Before I start this thread about how amazing e-bikes are on playa; I'd like to start by listing the cons. First off, there will be a LOT of people who won't appreciate your bringing an e-bike, and I'll list why soon. It's important to be aware of what people have done in the past to mess everything up for everyone else so you know what to avoid.
The Cons
Don't speed!
Remember, 5 Miles An Hour. This applies to you. Don't make people call you all kinds of things from their bullhorns as you speed by. One of the biggest complaints people have against e-bikes is the lack of courtesy some drivers have. Yes, it's a desert and there are miles of road for you to explore, but take it to the deep playa outside of the city where you won't run into folks. Just don't speed on the streets. Every intersection has hundreds of bikes and walkers going through and I hardly ever see collisions and accidents because people watch where you're going, and where they're going, and no one is speeding so fast that people have to dive out of the way. Don't be the reason they ban e-bikes.
Also- you're now a target for LEOs (law enforcement officers) who absolutely will pull you over and issue you a ticket, after searching you of course.
Below is a copy of the Nevada law governing electric bike & trikes for those of you wondering:
> Electric bicycles as defined by Nevada state law may operate during
the event without any sort of license. That definition is as follows:
"Electric bicycle" means a device upon which a person may ride, having
two or three wheels, or every such device generally recognized as a
bicycle that has fully operable pedals and is propelled by a small
electric engine which produces not more than 1 gross brake horsepower
and which produces not more than 750 watts final output, and:
Is designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with
the ground but is not a tractor; and
Powered solely by such a small electric engine, is capable of a
maximum speed of not more than 20 miles per hour on a flat surface
while carrying an operator who weighs 170 pounds.
The term does not include a moped.
If you're thinking of doing a conversion kit, just keep in mind that it is a fair amount of work to make it playa ready, it might be easier and cheaper just to rent or buy an e-bike. You can rent e-bikes here or with some research, you can find other places to rent. Here is a playa tested e-bike company that offers delivery on playa.
Burning Man Ready Electric Bike
Since there aren't (obviously) charging stations at Burning Man- it's a good idea to bring a solar charging panel to charge the batteries. Speaking of batteries, lithium ion is the best and most expensive option. You can definitely find cost-effective batteries, but keep in mind you will have to charge them and they can get pretty heavy to cart around. But, it's doable.
Popular Playa Bike Brand, Sondors
If you bring a Sondors, an extremely popular choice, and you run out of power, the bike is geared too high to ride without power and you’ll probably just end up walking it home. Keep this in mind when selecting your e-bike.
Burning Man is not an electronics-friendly place, because of the alkaline dust that gets everywhere- seriously everywhere, make sure to wrap it and protect it. Clean with a mix of water and vinegar when you get home and you'll be able to use it again.
Remember that nothing is sacred in this world, including a social experiment set in the desert. Things get stolen, a lot. Buy the biggest and best U-lock you can find, or even heavy chains. Whatever you want to carry, keep in mind that thieves go to Burning Man to steal all the expensive toys people bring out to play with, so know that they will have bolt cutters.
So slow down and remember: Safety Third!
The Pros
You'll be able to loop around Burning Man 20 times, which is pretty amazing considering how long it takes to walk around. Without a bike, most people don't even see the other side of the playa. With a standard bike, you fight sand dunes, soft spots, heavy winds, and general exhaustion from pumping away under the harsh desert sun. For many people, e-bikes are a game changer.
You'll be able to carry ice, bounty, people, etc. You'll be able to save stragglers stuck by the trash fence. If you have an injury that makes walking difficult, you don't have to be locked in your camp. There are so many pros to traveling freely.
Don't forget to decorate your ride! There are so many light kits and LEDs to buy, it's hard to choose. You can make your e-bike a work of art. As long as you don't add flame effects then you don't need to wait in line at the DMV (Department of Mutant Vehicles) for your day or night pass. Burning Man is about your creative license, the sky is the limit for how cool you want to take it. Weld together several bikes, custom design the lights on it, make it whatever you want. Bonus points: vandals are less likely to mess with your bike if they consider it a work of art. Plus, you really don't want to be walking around playa wondering which Sonders is yours.
