Good news for Ebiker users on public land.

[Rich M]

Yeah. But when they’re used……

View attachment 398032

A couple pack strings could do a better job than that.

 

[tdhanses]

I don't see it like that. I think some areas should allow E-bikes, and some shouldn't. Just like I think there should be motorized trails and nonmotorized trails. Seems simple to keep E-bikes on motorized trails only but I could also see allowing them on other trails on a case-by-case basis.

I agree but I also think motorized vs nonmotorized rules were established long ago for two reasons, noise pollution and environmental impact, hard to argue a ebike creates noise pollution and it’s impact will be less then any horse. Plus there is the spark issue with a combustion motor but the biggest issue i see with an ebike is fire from battery failure.

Might be time to revisit antiquated definitions from many moons ago.

Even the forest service can’t use cordless chainsaws in the wilderness yet horses are not an issue.

I also think 85% of ebike owners would stay on forest service roads or really nice trails, i doubt many could even ride one on most horse or hiking trails, doubt there would all of a sudden be many pro level ebike riders.

 

[CorbLand]

Can't say I'm too surprised the anti-old person attitude has come out. It seems that it is more of an anti-anybody attitude.

Might as well climb to the top and scream - "It's MY Mountain!"

In all fairness, the, as you call it, "anti-old person attitude" was not brought up until someone blamed it on millennials...

 

[Rich M]

In all fairness, the, as you call it, "anti-old person attitude" was not brought up until someone blamed it on millennials...

Fair enough.

 

[Bert Vega]

I don't see it like that. I think some areas should allow E-bikes, and some shouldn't. Just like I think there should be motorized trails and nonmotorized trails. Seems simple to keep E-bikes on motorized trails only but I could also see allowing them on other trails on a case-by-case basis.

Well said. It would be difficult to allow access on a case by case basis. To many factors per case to keep it fair and moving

 

[pk_]

I always felt the same way but a dude inwork with wss arguing about it with me awhile back. Is the issue just they can go further than some on a normal bike or on foot?

I have an e-bike and I wish they were legally kept to motorized or at least designated trails and firebreaks where I hunt. I can ride my e-bike all through the woods off trail in a way that is not practical and probably not even physically possible with a mountain bike. I can tell you first hand, the harsh reactions I have gotten from wildlife and cattle have made me become very careful about where and when I ride off trail. Zipping around the woods on an e-bike certainly puts more stress on the animals than walking does.

Just my experience.

 

[cnelk]

^^^
I’ve had the exact opposite experience while riding and see deer or elk.
They just stand and stare

 

[CoStick]

Haha, that would be kind of funny to watch actually.

Come to the front range bike trails

 

[tdhanses]

^^^
I’ve had the exact opposite experience while riding and see deer or elk.
They just stand and stare

Yeah I can’t see how they would react any different to it then a hiker or mtn bike rider.

 

[tdhanses]

Come to the front range bike trails

Haha, that doesn’t count, I can’t imagine even going there period to tell you the truth. I’ll stay down in the South Juans and San Isabel but doubt it matters if ebikes are legal as far as activity there, always a downside living close to a major city.

 

[CoStick]

Haha, that doesn’t count, I can’t imagine even going there period to tell you the truth. I’ll stay down in the South Juans and San Isabel but doubt it matters if ebikes are legal as far as activity there, always a downside living close to a major city.

You are inviting them all to the backcountry if you legalize ebikes on non-motorized trails and if you don’t think they will show up in large numbers you are sadly mistaken. What with easy access isn’t incredibly crowded these days?

 

[9.1]

In all fairness, the, as you call it, "anti-old person attitude" was not brought up until someone blamed it on millennials...

Millennials are the old people now.

 

[tdhanses]

You are inviting them all to the backcountry if you legalize ebikes on non-motorized trails and if you don’t think they will show up in large numbers you are sadly mistaken. What with easy access isn’t incredibly crowded these days?

I guess i just didn’t think these ebikes were that evolved but public is for all to use so if changes happen I can’t say i’m against them, everyone uses public in their own way.

Won’t they have to stay on trails anyway, guess it may be an issue if one just hunts trails but we are still a minority user when you look at the big picture.

 

[CoStick]

I guess i just didn’t think these ebikes were that evolved but public is for all to use so if changes happen I can’t say i’m against them, everyone uses public in their own way.

Won’t they have to stay on trails anyway, guess it may be an issue if one just hunts trails but we are still a minority user when you look at the big picture.

On the front range they don’t stay on trail, typically don’t know how to turn around without leaving the single track. Trails just get wider. Have a log or rock, just ride around vs going over.

 

[Rob5589]

What about jet packs? I’m not using a trail so no impact there and I’ll be balls deep in your honey hole faster than you can lace up your Crispis..

Sure. But the question remains; how high do you have to be to avoid a corner crossing citation?

 

[tdhanses]

Sure. But the question remains; how high do you have to be to avoid a corner crossing citation?

Better consult the FAA.

 

[UpTop]

The chicken littles on rokslide are numerous “Lookout! Lookout! The ebikes are coming! They’re going to take over the mountains and do donuts all over the place! We must stop them at all costs!”

 

[CoStick]

Pretty good read

USFS Releases new eMTB Ruling Requiring Reclassification of Non-Motorized Trails to Motorized for Access

The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) has released their long awaited direction on e-bike trail access.

www.singletracks.com

Quote from bottom but a more detailed article,”The ruling doesn’t create an exclusion for eMTBs though and the directives would reclassify non-motorized trails to motorized to allow e-bike access on non-motorized trails.”

 

[TurkeyReaper69]

Piss on an E-bike. There I said it. They should stay on motorized roads/ trails only. I will make sure to call and give my opinion not to expand access for E-bikes for non motorized trails.

 

[Dioni A]

Would love to see registration on ebikes. Let other user groups pay for trail maintenance cost instead of just dirt bikes. Also throw me in the camp of not wanting them considered anything different than a motorcycle. Technology will only get better. Ranges increased and drive systems better. They're not a bicycle. They're only going to get further from a bicycle as they're improved.