Posted by: syncro
Posted by: Brocklanders
I think the real question is, is it a motorized vehicle? If so then it is a different class of vehicle is it not? and this "group" you speak of is not part of my group. You sound like the bike industry trying to lump ebikes and mtb together which they are not. I see your point and appreciate your view but this is the conflict we face. You can't use a E-sled on Hollyburn in winter even if its has a magical E in front of it. So why are bikes exempt from these motorized rules? That is the question....
Is it motorized - yes, of course it is. Is it a different class of vehicle? Yes. However, is it different enough that it needs to be banned? I'm not so sure when I look at the usage. I'm even less sure of that when I analyze the arguments for banning them as most of those arguments are fallible. As for groups they're not part of my group either, but I am friends with a couple of people who do ride them, we just don't ride together. I'm just using the word group to identify that there are people out there who want to and do used pedelecs. As you ask, why are pedelecs exempt from motorized rules? Not sure as my interpretation of what I've read leads me to believe they are not. I have heard from some officials tho that they are and there is no official policy on their use.
Using the esled vs gas sled comparison against pedelec vs pedal bike is not a level comparison imo. I draw a distinction between pedal assist plus speed limited pedelecs vs throttle control and unlimited speed motorcycles. The biggest thing I can offer is that it comes down to the user and their level of responsibility and I don't think it's fair to say transportation method B can't be used because some people are going to abuse their abilities. I honestly feel that if someone is out riding a pedelec in a responsible manner then their impact on the trail system and other trail users is no different than you or I out pedaling our bikes and there is no strong enough justification to ban their use. I think it makes far more sense to have a conversation about how and where they could be used than to have a conversation about whether they can be used at all.
edit - Want to add that I agree with you and others that they are not the same thing, the opinions differ on how different they are. I am more concerned about their intended usage and the responsibility of the person using it.
Good points.
I was trying to compare using a motorized vehicle in a non motorized area. Not electric vs gas.....
I guess my fear is that this is the wedge in the door. Is the bike industry going to regulate even faster, lighter e-mtbs in years to come? I doubt it.
I have stated before that I have ridden one of these things and they are not for me. This "pendelec" thing the bike companies are pushing is such a load of shit. The one I rode in Boost mode- The Divinci version, was a motorbike. I spun my legs like I was doing a warm down on a spin bike, and the thing was full speed, no effort required.
So I guess we roll over and say whatever, then the next conflict will be throttle e-bikes vs pendelec on the trails? The line in the sand gets smeared and will be a free for all, you can bet on that.
I think that's how the BLM in Moab, Utah see's it too. Kinda hard to wear down the trails there. So why did they say no? Because they deemed them motorized.