Originally Posted by
Happy Feet
It was to show there was very little difference between manual and e assist models and that they were more bicycle than motorcycle. I stand by that point.
They are not motorcycle, but should not be in the same category as non-motorized mountain bike either. That little thingy on the bike that generates power using electricity is called a motor.
Almost all trails in the U.S. are on lands that have been designated for "recreation" in some way. Often times (especially with state or local lands) the lands are designated as "non-motorized" recreation. For recreational purposes, a motor is a motor is a motor when talking about e-bikes There is no amount of newspeak that changes that. On top of that, in places where the local MTBers or cycling club applies for grants to build/maintain those trails, there might be additional legal reasons e-MTBs could not be allowed on existing trails...For instance, if the club raises money with a grant that is for "non-motorized activities".