's like somebody surgically replaced my legs with those of Lance Armstrong in his prime, x2. 

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Fortunately, I don't need one on a single track trail. 
I can't wait until all the uber-competitive types with poor bike control and suspect judgment get a hold of one of these. And use it as another excuse to go faster by power sliding through turns, etc..
On that day, many trail users (not able to differentiate the difference) will demand that mountain bikes not be allowed on local area trails at all.

There's definitely a place for them. But in my opinion, there's just not enough real estate around here on trails designed for non-motorized peddle bikes.

My issue is they are relatively new and the  power assist is minimal now. If they are allowed in while the electric system are  in their infancy and then they become more powerful, what happens then. It's a slippery slope of no return. 

You can bet technology is going to keep throwing better batteries and stronger motors in them every year. 

There is a NO Motorized vehicle sign at Sherman.  I believe it is Parks and Rec sign. 

DG wrote on 09/21/17 at 12:30am:


I know a couple of 65+ year old dudes still riding Pisgah on big bikes... Age is a number... take care of yourself now and you can easily ride into your 70s and 80s.

Aside from that... when you can run a 30t chain ring with a 11-52t cassette do you need an ebike? I think not... Thats more than enough range for anyone. Plus with gearbox drivetrains becoming better, lighter, etc. you will get an immense gear range that can carry even the most unfit of us up the hill motor-free.

And if you are that out of shape to need electricity, how do you plan on muscling around a 50lb bike on tight, technical trail when descending? Those things are not nimble or agile at all... at least not the ones I rode.

I just dont see it other than its another way to sell a bike and make money. Im all for making money though


Also... I dont buy the whole "it increases access for those that might not otherwise ride"... I see that section of the eBike market as extremely small. What current 65 year old is suddenly like "Oh &^&^! Im going to mountain bike!"... none is the answer.

And if your not  very old or disabled and you need an eBike you are simply lazy. And like my daddy told me... "There is no excuse for laziness..."

Ebikes on the road?... Im all for that.

Party on...

Please STOP asking for permission.  There is nothing wrong with ebikes.   If you want an ebike... purchase one and ride it with pride.  

I have said in the past please stop asking for absolution... if you need or desire an ebike don't ask the collective to approve your decision.  

ChosenOne wrote on 09/22/17 at 3:38am:


Who is asking for absolution? I was asking the peers point of view! Of course if I want to buy an e-bike I will buy no matter of what other people think! I was wondering about e-bikes as I have been reding that are not allowed in most places so why to buy one. Theun the post went on they why you need one. I keep my opinion, ebikes are great for certain people. Not me, et this point in my life.

Because there's money to be made, ebikes will be inevitable. Pressure from the industry will force public land managers to allow them. Riding them wherever owners want to ride them will become a civil right, as we can already see in the posts from current owners. ("I'll ride my ebike wherever I want to ride it, and I'm not asking permission")

As for ebikes opening up mtn biking to those whose leg strength is insufficient to pedal normal bikes, I would ask what makes them think their upper body strength is sufficient to handle these heavier bikes off road? Maybe Darwinism will eventually work this thing out.

At least there will still be RRT. (Please Steve?  )

[So flame on...I already said you guys will win, so let this bitter curmudgeon have my opinion!]