5 reasons to beware the e-bike riders. Updated August 21, 2023

The sun is out, and there is barely a breeze in the air, you are due for a bout of exercise, nothing too strenuous. A nicely leisurely bicycle ride along one of the many bike paths. Pulling out the bike, you put your helmet on, and off you go. However, as you ride, you begin to notice something disconcerting. The farther you go, the nagging thought builds. Pulling off to the side of the path, you can’t grasp what has changed, and then slowly it occurs to you, the dynamic of the bicycle path has changed.

With more and more people becoming environmentally aware, we will not dote on climate change here. These people are taking to the paths and are using “pedal power” as a means of recreation and transportation. The reality of this has been long overdue. Yet it seems that some people are taking advantage of this new proliferation of cycling. They have seized it for their benefit, not the environment. The E bike community continues to grow. I believe that this article has increased in relevance, since original publication. Find out more.

The People Bike path paradigm

However by doing so, they create congestion on paths that were deemed solely for pedestrian and bicycle use. The paths are difficult enough to navigate  with self righteous dog owners  that do not keep a tight leash on their four legged family member-pet. This may not be a popular statement but so be it. Keep your dog on the leash when in public spaces, we all do not enjoy your pet as much as you do.  If you are one of the pet owners that do not think it necessary to pick up after your pet, maybe public shamings will be making a return.

Beyond the dog owners there is of course those that simply can not look away from their phone as they cross the path. These are the same people that complain endlessly to municipalities that there are too many bicycles. For these people it is truly just social Darwinism– We understand that you are working at a very high narcissism level, and yes apparently have enough time to complain to your Leader (using the term very loosely) of local government. This seems to be a 21st century issue that will not go away soon enough.

The Electric Motorcycle

With the issues mentioned above, the bicycle paths are too small for the volume of actual bicycles. The relationship between cyclists and pedestrians can only work if we all take responsibility for these “roadways.” The newest introduction to this congestion has become “the electric bike.”

Electric bikes or “e-bikes” seem to get a “pass” because of their perceived small carbon footprint. Ask yourself if a vehicle that can cruise at 30-40km per hour belongs on a public bicycle path? Especially when you consider that the posted speed limit is 20 km p/h. “Real” cyclists often become the victims of their negligence when they cause turmoil with the pedestrians, pet owners and narcissists.

Frequently you can not differentiate the “e-Bike” form a street-legal motorcycle or scooter. Many have advanced power with enhanced performance and speed features. These vehicles are having an impact on the safety of the bicycle path in general. Documentation exists that persons with driver licence suspension, such as a DWI (Driving While under the Influence,) now have ebikes and are getting around the city faster than most Tour de France or pro team cyclists. Higher speeds and greater weight create another reason we should beware the ebike rider.

Environmentally Friendly?

Environmentally friendly or not, these are motorized vehicles and should be deemed so and recognized by lawmakers. Riding a motorcycle on a path like this is illegal. A component motorcycle rider can go as fast or as slowly as one of these overweight mods of the environmental era. Yet the ebike can zip by normally aspirated bicycles, people with young families and the elderly going out for a stroll with legal and political immunity. Is this because they do not seem to generate a substantial carbon footprint on the environment?

Granted, they do not have the same impact as a gas or diesel aspirated vehicle, but that does not mean -zero. Ebike consists of many more moving parts than a regular bicycle. These components are manufactured in factories that have created a carbon Footprint. The energy that they use to charge the batteries again has an impact on the environment too. The one thing that does not seem to impact the environment is their helmets, as very few are wearing them. Still, even the daftest cyclists wear a helmet. Motorcyclists and scooter riders are mandated to do so by law. Coincidentally so are ebike riders.

