BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — 2019 started with 11 states using the model three-class e-bike definitions. As of June 19, 22 states now define e-bikes within the three classes, effectively doubling the total in just six months. These 11 new states are: Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming.
PeopleForBikes said a few major themes can be attributed to this success. First, states follow each others' leads and seek regional consistency in how they treat e-bikes, so there's momentum. Second, the e-bike market is booming and states recognize that riders need consistent and common-sense rules for where they can be ridden.
The organization also credits "the unwavering support from the industry."
The BPSA E-Bike Committee is funded by targeted donations from the industry. In 2019, the following companies contributed to the committee: Accell North America, Allegion/Kryptonite, Bosch, Brose, Bulls, Cycling Sports Group, DT Swiss, Envelo, Fantic, Felt, Foldaway Solutions, Fox, Genze, Giant, GM, Harley Davidson, Hi-Power Cycles, Ohm Cycles, Oregon E-Bikes, Pacific Cycle, Pedego, REI, Riese and Muller, Rocky Mountain, Shimano, Specialized, Sport Technik/M1, SRAM, Suzhou Bafang, Taioku, Tempo Bicycles, Tern, TranzX, Trek, Yamaha and Yuba.
"Good e-bike laws are completely changing business models and customer bases," PeopleForBikes said. "In states where the three class system of e-bikes has passed, suppliers report that sales of e-bikes more than double. On the local level, bike retailers in states with this law report that having a statewide three class e-bike system helps their team clearly explain where e-bikes are and aren't allowed, and e-bike sales help offset the loss of revenue due to other declining categories."
The group said good e-bike laws lead to better e-bike access. For example, after Wyoming legislators passed the state's three class e-bike law in February, Wyoming State Parks decided to allow Class 1 eMTBs anywhere a traditional mountain bike is allowed, and even opted to conduct a Class 2 pilot project. A number of local trail access wins nationally can be attributed to land managers recognizing the increase of eMTB use and creating consistency with the three classes of e-bikes and state laws.
PeopleForBikes' e-bike page has state by state e-bike handouts and resources for riders, retailers and land managers.
