Converting a rad rover to class 1

[AHicks]

I think that really is the main thing. There is no reason to ban a bike that is class 2 or 3. Post a sensible speed limit and just enforce that. You don't need a motor or a throttle to ride a bike at a reckless speed. On the sign that said no class 2's or 3's it also said 20MPH. I've ridden those trails and there's no way I would go that fast. I suppose I could go faster than 20 on the down hills but I'm rather fond of living.

The bottom line here is that the ebikes have evolved rapidly and we are trying to abide by rules that are badly outdated and bordering on impractical. Couple that idea with the fact darn few local municipalities are budgeted for keeping order on the trails, let alone enforcing questionable laws.

 

[6zfshdb]

What do these LEO's look like?

In all my years of riding on metro, state, city, county, parks I have yet to see one.
I've seen EMT's on the trails helping people but that's about it.

The LEO's I've come across here in my state of PA. are DCNR park rangers. They occasionally patrol trails in some locations with marked ATV's. The state of MD. operates in a similar way. I've also seen National Park Rangers patrol the C&O canal towpath and carriage roads in Acadia National Park in marked pickup trucks. All I've talked to are friendly and have never given me a problem so far.

 

[6zfshdb]

That would be a presumption of guilt.

I'm not a lawyer but I imagine the officer must prove that he was in fact, riding his bike with throttle engaged, hence breaking the law.

Interesting point. I'm no lawyer either but I think it would depend on the law's fine print and it's interpretation by the officer. It could be just being caught with a class 2 labeled bike on a class 1 only posted trail, throttle or not, could get you a citation.

From what I've experienced, I think we're making far more of this than is justified. Most park rangers WANT people to visit their parks and are loathe to kick them out since attendance makes their job secure. They have better things to do than look for throttles. IMO, unless you ride like an idiot and make yourself conspicuous, it isn't likely you will have a problem.

 

[harryS]

What do these LEO's look like?

It's a grumpy guy having to wear all all black uniform on a hot summer day in the sun. riding on a noisy ATV. I've come up to him at a crossing while waiting for the "walk" signal and said "hello". He looked like he'd rather shoot me.

 

[steve marino]

My bike has one of those cheapo 5 LED readout gizmos on the handlebars. You can push a button on it 2 or 3 times in about 2 seconds and it will switch from throttle mode to pedal assist. So that should take care of the throttle question, but when you're dealing w/ a cop, all bets are off when it comes to logic. Of course, the safest thing to do is just ride sensibly and no one will bother you. Theoretically. I know a lot of cyclists w/ those old fashioned pedal only bikes (LOL), and they complain constantly about eBikes whizzing past them on trials at high speeds, but that's sorta nutty. A good cyclist on a light pedal bike can hit 30 MPH probably. It's not the form of power, it's who is riding the bike.

 

[harryS]

In all fairness, I don't see it as the cops' job to distinguish between a working throttle or a decorative one. You got silliness with hidden switches, etc.

If not allowed, don't have one and take whatever consequences if you are unlucky enough to be checked.

 

[HonoraryOrange]

I had been riding my new RR step through on a local bike/walking trail. Today there was a new sign that said class 2&3 prohibited 20MPH top speed. OK so I plan to get in touch with the park to see if I can get some kind of special use permit since I'm 71 and have a mild heart issue. If that fails I'm thinking about simply removing the throttle as I understand that's the only difference between a class 1&2. I could get a new set of grips from Rad and replace the short throttle side grip with the longer left side grip. Frankly between the 7 gears and 5 PAS levels I have no use for a throttle anyway. Am I missing anything?

Doublecheck your local laws. Many places have basically a wide open clause for mobility devices, which includes ebikes. It requires nothing other than your doctor telling you one time that you 'should exercise' and that an bike might be a good idea. No prescription or anything.

 

[AHicks]

Doublecheck your local laws. Many places have basically a wide open clause for mobility devices, which includes ebikes. It requires nothing other than your doctor telling you one time that you 'should exercise' and that an bike might be a good idea. No prescription or anything.

From a wishfull thinking perspective, that's interesting.... Will look into that further. Thanks! -Al