Honest E-Bike Question

[Purl]

I stumbled across and ad doom scrolling on Instagram and had a WTF moment. I saw https://hpcbikes.com/pages/electricbikes advertised as E-Bikes and by going on the website they have one marketed being able to go 60+ MPH.

Are categories of E-Bikes just a gentleman's agreement, or are they enforced and how?

 

[Frank]

Geez, there is a great example of why they need many categories. Class 1, like my C-dale, will only provide up to 20 mph or 19 in my case. The bikes on that site don’t seem to be separated by class, which is messed up. I read last night that one state actually did tests and said class 1 bikes do no more damage than an analog bike, which I kind of agree with. I hope that when NJ actually does something about e-bikes, they do it intelligently or there will be many of us breaking the law…..which we kind of do already. 🤔

 

[Steve Vai]

I stumbled across and ad doom scrolling on Instagram and had a WTF moment. I saw https://hpcbikes.com/pages/electricbikes advertised as E-Bikes and by going on the website they have one marketed being able to go 60+ MPH.

Are categories of E-Bikes just a gentleman's agreement, or are they enforced and how?

It is not enforced at all. I've built and ridden several 45-50mph bikes and it's sort of terrifying. I recently got into a pretty big argument with NJ Bike and Walk for protesting against the proposed Bill, but it is absolutely 100% needed. I also have started taking and posting pics whenever I get passed by one of these things in the bike land and sending it to them because they just don't understand how big of an issue it really is.

 

[jdog]

It can be the Wild West out there.

We are turning away at least one death trap every day.

Our insurance provider has advised us to only service brands that we sell and or brands that are deemed “reputable”


Yesterday we had a kid in who spent $2000 on an ebike that was all go and no possible stopping it. Stamped parts all over. A true death trap.

 

[Purl]

So this seems to be a consensus, at least among the cycling community that:

A) E-bikes should be categorized by a standard, like but, not exactly, ISO.

B) e-bikes should be regulated based off of said categorization standard.

Still poses the question of how can it be regulated? Restriction of sales? Active enforcement?

 

[Frank]

So this seems to be a consensus, at least among the cycling community that:

A) E-bikes should be categorized by a standard, like but, not exactly, ISO.

B) e-bikes should be regulated based off of said categorization standard.

Still poses the question of how can it be regulated? Restriction of sales? Active enforcement?

Active enforcement 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

 

[Purl]

Active enforcement 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

I understand that seems like a joke but if ever proposed to someone somehow, all issues and possible solutions should be laid out. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my life don’t only approach a person/group with a problem but with multiple solutions so that it gives the addressed a sense of opinion.

 

[Steve Vai]

...only approach a person/group with a problem but with multiple solutions so that it gives the addressed a sense of opinion.

So you're married?

 

[Purl]

So you're married?

And work with engineers.

 

[Ironjunk]

I'm seeing erosion of rule following and enforcement and ebikes are last on the list.

 

[mattybfat]

I have to admit I do worry about pressure on state parks to enforce closures because it's easier then dealing with the issue.

 

[Steve Vai]

I have to admit I do worry about pressure on state parks to enforce closures because it's easier then dealing with the issue.

I honestly don’t think normal e bikes will be in danger, most of them you couldn’t even tell are e bikes. The ones that do 50mph are REALLY obvious.

 

[shrpshtr325]

And work with engineers.

Lol as an engineer I only ever get problems my job is pretty much always to find the solution

 

[mtbiker87]

With E dirt bikes becoming a legit thing, the lines are gunna get even more blurry. It's a Pandora's box that perhaps the major players should have had a real plan for before they opened it. I'm a bicycle fan, and I'm a moto fan ....but not much of an E bike fan, and this is one of the big reasons why.

 

[Purl]

With E dirt bikes becoming a legit thing, the lines are gunna get even more blurry. It's a Pandora's box that perhaps the major players should have had a real plan for before they opened it. I'm a bicycle fan, and I'm a moto fan ....but not much of an E bike fan, and this is one of the big reasons why.

That’s the thing the major players, if your referring to manufactures, why would they give a shit on legalities of a hobby until they have to abide by rules or standards?

That e-bike with 60 mph rating that is a 1x7 has magura mt7 brakes with 203 rotors. Yes it can stop it but you’ll see any pro downhill racer replace pads every race or at least armatures know when they need to be replaced. Average joe that buys this and their pads are worn down to nothing and now can’t stop?

We all know that those brakes can stop that behemoth a few times but thats not what they were really built for.

 

[goldsbar]

I see people riding scooters on the road at what looks like at least 30mph. It's total Wild West. Some bikes are insanely fast. Happy to say they don't seem to be invading the trails...yet.

 

[mattybfat]

I see people riding scooters on the road at what looks like at least 30mph. It's total Wild West. Some bikes are insanely fast. Happy to say they don't seem to be invading the trails...yet.

I've noticed both Stephens and Mooch having moto like rips in mtb size tires. I've not seen but pretty certain of there are Surons "like" bikes ripping those trails. Beauty is some berms are popping up.
I have never been against the motos as long as they aren't trashing, its the quadtards I hate, and now the side by sides in Mooch.

 

[grilledcheeseking]

On the mfg side, it's all down to whether or not the brand has a reputation to protect. As for riders, in the US and in much of the world does anybody actually GAF about the law, and is much of anything enforced either on the road or trail?

The difference between different classes (and out of class) ebikes is actually pretty straightforward FWIW.

 

[UtahJoe]

I stumbled across and ad doom scrolling on Instagram and had a WTF moment. I saw https://hpcbikes.com/pages/electricbikes advertised as E-Bikes and by going on the website they have one marketed being able to go 60+ MPH.

Are categories of E-Bikes just a gentleman's agreement, or are they enforced and how?

man...I had several motocross bikes...my last CRF450R would top out around 65mph....with unbalanced wheels...50-60mph on that thing felt like 200mph. I can't even fathom 60mph on this. But there seems to be a line out the door to buy 1000+ HP tuner cars, and 250hp can am side by sides....people love dumb shit.

 

[a.s.]

No issue here. Rocky trails with tight turns and steep switchbacks will never be appealing to these FrankenBikes. Gravel riders and you people down in the pine barrens… you’re fucked.