Can I see your insurance, please

Motorcycle riders and scooter riders are mandated by the law to carry insurance. In the event that they destroy public property, hurt or, in the very worst-case scenario, kill another person. All motorists must carry liability and collision insurance, some in excess of a million dollars. Again according to law, you can not ride or drive your vehicle without proper coverage. The ebike with similar performance is exempt, and can still ride on public bike paths. Noticeably they add more congestion to already packed bicycle paths. The riders do not regularly wear a helmet or have insurance. Does this not seem odd to anyone else.

Being fair, perhaps they are covered under their house or car insurance, and many likely do. Many cyclists carry home or car insurance that would cover the cost or portion of the fees in an accident. Yet I doubt all riders do. Perhaps this should be explored by insurance companies worldwide, and they may have as they all seem to have very long tentacles.

The mentality here seems slightly off. These vehicles can move as quickly or quicker than a finely tuned cycling athlete, and they weigh as much a motorcycle. When you combine an increased speed with greater weight, and pedestrians that are oblivious to their surroundings, the result could be death. Unlike a regular bicycle where the net result could be harsh words, a scrape and the worst-case scenario are usually a broken bone- generally to the cyclist. The increased weight and speed are why we have a playground for such vehicles. It is called a road. Until the road is utilized, this is another reason to beware the ebike rider.

Training…Hmm. Well, about that.

Seemingly, there is no need for insurance, no enforced helmet regulations. Surly proper training is a must. When someone applies to have a vehicle or motorcycle license, the process is long and expensive. As in many jurisdictions, it can take three to five years to attain the proper driving accreditation. Included in your training are both practical and classroom sessions. Considering that an ebike has similar motorcycle functionality, you expect that these drivers would go through the same stringent regulations of a “general” driver. In fact, this is not the case. The ebike driver does not need to understand even the most vital road signs and traffic laws.

Cycling is growing in more significant numbers each year, which is very good for a myriad of reasons. The least of which is being proactive with the environment and increasing your capacity for better health and longevity. By doing so, you should see a reduction in health care costs. These are all very positive outcomes. Still, it is crucial that everyone on the road/bike paths have proper, albeit minimal training- what does the Red sign that says stop mean anyways? 

Each vehicle should be registered and licensed – a user fee to maintain the cycling paths. Riders insurance should a stray dog jump or oblivious pedestrian jump in front of you. In this case, the scope is not limited to vehicles and ebikes, but to include bicycles. In many jurisdictions throughout the world, the cyclist must be registered.

A new perspective. 

Although this may sound like a radical notion, yet one that must be seen as valid for its citizens’ safety, both personally and financially. All eBike riders should undergo proper driving training, which should correspond to the current formula that both Motorcycle and Scooter riders must abide. Ebike riders should carry liability and collision insurance. In an accident, each party can be sure that the conclusion can be settled amicably. Ebikes be recognized as motor vehicles and should no longer be able to use areas prohibited to other motor vehicles- Bicycle paths. 

Adopting these recommendations and implementing them, the number of incidences between cyclists and pedestrians will decrease as should the collision rate of eBikes and pedestrians. With proper training, the ebike should feel very comfortable riding where it rightfully belongs, on the public streets with the rest of the vehicles its “own” size. When this occurs we will no longer need to beware the ebike rider on the bicycle and pedestrian paths.

Your Time

Are you an ebike rider and believe that the argument created here is unjust? We at VTE would love to hear your case that should support your position. Your opinion may create a robust dialogue. Please add them in the comments section below.

Perhaps you have had an incident with Ebikes? Hopefully, you were not hurt. What were the circumstances and the outcome? 

Or maybe you just don’t like the concept of bicycle registration and training? We are confident that many arguments can be made for or against this position too. We would love to hear from everyone, and we will get back to you quickly as we can. Please add them in the comments section below.

As cyclists yourselves, our only goal is to try to educate the reader and engage a new perspective. Adventure is where you find it, and we would hate to see yours pre emptied by a rider(s) that were not appropriately trained.

As always, it is our privilege to help you with your next adventure.

Your Vacation, Your Escape.

VTE