As e-biking grows, U.S. cities consider easing rules on where the machines may be used - Washington Post

Headlines are quick hits from media outlets from Missouri and around the world. Follow the headline link for the full story. The source of this headline says:

A surge in the use of electric bicycles throughout the United States is prompting cities to revise regulations that restrict their use, including bans against riding them on sidewalks and trails.

The nation’s capital and other Washington-area jurisdictions are among those taking steps to modernize and streamline policies advocates say are outdated, set unrealistic restrictions and confuse riders of bikes that can be run on electric power as well as by pedaling.

“The number of bicyclists in the U.S. is growing, in part because of the rise of e-bikes, but it is difficult for people to know where they are allowed to ride them,” said Morgan Lommele, with the cycling advocacy group PeopleForBikes. “The laws are all over the place for electric bicycles.” . . .

E-bikes have long been popular in Europe and China, and they have grown more popular in the United States in the past several years along with Americans’ love of biking. Research by the National Institute for Transportation and Communities found that people buying e-bikes are reducing their reliance on cars.

Users say electric bikes eliminate barriers for people who may be discouraged from riding a traditional bicycle because of age, disability or limited physical fitness. Some commuters also prefer them because they make for a less strenuous (i.e., sweaty) ride.

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As e-biking grows, U.S. cities consider easing rules on where the machines may be used - Washington Post

MoBikeFed comment: In Missouri, e-bikes are classified as mopeds. That means they are allowed to ride on any street, unless specifically prohibited, the same as bicycles, scooters, and motor vehicles.

Moped riders are required to hold a valid driver's license.

The situation on trails is more complex. Every trail-owning agency can set their own rules. Best bet is to check trail signage, rule boards, and agency web sites.

Some trails, such as Missouri's Katy Trail, allow e-bikes. Others, such as St. Louis County trail systems, disallow them.

Ebikes may be one of the most significant developments on the U.S. bicycling scene, as the number of users who can use a bicycle for regular transportation grows dramatically once ebikes are widely available and affordable.