Electric Motors Prohibited

[GuruUno]

Well, sad to say my local trail here in Metuchen, NJ has now posted signs to prohibit electric motor 'anything' (??) (bikes, wheelchairs, scooters, skateboards, etc.)
Anyway, now the incentives are being pushed to "electrify" America with cars, and for this discussion, e-bikes (the tax incentive), I find it a bit bewildering that an electric motor on my e-bike inhibits me from using the local trail.
So, back to the street to be cursed at and meld into the automotive dominance.
I do understand that each state has its own laws pertaining to e-bikes and the like, but really?
So now I guess the point of posting this is to find out, what are the penalties? Each state? Is it being enforced?
I can always say I had the power turned off, but that's not the long-term solution.
Moving forward, how do we, the e-bike crowd deal with this craziness?

 

[Catalyzt]

If I were under 50, I would probably ignore the sign, and if stopped, I'd point out that I thought the sign applied to sign-post climbing devices or electric chainsaws-- that it never occurred to me this might apply to electric motors on vehicles, because on the other side of the river, anything goes, and you can get mowed down by motorcycles driving in bike lanes.

I would also make sure I was riding a Class I, had up-to-date auto liability insurance, and I would engage the officer with very friendly but totally annoying questions-- what is the jurisdiction of the officer, how about an electric motor for a USB-powered fan on a hot day, would that be okay, are motorized wheelchairs okay, what about during an earthquake or national emergency, etc.-- for as long as possible, expressing appreciation for the good work the officer is doing without the slightest trace of sarcasm. Shoot for 20 minutes of nonviolent disruption as a goal, with bonus points for every extra minute.

 

[ruffruff]

yep person's with disabilities come to mind.

 

[john peck]

Well, sad to say my local trail here in Metuchen, NJ has now posted signs to prohibit electric motor 'anything' (??) (bikes, wheelchairs, scooters, skateboards, etc.)
Anyway, now the incentives are being pushed to "electrify" America with cars, and for this discussion, e-bikes (the tax incentive), I find it a bit bewildering that an electric motor on my e-bike inhibits me from using the local trail.
So, back to the street to be cursed at and meld into the automotive dominance.
I do understand that each state has its own laws pertaining to e-bikes and the like, but really?
So now I guess the point of posting this is to find out, what are the penalties? Each state? Is it being enforced?
I can always say I had the power turned off, but that's not the long-term solution.
Moving forward, how do we, the e-bike crowd deal with this craziness?

View attachment 107315

Looks ta me like a 1/2¨ socket cud change the law in a matter of seconds.

 

[Mike TowpathTraveler]

@GuruUno : Best to contact Middlesex Parks and Recreation for clarification. That sign can be widely.......w i d e l y........interpretive for whatever it wants to be. I tried looking through their draconian parks and regulation rules and did not find anywhere specific that addresses anything in regard to Ebikes nor Ebike Class 1, 2 or 3 regulations. I did learn however, that these people demand that only "grill ready meats" be allowed in their parks system. Maybe you can give a look here to see if I missed anything: http://www.middlesexcountynj.gov/about/parksrecreation/pages/default.aspx They pretty much cover everything under the sun in regards to what you CAN'T DO, but nothing on ebikes. I find that curious in regards to that sign posted.

I live in South Jersey myself, but I call it New Jermany for nothing.

PS: Alot of good, determined folks over in York County, PA, used their persuasive powers and numbers in convincing their own draconian county parks commissioners to overturn an ebike ban on one of their trails, (that excellent thread is on this site but I don't have it in front of me to link it); so rules or arbitrary edicts can be overturned. But it is a battle, a long and drawn out battle.

 

[Marci jo]

What about people in electric wheelchairs?
It’s pretty hard to visualize an enforcement official giving out a ticket.

 

[GuruUno]

What about people in electric wheelchairs?
It’s pretty hard to visualize an enforcement official giving out a ticket.

Exactly. It's called "selective enforcement".

