Originally Posted by
Rob_E
It is a confusing and inconsistently applied law, or set of laws. I believe in my state (North Carolina), e-bikes do not meet the state's definition of "motorized vehicle," and so are basically allowed where ever bikes are allowed.
And while I don't have a problem with this policy, I'm not advocating for the illegal use of e-bikes. I just feel like if someone feels like that's the best way for them to get around, and they're doing it legally, then all this fussing is really just a waste of time. If you care that much how someone else gets around, you might want to pick up another hobby or two to fill your excess free time.
If e-bikes are doing real harm somewhere, just by their nature, that's another issue. But what I seem to be reading here is a lot of people who are simply offended that it doesn't meet their definition of bike touring. I will say that if I really considered it, it might not meet my definition of bike touring. But I don't have an e-bike, so I don't really have to consider it, and I don't really care how other people choose to get around.
As I have said in many other posts, I don't care if people choose to use them as long as it is being done in a legal and safe manner. I am more concerned about the tolerance of motorized bicycles in places they are not allowed to be, just because they are "electric" powered bicycles. Its the lack of consistency and enforcement of rules. If you see an unauthorized gas powered motorbike on a non-motorized trail, what do you think?
E-bike/assist are being marketed in WA as an alternative to driving a motor vehicle w/o the level of effort required for powering a traditional bike and you get ALL the advantages of riding a traditional bike. This is simply not true. E-conversion kits are being marketed as being able to be modified with a maximum speed of 32mph, which exceeds WA rules of 20mph.
Conversions | Seattle E-Bike
There is a place for e-bikes. And they are growing in popularity. But because of the ambiguity of being a bike and somewhat a motorized vehicle puts it into this extreme gray area. It gives the appearance of being exempt from any rules.