[RETROROCKS]

Saw an e bike at the backbone last week.
I was under the impression that they were not legal on local trails.
I suppose its possible they are now legal, but Ive not seen any postings or signs saying they are.
Anyone know if legal now?

 

[r-rocket]

Larimer County did an ebike trial, and decided that folks with a mobility disability would be allowed to ride ebikes there. So if they showed up with a handicap plate of placard, then they were legal.

E-bike Study (Natural Resources)

Electric Motorized Bike (E-Bike) Study Results Update (5/24/21) E-bike access on natural surface trails expands at Parks and Open Spaces managed by Larimer

www.larimer.org

Otherwise, it is still against the rules as far as I know:

13. To operate any Class of electric powered bicycle (e-bike) on a natural surface trail or
operate a Class III e-bike on a hard surface trail. FINE $75.00

Same fine as cleaning your fish in the drinking fountain:
3. To clean fish, animals, food, clothing or other household articles, or to do personal
washing at drinking-water hydrants. FINE $75.00

 

[Monty219]

Yeah there used to be signs during the study but now none which makes it confusing. I see the occasional ebiker at DBB, impossible to tell if they are legal with a disability or not but i have never seen anyone being irresponsible or riding fast there. Today at horsetooth i saw a group of 3 on ebikes, still impossible to tell but less likely three dudes with mobility disabilities got together to shred. They were climbing uphill fairly fast out of the saddle looking like regular full mobility riders. A slippery slope it is.

 

[RETROROCKS]

Yeah there used to be signs during the study but now none which makes it confusing. I see the occasional ebiker at DBB, impossible to tell if they are legal with a disability or not but i have never seen anyone being irresponsible or riding fast there. Today at horsetooth i saw a group of 3 on ebikes, still impossible to tell but less likely three dudes with mobility disabilities got together to shred. They were climbing uphill fairly fast out of the saddle looking like regular full mobility riders. A slippery slope it is.

I guess if anything, im worried about extra trail wear and tear.. Espcially going up hill that rear tirebreaks loose itll spin out all the way up.
Im hopeful they are aware of the down side and ride extra careful.. But perhaps thats wishful thinking!

 

[Intramural]

Here's the bigger problem, even if it's not legal... So what.

I no longer confront people about it, because the typical response is either "well I deserve to be out here on my pedal assist bike" or "get fricked"

And honestly, while I find e-bikers to be a matter of personal bemusement, they aren't really that obtrusive.

 

[sgltrak]

Larimer County Natural Resources prohibits them on their trails except for those riders with a disability. (DBB, Blue Sky, Horsetooth Mountain, Horsetooth Reservoir, Rimrock, Hermit Park, Red Mountain)

Fort Collins and Loveland Natural Areas prohibit them on their trails except for those riders with a disability. (Prairie Ridge, Coyote Ridge, Bobcat Ridge, Pineridge, Maxwell, Reservoir Ridge, Soapstone)

Lory State Park allows them on their trails (just don't cross into Horsetooth.)

USFS allows them where motorized vehicles are allowed and prohibits them on non-motorized trails, except for those riders with a disability. (Not allowed at Crosier, Lion Gulch, Hewlett Gulch, Young Gulch, Homestead Meadows, Dadd Gulch, Mount Margaret, etc) (Allowed on Donner and several trails in the Buckhorn, Swamp Creek, Sevenmile, etc)

 

[Tickle]

I guess if anything, im worried about extra trail wear and tear.. Espcially going up hill that rear tirebreaks loose itll spin out all the way up.

Not to worry, doesn't happen, pedal assist class 1 ebikes don't have that kind of power. Wish more folks would just go try one before they post unfounded concerns online

 

[Monty219]

Not to worry, doesn't happen, pedal assist class 1 ebikes don't have that kind of power. Wish more folks would just go try one before they post unfounded concerns online

It’s not that easy to just go try an ebike these days, I’m not interested in paying to rent or demo so its helpful to be able to ask and get answers here. Your input is appreciated.

 

[RETROROCKS]

Not to worry, doesn't happen, pedal assist class 1 ebikes don't have that kind of power. Wish more folks would just go try one before they post unfounded concerns online

Not sure whats unfounded!
Ive read other posts and concerns where channels were being cut in some uphills.
Its not the amount of power.. its more the ignorance of the rider.

