Mark from Saint Louis, MO 63144 on 4/19/2025 10:42:27 PM:
Well, if they enforce the law they just passed you SHOULD BE ticketed. If people can just say "I only use the power on hills and only go the speed of regular bikes" to avoid a ticket, then everyone will be riding Class 3 bikes using that logic. Why wouldn't they? I certainly would.
I'm not saying you would be ticketed, because I don't know how strictly they will enforce this new law. But the law won't have much teeth to it if all you have to say is "no worries, I never go over 11 mph, you can trust me."
Maybe not a great analogy, but let's say I carry burglary tools in my car. Can I tell the arresting officer, "no worries, I never actually use them." No one would believe me. Yeah, I know that's a stretch, but you get the idea. Legally, you're riding on a prohibited bike regardless of the speed you are going.
If they don't ticket everyone on a Class 3 e-bike, how do they justify giving anyone a ticket for riding a Class 3 bike? Selective enforcement almost never works.
Here's the legal thing: If you run over and hurt someone riding your Class 3 bike when you knew they were prohibited, do you risk being sued? I don't know, but I wouldn't chance it myself.
Either enforce the laws or tell legislatures to quit wasting time and money passing them. JMHO.
Full disclosure: I'm an old-school rider on a ME-BIKE who has had two major accidents since 2018 (one on the Mickelson) caused by E-Bike riders on throttled bikes. So, I didn't lose any sleep when South Dakota banned Class 2 and 3 on the Mickelson. We'll see if the new law actually works. I have my doubts.
I AM savvy enough to know that e-bikes ARE the future. It's the American way. That doesn't mean I have to like them! :)
My advice to anyone who finds the few hills on the Mickelson difficult to ride is to get off and walk your bike for a stretch. I have. You'll enjoy the scenery that you might otherwise miss and be ready to coast down the other side! It's a beautiful trail.