Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Thor Forums > Thor Community Forums > Thor Owners Community Discussions
Click Here to Login
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 08-31-2019, 03:21 PM   #1
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: S.O.B.
State: California
Posts: 1,368
THOR #3483
E-Bike Laws Natl Parks

https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1207/ebikepolicy.htm Thought you would find this interesting. It would be illegal for you to ride an e-bike on a trail not meant for combustion motorized vehicles if you use the electric motor without pedaling at the same time.

__________________
axis earl is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-31-2019, 03:28 PM   #2
I Think We're Lost!
 
Bob Denman's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
That just seems silly...
Thanks for the heads-up on this.
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
Bob Denman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-31-2019, 03:33 PM   #3
Senior Member
 
Yvonnemarc's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ACE 30.2
State: Massachusetts
Posts: 441
THOR #8180
E-bike. The epitome of lazy. [emoji16]
__________________
USN - RETIRED NUKE
Taunton, MA
Yvonnemarc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-31-2019, 03:35 PM   #4
I Think We're Lost!
 
Bob Denman's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
Quote:
Originally Posted by Yvonnemarc View Post
E-bike. The epitome of lazy. [emoji16]
Not as lazy as golf carts: no pedals!

FOR THE RECORD: I have a golf cart...
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
Bob Denman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-31-2019, 04:04 PM   #5
Site Team
 
revjeffrey's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.1 Windjammer
State: Illinois
Posts: 1,179
THOR #7074
Or a Motorhome or Automobiles...
__________________
Rev. Jeffrey 2017 Thor Axis 24.1 E450 Windjammer.
Silver Safe-T-Plus Steering Control
SSF-106-40 SumoSprings Solo Front Bump Stop SSR-107-47 SumoSprings Rear Bump Stop
Hellwig 7718 Front Sway Bar & 7180 Rear Sway Bar
Koni FSD Front Shocks 8805-1042 / Koni FSD Rear Shocks 8805-1043
revjeffrey is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-31-2019, 04:40 PM   #6
Senior Member
 
The Gritz Carlton's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: THOR Chateua 35SF
State: Florida
Posts: 5,850
THOR #11130
Some folks have knee problems and e-bikes allow them to still do things they couldn't otherwise...like trail riding.
__________________
Now an SOB
Traded Thor for Melbourne Prestige 24NP
2018 THOR Chateau 35SF
Two Labs, Bugsie & Blondie
Blondie passed in 2020 at 5 to Leukemia
The Gritz Carlton is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-31-2019, 04:48 PM   #7
Junior Member
 
State: Arkansas
Posts: 5
THOR #16429
Perhaps this is an attempt at delineating the difference between pedal-assist e-bikes and throttled e-bikes?
__________________
lidja is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-31-2019, 05:24 PM   #8
I Think We're Lost!
 
Bob Denman's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
Quote:
Originally Posted by lidja View Post
Perhaps this is an attempt at delineating the difference between pedal-assist e-bikes and throttled e-bikes?
I'm sure that's what it's all about...
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
Bob Denman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-31-2019, 05:49 PM   #9
Junior Member
 
State: Arkansas
Posts: 5
THOR #16429
I had a blast riding my pedal-assist around the 9-mile circle at Natural Bridges early this Spring. I hope they don’t ban all e-bikes!
__________________
lidja is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-31-2019, 06:46 PM   #10
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: S.O.B.
State: California
Posts: 1,368
THOR #3483
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Denman View Post
I'm sure that's what it's all about...
No, I don't think that is the issue. E-bikes on the market come with a "pedal assist" which means that you have to pedal to use the electric assist or some that have a throttle where you really don't have to pedal but the pedals are still there. So one has to wonder, what is the difference between using the throttle now and then or just coasting on a bicycle after you have pedaled to get up to a certain speed? Seems to me like someone in the administrative zone thought a bit too hard on this one. Gritz is correct on this one, the electric motor helps with those that can no longer pedal up hills, etc., due to health reasons. They are a great invention and are a big help to those that still want to ride a bike but need a bit of help.
__________________
axis earl is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-31-2019, 07:55 PM   #11
Axis/Vegas Enthusiast
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.4
State: Michigan
Posts: 9,837
THOR #1150
Yeah kind of hard to enforce that.

A reasonable park will use the guidelines to curb the people being a nuisance (only using the throttle all the time, going too fast, etc.).

There is also a section in there allowing each park to develop their own policy.

So far I've put 200+ miles on my ebike and haven't had any problems with officials--get a few curios looks from fellow cyclists but thats about it.
__________________
2022 Thor Axis 24.4
2021 Mach-E
blog - https://spareelectrons.wordpress.com/
JamieGeek is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-31-2019, 10:52 PM   #12
Junior Member
 
State: Arkansas
Posts: 5
THOR #16429
As I understand it, the throttle bikes can get going very fast. On the pedal-assist, the electric engine cuts out once the rider achieves a certain speed.

I’ve been told that the thinking is pedal-assist e-bikes are more like regular bikes, and throttle e-bikes are more like motorcycles.
__________________
lidja is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-01-2019, 11:31 AM   #13
Axis/Vegas Enthusiast
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.4
State: Michigan
Posts: 9,837
THOR #1150
Quote:
Originally Posted by lidja View Post
As I understand it, the throttle bikes can get going very fast. On the pedal-assist, the electric engine cuts out once the rider achieves a certain speed.