 

[Tickle]

Sorry thought you meant the power of the motor was making the rear wheel spin out and causing wear or channels like moto's can do. Even in full power mode like turbo or boost I can't break the rear tire loose on climbs, maybe steep and loose cond's but that can happen on regular bikes too.

 

[MCS5280]

Ebikers seem to be oblivious to their surroundings and don't seem capable of reading large signs which clearly state the rules on multiple trail systems. A very peculiar species indeed.

 

[_CJ]

If it's not a problem for disabled riders to ride ebikes on a trail, why is it a problem for non-disabled riders to ride an e-bike on a trail? Are disabled riders somehow more responsible? In better control of their bike? More experienced riders? Class 1 eMTB's have been demonstrated to cause no more environmental damage than a standard MTB, so that clearly can't be the issue.

The whole premise of ebikes being acceptable for disabled riders, but not for anyone else is ridiculous. Nothing but a rule/law based on mis-guided morals, and fragile egos.

.

 

[Le Duke]

If it's not a problem for disabled riders to ride ebikes on a trail, why is it a problem for non-disabled riders to ride an e-bike on a trail? Are disabled riders somehow more responsible? In better control of their bike? More experienced riders? Class 1 eMTB's have been demonstrated to cause no more environmental damage than a standard MTB, so that clearly can't be the issue.

The whole premise of ebikes being acceptable for disabled riders, but not for anyone else is ridiculous. Nothing but a rule/law based on mis-guided morals, and fragile egos.

.

If an eBike lets you do 3 laps as opposed to 2 laps, you are doing more damage.

I’m not sure how this is even an argument.

Oh. Wait. You’re the guy who thinks that eBikes = “more exercise”.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[_CJ]

If an eBike lets you do 3 laps as opposed to 2 laps, you are doing more damage.

I’m not sure how this is even an argument.

Oh. Wait. You’re the guy who thinks that eBikes = “more exercise”.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Do disabled ebike riders do fewer "laps" than able-bodied ebike riders?

Please show me your data.

.

 

[Monty219]

If it's not a problem for disabled riders to ride ebikes on a trail, why is it a problem for non-disabled riders to ride an e-bike on a trail? Are disabled riders somehow more responsible? In better control of their bike? More experienced riders? Class 1 eMTB's have been demonstrated to cause no more environmental damage than a standard MTB, so that clearly can't be the issue.

The whole premise of ebikes being acceptable for disabled riders, but not for anyone else is ridiculous. Nothing but a rule/law based on mis-guided morals, and fragile egos.

.

This thread is just about the rules on larimer county trails. No need to stir up yet another debate here.

 

[Intramural]

This thread is just about the rules on larimer county trails. No need to stir up yet another debate here.

But, debating e-bikers is our favorite hobby on this here website!

 

[Monty219]

But, debating e-bikers is our favorite hobby on this here website!

And I can’t stop watching each one like a car wreck… hence the plea for putting the kibosh on this one!

 

[bikeranzin]

If it's not a problem for disabled riders to ride ebikes on a trail, why is it a problem for non-disabled riders to ride an e-bike on a trail? Are disabled riders somehow more responsible? In better control of their bike? More experienced riders? Class 1 eMTB's have been demonstrated to cause no more environmental damage than a standard MTB, so that clearly can't be the issue.

The whole premise of ebikes being acceptable for disabled riders, but not for anyone else is ridiculous. Nothing but a rule/law based on mis-guided morals, and fragile egos.

.

Putting my big thinking hat on for a sec, my guess is that it's a concession that allows people who otherwise wouldn't be able to ride a bike somewhere to ride a bike somewhere. Under the premise that including a motor on the bike is optional for those who are able bodied. This is in-line with other ADA type situations, such as allowing service animals in food service spaces. It's not that a service dog magically doesn't cause the same health risks compared to fifi.

 

[swannycg]

I just moved from Detroit to Springs area. Bought SPecialized Turbo Levo! Up hill is smoother with the assist. No traction issues. I love the ebike. I get to explore longer on trails. But in the end, to each their own. I am just happy people ride