Posted on 01/10/2024 9:36:13 AM PST by ProtectOurFreedom
The issue has to do with the throttle control, if any (either a lever or a motorcycle - type twist control), which technically is banned on the trails around Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
But if you pedal at the same time as using the throttle no one is the wiser.
In Washington, my state, there is as of now no specific e-bike statute that limits usage on either the streets or trails. But individual jurisdictions can limit a given trail to pedestrians only, no bikes at all
It’s very possible that commercial insurance carrier nervousness is behind that. That’s been the explanation elsewhere. They have valid concerns about modified chargers and batteries like delivery services using independent contractors have been known to do in NYC and other metros. It’s hard to determine which bikes coming through the door are modified or not.
“People are too damn lazy to peddle a frickin’ bike?”
Y’all don’t need a motorcycle license to drive one.
What people want is a easy ride to the store. Pedal bikes require sweat and effort.
As a long-time RC modeller who watched the sometimes fiery introduction of li-poly battery technology, I agree in principle, but in practice I don’t see problems with the 2 amp charging rate of the roughly 18 amp hour li-ion battery that my bike and similar setups use. A higher charging rate without properly engineered and implemnted battery management system IS asking for trouble.
Any new heavy-handed law enforcement stories from the trails around CDA from this last summer?
Haven’t heard of any. We rode the Hiawatha Trail twice this year, once in spring and once around July 4. It’s so magnificent! Regular bikes, not e-bikes.
Correct. However, if one is a jerk then everyone notices. I have owned a pedal assist ebike for the last 5 years, and am very careful on trails that pedestrians use (where bikes are allowed). It will accelerate only while pedaling, and has 21 speeds which helps with the pedaling. Although I have the potential to go 28mph (and much faster downhill), I ride it slow on trails and don't alarm the walkers. I can ride it faster on public streets. Too dangerous to do that on trails. As seniors, we respect the fact that other people can't necessarily walk quickly or easily get out of the way, and can fall if alarmed.
I got the ebike to assist with going up hills, which is hard or impossible to do with an ordinary bicycle. When I was a kid, I loved to ride a bike, then switched to motorcycles as a young man, but gave that up after having children (wife called motorcycles coffins on wheels). Wife gave up riding on my motorcycle when I hit a rut on a mountain dirt road and she tumbled off. I knew either the bike would go, or she would leave. Decades later, I'm on a powered bike again (small power!).
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