I'm a nob, but the people who buy ebikes for mtb use, which cost more than a non-powered model and allow them to travel further on trails they probably didn't build or donate to, are all good in your book?
We'll see how you like it when your trails get fucked because all those pedal assisters are _just trying to enjoy the trails_. Just because someone can get somewhere on an ebike doesn't mean they should. Don't you care about trail sections you had to earn because you had to build the strength to get there?
New technology is not allowing people to enter the sport. You can ride the trails on a single speed bmx bought at a garage sale for $50. New technology, as you stated, is allowing riders to perform up to the level of an Olympic athlete. The only people who can afford this new ebike technology are wealthy folks and their children.
My point has been that if a growing population of "e-riders" suddenly starts using trails not designed for a dramatic increase in traffic, it will have a damaging effect. Blown berms, run down features, illegal trails, trash, impacts to wildlife, etc. But you're right, I'm the asshole with poor etiquette only thinking about me.
It'd be a different story if ebike sales were taxed and annual licenses paid to support the upkeep of local trails. And since advocates of ebikes want to get people into the sport, to me, this seems like a reasonable compromise. It's a motorized vehicle and we tax and license all other motor vehicle sales and usage.
Also, show me an ebike manufacturer who's contributing to the upkeep of trail systems nationwide (Canada or US). Where are their battery recycling centers/programs to minimize waste?
July 14, 2021, 9:37 p.m. - jgoodkind
I'm a nob, but the people who buy ebikes for mtb use, which cost more than a non-powered model and allow them to travel further on trails they probably didn't build or donate to, are all good in your book? We'll see how you like it when your trails get fucked because all those pedal assisters are _just trying to enjoy the trails_. Just because someone can get somewhere on an ebike doesn't mean they should. Don't you care about trail sections you had to earn because you had to build the strength to get there? New technology is not allowing people to enter the sport. You can ride the trails on a single speed bmx bought at a garage sale for $50. New technology, as you stated, is allowing riders to perform up to the level of an Olympic athlete. The only people who can afford this new ebike technology are wealthy folks and their children. My point has been that if a growing population of "e-riders" suddenly starts using trails not designed for a dramatic increase in traffic, it will have a damaging effect. Blown berms, run down features, illegal trails, trash, impacts to wildlife, etc. But you're right, I'm the asshole with poor etiquette only thinking about me. It'd be a different story if ebike sales were taxed and annual licenses paid to support the upkeep of local trails. And since advocates of ebikes want to get people into the sport, to me, this seems like a reasonable compromise. It's a motorized vehicle and we tax and license all other motor vehicle sales and usage. Also, show me an ebike manufacturer who's contributing to the upkeep of trail systems nationwide (Canada or US). Where are their battery recycling centers/programs to minimize waste?