The EU Court of Justice yesterday ruled that e-bikes are actually bikes, not motorbikes, which means e-cyclists aren’t obligated to be insured in the same way as motorists.
A “no motor vehicles” sign would not prohibit e-bikes. However, I see no reason why a trail couldn’t enforce prohibition of a list of categories that includes both motor vehicles and e-bikes as separate items.
The federal law applies to the public roads. Trails are NOT public roads. They can have any restrictions their management wants. Just like private roads at supermarkets - they’re not public roads and supermarket can say no Ford cars here and you have no recourse there.
They aren’t private usually, they’re public, but maintained by volunteers.
I helped maintain a trail for a couple years back when ebikes were just starting to be a thing, and they absolutely tore up trails. We had to put up additional signs (from the very limited budget) just for ebikes.
Thats because the added weight and power tears up trails, and the stewards hate that shit.
But that’s not actually enforceable?
According to federal law, I mean?
I’m guessing each state and county can make their own laws
A “no motor vehicles” sign would not prohibit e-bikes. However, I see no reason why a trail couldn’t enforce prohibition of a list of categories that includes both motor vehicles and e-bikes as separate items.
Why not? An electric motor is, by definition, a motor.
Legal definitions aren’t the same as dictionary definitions.
The federal law applies to the public roads. Trails are NOT public roads. They can have any restrictions their management wants. Just like private roads at supermarkets - they’re not public roads and supermarket can say no Ford cars here and you have no recourse there.
By not public, trails are private because they belong to the state, you mean?
They aren’t private usually, they’re public, but maintained by volunteers.
I helped maintain a trail for a couple years back when ebikes were just starting to be a thing, and they absolutely tore up trails. We had to put up additional signs (from the very limited budget) just for ebikes.
Ah, got it. I don’t go on tiny trails or dirtbiking trails.
Pretty much all hardpack or paved.
They’re not public roads. That’s the difference.
What aren’t, specifically, and what is the difference of what?