 

[LimboJim]

Well, sad to say my local trail here in Metuchen, NJ has now posted signs to prohibit electric motor 'anything' (??) (bikes, wheelchairs, scooters, skateboards, etc.)
Anyway, now the incentives are being pushed to "electrify" America with cars, and for this discussion, e-bikes (the tax incentive), I find it a bit bewildering that an electric motor on my e-bike inhibits me from using the local trail.
So, back to the street to be cursed at and meld into the automotive dominance.
I do understand that each state has its own laws pertaining to e-bikes and the like, but really?
So now I guess the point of posting this is to find out, what are the penalties? Each state? Is it being enforced?
I can always say I had the power turned off, but that's not the long-term solution.
Moving forward, how do we, the e-bike crowd deal with this craziness?

View attachment 107315

"Electric Motors Prohibited" - so combustion motors are A-OK?

 

[sc00ter]

I find it strange that when riding scenic trails lately you have people on ebikes hauling butt. Not being reckless or anything, but just going fast. I take my analog bike to scenic trails. I'm not in a hurry and enjoy slowing down and seeing nature things. Now on bicycle commuter lanes, that we have few of, I'll pick up the pace, but I don't blast by anyone or ride reckless. No limitations here yet. Ebikes still fall into the mobility scooter category. I guess it takes one apple to spoil the bunch, I don't wanna be that apple!

 

[mschwett]

funny, for the first time yesterday i saw a guy on a mixed use path riding a bike retrofitted with a gas motor yesterday, a super noisy stinky unruffled little single stroke deal that was driving the rear wheel via a friction wheel! it had a cool steampunk vibe … but i’m guessing this is not what the jersey park managers were thinking when they called out “no electric motors”

 

[EMGX]

I'm seeing far more ebikes on MUP routes that I ride, often the majority of bikes being ebikes. Most of which are regular looking bikes with pedal assist (with or without a throttle) being ridden in the manner of a bicycle - but occasionally more scooter like in appearance and use than bicycle like with riders blasting by giving only an occasional token ghost pedal, or not even that. As those types of bikes and riders become more prevalent I could easily see more restrictions placed on all ebikes as they are lumped together from low power standard looking bikes to e-scooters/motorcycles with redundant pedals just to categorize them as "bikes".

This might be more what they had in mind when they put up that sign. I realize that the video shows bikes ridden on the street, I'm just giving an example of so called "ebikes" being ridden as motorized scooters.

Personally I sort of hate this kind of bike and scooter style of riding on paths, or even in bike lanes. IMO they should be limited to regular travel lanes and be regulated the same as scooters. Paths and bike lanes were intended for bicycles, not motorized vehicles.

 

[john peck]

@GuruUno : Best to contact Middlesex Parks and Recreation for clarification. That sign can be widely.......w i d e l y........interpretive for whatever it wants to be. I tried looking through their draconian parks and regulation rules and did not find anywhere specific that addresses anything in regard to Ebikes nor Ebike Class 1, 2 or 3 regulations. I did learn however, that these people demand that only "grill ready meats" be allowed in their parks system. Maybe you can give a look here to see if I missed anything: http://www.middlesexcountynj.gov/about/parksrecreation/pages/default.aspx They pretty much cover everything under the sun in regards to what you CAN'T DO, but nothing on ebikes. I find that curious in regards to that sign posted.

I live in South Jersey myself, but I call it New Jermany for nothing.

PS: Alot of good, determined folks over in York County, PA, used their persuasive powers and numbers in convincing their own draconian county parks commissioners to overturn an ebike ban on one of their trails, (that excellent thread is on this site but I don't have it in front of me to link it); so rules or arbitrary edicts can be overturned. But it is a battle, a long and drawn out battle.

Those signs are usually put for the sole purpose of negating any liability with little or no chance of enforcement.
They recently put up a sign on a trail I´d already been riding for 5 yrs. It narrowed the entrance just enuff that
I crashed into it with the bike & busted the fiber board sign right off the post. It has not been replaced & I
continue to ride as I have for five yrs. without a single complaint. I always ride in a very curtious manner
with deference to peds & dog walkers. The regulars all wave & smile as do the local cops accustomed to
seeing me daily.