Check out our video!
The Cons
Don't speed!
Remember, 5 Miles An Hour. This applies to you. Don't make people call you all kinds of things from their bullhorns as you speed by. One of the biggest complaints people have against e-bikes is the lack of courtesy some drivers have. Yes, it's a desert and there are miles of road for you to explore, but take it to the deep playa outside of the city where you won't run into folks. Just don't speed on the streets. Every intersection has hundreds of bikes and walkers going through and I hardly ever see collisions and accidents because people watch where you're going, and where they're going, and no one is speeding so fast that people have to dive out of the way. Don't be the reason they ban e-bikes.
Also- you're now a target for LEOs (law enforcement officers) who absolutely will pull you over and issue you a ticket, after searching you of course.
Below is a copy of the Nevada law governing electric bike & trikes for those of you wondering:
> Electric bicycles as defined by Nevada state law may operate during
the event without any sort of license. That definition is as follows:
"Electric bicycle" means a device upon which a person may ride, having
two or three wheels, or every such device generally recognized as a
bicycle that has fully operable pedals and is propelled by a small
electric engine which produces not more than 1 gross brake horsepower
and which produces not more than 750 watts final output, and:
Is designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with
the ground but is not a tractor; and
Powered solely by such a small electric engine, is capable of a
maximum speed of not more than 20 miles per hour on a flat surface
while carrying an operator who weighs 170 pounds.
The term does not include a moped.
If you're thinking of doing a conversion kit, just keep in mind that it is a fair amount of work to make it playa ready, it might be easier and cheaper just to rent or buy an e-bike. You can rent e-bikes here or with some research, you can find other places to rent. Here is a playa tested e-bike company that offers delivery on playa.
Burning Man Ready Electric Bike
Since there aren't (obviously) charging stations at Burning Man- it's a good idea to bring a solar charging panel to charge the batteries. Speaking of batteries, lithium ion is the best and most expensive option. You can definitely find cost-effective batteries, but keep in mind you will have to charge them and they can get pretty heavy to cart around. But, it's doable.
Popular Playa Bike Brand, Sondors
If you bring a Sondors, an extremely popular choice, and you run out of power, the bike is geared too high to ride without power and you’ll probably just end up walking it home. Keep this in mind when selecting your e-bike.
Burning Man is not an electronics-friendly place, because of the alkaline dust that gets everywhere- seriously everywhere, make sure to wrap it and protect it. Clean with a mix of water and vinegar when you get home and you'll be able to use it again.
Remember that nothing is sacred in this world, including a social experiment set in the desert. Things get stolen, a lot. Buy the biggest and best U-lock you can find, or even heavy chains. Whatever you want to carry, keep in mind that thieves go to Burning Man to steal all the expensive toys people bring out to play with, so know that they will have bolt cutters.
So slow down and remember: Safety Third!
The Pros
You'll be able to loop around Burning Man 20 times, which is pretty amazing considering how long it takes to walk around. Without a bike, most people don't even see the other side of the playa. With a standard bike, you fight sand dunes, soft spots, heavy winds, and general exhaustion from pumping away under the harsh desert sun. For many people, e-bikes are a game changer.
You'll be able to carry ice, bounty, people, etc. You'll be able to save stragglers stuck by the trash fence. If you have an injury that makes walking difficult, you don't have to be locked in your camp. There are so many pros to traveling freely.
Don't forget to decorate your ride! There are so many light kits and LEDs to buy, it's hard to choose. You can make your e-bike a work of art. As long as you don't add flame effects then you don't need to wait in line at the DMV (Department of Mutant Vehicles) for your day or night pass. Burning Man is about your creative license, the sky is the limit for how cool you want to take it. Weld together several bikes, custom design the lights on it, make it whatever you want. Bonus points: vandals are less likely to mess with your bike if they consider it a work of art. Plus, you really don't want to be walking around playa wondering which Sonders is yours.
