Originally Posted by
2old
Just to clarify for the last time:
1) The individuals that I met representing People for Bikes, the group that spearheaded the CA, UT & NC laws and are working in other states now, had no intention for their law to pertain to off road activities.
2) A friend told me that the superintendent of parks in Orange County, CA has prohibited e-bikes in parks under his control except for physically challenged individuals, although Rangers in the Santa Monica mountains are allowing Class 1 bikes in their parks.
3) This is moot in Orange County since there is almost no policing of the trails. I have met one individual who was accosted by a Ranger and told that he shouldn't ride his e-MTB in the park, but he could continue that day.
It's great that you claim to have these private conversions with people, but can you provide a link that substantiates your claims? If they did actually occur, it is likely that they were referring to "motorized vehicles" not the new "electric bicycle" classification.
The real reason it is mute regarding Orange County Parks Trails is they all have 10mph speed limits, be it a bike or e-bike you are riding.
Directly from the Orange County Park Trails site:
Orange County, California - Park Rules
* A speed limit of 10 MPH enforced at all times.
-and-
* Use of motorized vehicles and equipment is prohibited.
Class 1, 2 & 3 Electric Bicycles are not classified as motor vehicles.