 

[john peck]

I'm seeing far more ebikes on MUP routes that I ride, often the majority of bikes being ebikes. Most of which are regular looking bikes with pedal assist (with or without a throttle) being ridden in the manner of a bicycle - but occasionally more scooter like in appearance and use than bicycle like with riders blasting by giving only an occasional token ghost pedal, or not even that. As those types of bikes and riders become more prevalent I could easily see more restrictions placed on all ebikes as they are lumped together from low power standard looking bikes to e-scooters/motorcycles with redundant pedals just to categorize them as "bikes".

This might be more what they had in mind when they put up that sign. I realize that the video shows bikes ridden on the street, I'm just giving an example of so called "ebikes" being ridden as motorized scooters.

Personally I sort of hate this kind of bike and scooter style of riding on paths, or even in bike lanes. IMO they should be limited to regular travel lanes and be regulated the same as scooters. Paths and bike lanes were intended for bicycles, not motorized vehicles.

That´s great. It hasn´t occurred to me to ride throttle only; I´m either pedaling or coasting. Wow, ebikes in a
pack. When I started there was only one other local rider. It´d nice if we could put together a group ride,
perfect theater for a certain stretch of road that really needs it.

 

[john peck]

funny, for the first time yesterday i saw a guy on a mixed use path riding a bike retrofitted with a gas motor yesterday, a super noisy stinky unruffled little single stroke deal that was driving the rear wheel via a friction wheel! it had a cool steampunk vibe … but i’m guessing this is not what the jersey park managers were thinking when they called out “no electric motors”

I had a couple gas bikes, still have one in the process of becoming a gas/electric hybrid. With a sooby
or honda 35cc 4-stroke they´re fairly quiet & inoffensive & easily get 120 mpg+. Mine is a ´loud´
Pure Fire 40cc tanaka, (cleanest 2-stroke ever made). I glad it´s loud & I feel safer on it than my ebike
cuz it lets drivers know I´m there. I seldom ride it anymore. Once my 500w front whl conversion
is complete, I will have unlimited range for touring. It is even geared to pedal fairly well sans power.
My modifications

give it 200+ mpg, 1 liter stock tank with attached 3 liter jerry can. Carries a single large pannier rear left & 2 small front.
plus an inframe. Mushes barely above idle at 14 mph for max mileage, top spd 36 mph. I never go that fast.

 

[ChezCheese:)]

Of course, they have to catch you first... The sign also says that the trail is not maintained in winter, so who is going to enforce this rule?

 

[arcom]

What about people in electric wheelchairs?
It’s pretty hard to visualize an enforcement official giving out a ticket.

They are explicitly exempted provided the operator has a qualifying disability.

 

[john peck]

Of course, they have to catch you first... The sign also says that the trail is not maintained in winter, so who is going to enforce this rule?

Unlikely there will be armed guards posted at the trail head 24/7, Maybe a sentry dog?

 

[john peck]

They are explicitly exempted provided the operator has a qualifying disability.

Yes, they are considered a legal personal mobility device. So are ebikes as far as I´m concerned.
I´d qualify for disability, but do not think of myself as such.

 

[Mike TowpathTraveler]

I had a couple gas bikes, still have one in the process of becoming a gas/electric hybrid. With a sooby
or honda 35cc 4-stroke they´re fairly quiet & inoffensive & easily get 120 mpg+. Mine is a ´loud´
Pure Fire 40cc tanaka, (cleanest 2-stroke ever made). I glad it´s loud & I feel safer on it than my ebike
cuz it lets drivers know I´m there. I seldom ride it anymore. Once my 500w front whl conversion
is complete, I will have unlimited range for touring. It is even geared to pedal fairly well sans power.
My modificationsView attachment 107369 give it 200+ mpg, 1 liter stock tank with attached 3 liter jerry can.

I like that, JP. Alot! I'd not mind sharing a MUP or canal towpath with a gas bike like that. I can see that as a great touring platform for someone so inclined to do so. Unfortunately though, I don't ever see the land use manager drones ever granting permission to allow these high mileage-potential bikes on county or state or federal owned trails to operate on. It's bad enough that these fiefdoms at the county level can create draconian rules against ebikes; while at the state level, Ebikes are recognized.

 

[DaveMatthews]

Looks ta me like a 1/2¨ socket cud change the law in a matter of seconds.

But not on the end of a cordless electric drill, am I right?