Reply to Ebikes on the Mickelson Trail

I have a class 2 ebike however I am able to remove the throttle from the bike and disconnect it totally, which if I read the law correctly would make it a class 1 bike because all other items are then within the requirements for a class 1 bike including motor and being pedal assist only at the point when the throttle is removed. Renting bikes is very costly there. I did that last year. If I remove the throttle and just put regular bike grips on and have everything else meet class 1 requirements can I use it the on the trail?

That's an interesting question that I've never seen before on this forum. The short answer is no.

Here is what I found in regard to the law:

In the U.S., e-bike classes are defined by the bike’s design and motor assist features, NOT by whether you’ve removed a component. Removing a throttle from a Class 2 e-bike does not automatically make it a Class 1 e-bike — the classification is based on the bike’s original configuration and intended operation.

Here’s how it works:

Class 1 e-bike: Pedal-assist only, no throttle, motor cuts off at 20 mph. No motor power without pedaling.

Class 2 e-bike: Has a throttle (can propel without pedaling) plus pedal-assist, both capped at 20 mph.

Key point: Federal and state regulations treat the bike as the class it was designed for. If you remove the throttle, the bike still has the same motor and pedal-assist system. If it still provides pedal-assist up to 20 mph, it remains a Class 2 under the classification rules — even without the throttle.

The “throttle” is just one feature; the class is defined by the assist type and speed limit.

Practical implications:

Legal standing: If you remove the throttle, you may gain more trail access, but you’ll still be riding a Class 2 bike in legal terms.

Bottom line: Removing the throttle from a Class 2 e-bike won’t change its official class — it will still be classified as Class 2. If you want the broadest trail access, you’d need to buy a pedal-assist-only bike (Class 1) rather than modifying a Class 2.

ALL THAT SAID, I guess it depends on how strict the current law is enforced. Technically speaking, you'd still be riding a Class 2 bike, but you might get away with it. I wish they would make the law/policy a lot clearer for everyone. In their minds, maybe they have. IDK.

You know, you make a good point. I have had regular bikes go by me (without warning) just as fast as the e-bikers that ran over me. I think the one difference is the weight of some e-bikes. I'm guessing the bikers that hit me were on 70# bikes and they had those huge fat tires. Both guys were pretty hefty in addition to the weight of their bikes. Of course, I don't know for sure because the two guys (teens really) didn't even stop to help me. I think that added to my frustration.

I will say once I was able to drive myself over to Rapid City, the care I got there was magnificent. And to answer Pat above, I do hope to get back to South Dakota and the trail this year, or next. It's definitely one of my favorite states.

Anyway, I don't have the answers to this e-bike thing on the trail. I'm old-school (and old, too!), so I'll never have an e-bike. I like the feel in my legs after pedaling 50-100 miles a day. Sore, but a good sore.

I know e-bikes are where the industry is going. You can't stop progress. If we can find a way to make it safe for everyone, then my personal experience doesn't matter that much. And, for sure, regular bikers can be dangerous, too.

The Mickelson Trail is so perfect and so beautiful that it would be nice if you could ride the whole trail knowing everyone is looking out for everyone else.

Thanks for your input. And thanks to Pat for inviting me back. I like fishing, but I'm better at riding!