OOPS...I tried to post my E-Bike on a MTB forum

[Chalo]

Of course there should be room for e-assist on bike trails, provided it's quiet and doesn't operate in a totally different speed regime than muscle-powered bikes.

It's a given that an out-of-shape e-biker zooming around of road trails at 20mph will be riding a heavier vehicle under less competent control than an elite MTB rider capable of sustaining the same speed, so this is also something to be aware of. At the point where we become inconsiderate of other trail users, rather than just offending their sensibilities, then we need to check our actions.

Off-road trails should be a respite from the stress and hazards of sharing space with motorists. As long as e-bikers can maintain that environment, I don't see any problem with integrating them.

 

[2old]

Been riding off road in SoCal for about 35 years, and really enjoying it since there's a plethora of places to explore. However, riding a Haibike, legally a "bike" per CA's new law, for the past three weeks was a revelation; FUN and everybody that I let try it came back with a big grin.

 

[AF7JA]

What I find so ironic in the MTB/e-bike debates is that, in many cases, it is the old guys, now on e-bikes, that built the trails in the first place.

 

[2old]

It's a real hoot reading the comments from e-haters that probably would rather have a diesel guzzling truck running errands than an e-bike. Some of the drivel they puke includes, but is not limited to:
1) The forest will be covered with depleted batteries that have failed and riders discarded them.
2) Physically challenged individuals will constantly need to be rescued when their motor systems fail.
3) Individuals will "hop-up" their systems for more power (voiding the warranty, of course); they ignore the fact that one can construct a powerful system much less expensively than modding an OEM.
4) There are the so-called "expert" riders who profess the number of accidents that will occur. I think these are stravidiots that are afraid someone will cause them to lose 0.1 second on their "run".
5) One of the funniest things is the "groupies" that treat everything some of the haters say as gospel; kind of like "Amen" in church. They have nothing original to say.
6) Apparently there is some kind of merit system that is denoted by little green snot-marks. They seem to thrive on these (you thought the demerit system ended in the Third Grade --- not on MTBR).

Accordingly, if you ever need a good laugh, go to MTBR and read the comments from e-haters in the e-bike section.

 

[friendly1uk]

Most forums are international, and the prevailing international law is 250w. A fair cyclist. Not one that is going to do harm the trails like a motorcycle would, but rather one that will do no more damage that any other bike. The motor just extends a days outing for the less fit, and aids climbing when it's really just the downhill your interested in. Most of the time it's turned off.

This is what they are being led to accept buy the board hosts that wish to advertise ebikes.

You can also put it to them it's useful if your recovering from a fall, or have a mate that wants to come out but can't keep up yet.

Don't try and put the ebike or your fitness level on a par with theirs. Don't make excuses for going faster. You don't. You are an underling looking up towards them.

Most people will help out people that need it, and accept them receiving help. Start pushing past their performance envelope though and they won't like it anymore than they would like you earning more than them doing the same job.