Though MassBike does not believe that all e-bikes should be allowed in all areas across the commonwealth, we do see the current lack of designation of these devices as being considered “bicycles” (as opposed to “motor vehicles” such as moped or motor bikes) as a prohibitive factor that prevents riders from enjoying biking. And since bicycling is a regional activity, and a rider may cross municipal boundaries on a bike ride, riding on a variety of roads, paths, and trails that are overseen by multiple jurisdictions, we feel the need to have a statewide understanding that is agreed upon by multiple stakeholders. This event was an effort to get those “deciders” to experience e-bikes, to ask questions, and to try out the three classes first hand.

To be clear, however, this e-bike demo day was not designed to convince folks to ride or buy an e-bike, and was solely an effort to help educate land managers, policy makers, and other concerned outdoor professionals and advocates on exactly what these e-bikes are. We had Class-1 e-bikes to ride on natural surface trails, as well as Class-2 and Class-3 e-bikes. And with a robust attendance on a gorgeous late spring day, this was certainly a helpful element in the conversation regarding the pending regulations that will be set by agencies such as the DCR, MassDOT, and other jurisdictions.

To learn more about MassBike’s efforts to standardize electric bicycles and to encourage legislation and regulations to facilitate access while preserving the safety of road and path users, and conservation of the natural open spaces, please visit our electric bicycles advocacy page and get to know our three legislative priorities related to the issues:

• An Act Relative to Electric Bicycles, H.3457 and S.2309
• An Act Relative to Electric Bicycle Rebates, H.3262
• An Act Relative to Commuter Transit Benefits, H.3088 and S.1890

The last two photos are courtesy of Patrick from Bike-ify