Improve e-bike access for your customers today

e-Bikes are an incredible new way to get more people to join in on the fun of bike riding, but we have work to do to improve eBike access. Current federal laws around where e-bikes can be ridden on many of our public lands make it difficult for many of us to enjoy e-bikes to their full potential. In federal law, they are defined as motor vehicles and restricted from many places we love to ride bikes on public lands. These laws do not recognize what a modern-day, low-speed e-bike is and their benefits.

We now have a chance to improve e-Bike access and these outdated laws. Speak up in support of sensible e-bike access to benefit your customers and bike riders everywhere.

Here are the details:

In early April, the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Reclamation proposed new regulations regarding e-bike use on federal lands. If adopted, these proposed regulations would mean that:

• E-bikes are no longer defined as motor vehicles or off-road vehicles but have a standalone, sensible, and modern definition.

• The three classes of e-bikes are correctly identified.

• E-bike riders have similar rights, privileges, and duties as traditional bike riders.

• Land managers can allow e-bikes on roads, paths, and trails where they are currently prohibited, based on local-level decisions.

The deadline to comment on the proposed regulations falls between June 8 – 12, 2020. PeopleForBikes drafted comments to submit on each rulemaking easily and to share with your customers and industry networks.

Public comments are a critical part of this process, and your support could help improve e-bike access nationally. Please get involved and share this announcement to help spread the word. Check out this spreadsheet for federal e-bike policies in your area and our website to explain each rulemaking further. To find e-bike friendly trails that your customers can explore today, check our electric mountain bike map here. Still, have questions? Contact Ashley at ashley@peopleforbikes.org.

The NBDA has been here since 1946, representing and empowering specialty bicycle dealers in the United States through education, communications, research, advocacy, member discount programs, and promotional opportunities. As shops are facing never-before-seen circumstances, these resources offer a lifeline. Together, we will weather this. We at the NBDA will not waver in our commitment to serving our members even during this challenging time—but we need your support.

Now is the time to become a member as we join together to make one another stronger. Whether you’re a retailer or an industry partner, your membership in the NBDA is one of the best investments you’ll make this year. 

Learn more about the benefits of being a member and join now.

Contact Rachelle Schouten, Development Director, at Rachelle@NBDA.com for more information about the NBDA.