I’ve been told that the thinking is pedal-assist e-bikes are more like regular bikes, and throttle e-bikes are more like motorcycles.
Keep in mind that some pedal assist bikes also have a throttle--you can ride them either way.
__________________
2022 Thor Axis 24.4
2021 Mach-E
blog - https://spareelectrons.wordpress.com/
JamieGeek is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-01-2019, 01:53 PM   #14
Member
 
Sk8nmike's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Vegas 25.2
State: Texas
Posts: 70
THOR #12635
Quote:
Originally Posted by Yvonnemarc View Post
E-bike. The epitome of lazy. [emoji16]

I glad you can enjoy perfect health after sitting on a nice safe boat for 20 years. Quite a few of us that chose a harder path bear the scars of our service and little bit of "Lazy" allows us to keep active and enjoy our lives...




Keep your fat butt on the couch and enjoy your TV. The rest of us are out enjoying life...
__________________
US Army Retired
2018 Thor Vegas 25.2
2007 Goldwing, my other RV
Good Sam Member 855452801
Sk8nmike is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-01-2019, 02:28 PM   #15
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: S.O.B.
State: California
Posts: 1,368
THOR #3483
Quote:
Originally Posted by lidja View Post
As I understand it, the throttle bikes can get going very fast. On the pedal-assist, the electric engine cuts out once the rider achieves a certain speed.

I’ve been told that the thinking is pedal-assist e-bikes are more like regular bikes, and throttle e-bikes are more like motorcycles.
FYI, we have e-bikes by a company called Motiv that are over three years old. They already seem low tech compared to what is on the market today. They have a motorcycle type twist throttle just in front of where the right handgrip is. I have a speedometer on mine and on flat terrain it will do about 18 mph on a full charge without pedaling. As I said before, I think that someone in a NPS administrative ivory tower put too much personal thought into this issue without using common sense. I personally am not worried about this but I also don't want to be in my waning years of RV adventures only to have some NPS employee invoke this law because I decided to stop pedaling for a few yards.
__________________
axis earl is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-01-2019, 03:21 PM   #16
I Think We're Lost!
 
Bob Denman's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sk8nmike View Post
Quite a few of us that chose a harder path bear the scars of our service and little bit of "Lazy" allows us to keep active and enjoy our lives...
I agree... While "serving my Collegiate Sentence", in New Jersey 45 years ago: I spent most of my time breaking odd parts of my body while skateboarding.
(This was when the craze first hit the East Coast, and all of the indoor parks were springing up...)
As a result: I never walk if I can ride!
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
Bob Denman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-03-2019, 04:48 AM   #17
Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Citation Sprinter 24sa
State: Florida
Posts: 79
THOR #13813
I have an E Bike {Rad Rover} I LOVE it. I now ride with pedal assist 5 miles every morning. With out this bike there would be no riding. A class 2 e bike has pedal assist plus a throttle. It is limited to 20 mph. I also own a MH with A/C micro wave and a generator, does that make me a lazy camper.
FYI I'm bringing my bike to the rally if anyone would like to try it.
__________________
Ejohn2317 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-03-2019, 11:41 AM   #18
I Think We're Lost!
 
Bob Denman's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ejohn2317 View Post
I also own a MH with A/C micro wave and a generator, does that make me a lazy camper..
I'd say that it makes you look pretty darn smart...

I don't ride bicycles because I can't fit into those really cute snorts anymore...
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
Bob Denman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-03-2019, 01:36 PM   #19
Site Team
 
16ACE27's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ACE 27.1
State: Florida
Posts: 14,128
THOR #7035
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sk8nmike View Post
I glad you can enjoy perfect health after sitting on a nice safe boat for 20 years. Quite a few of us that chose a harder path bear the scars of our service and little bit of "Lazy" allows us to keep active and enjoy our lives...




Keep your fat butt on the couch and enjoy your TV. The rest of us are out enjoying life...
Wow, That's pretty harsh. I hope there was some unseen humor in that. Riding a submarine is not all roses and ice cream. Training is the name of the game and that includes casualty drills where we combat fires and flooding for hours on end with no ventilation and wearing emergency air breathing apparatuses. It may not be going on 20 mile hikes with a full pack, but it is physically exhausting just the same. Running up and down ladders with a full Fire Fighting Suit and an Oxygen Breathing Apparatus on, sweating like a pig, is not for the out of shape or lazy.
__________________
Ted & Melinda
2016 ACE 27.1
2016 Chevy Sonic Toad - Selling
2020 Chevy Colorado Z71 Trail Runner Toad
2024 Chevrolet Trax 2RS - Soon 2B TOAD
16ACE27 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-03-2019, 02:38 PM   #20
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Vegas 2018 24.1
State: Florida
Posts: 179
THOR #12484
Glad to see this clarification as i will be taking bikes to several parks next month. Some mountain bike purist would rather we not share the trails with them. When I had a boat I hated jet skis, now that I have a jet ski I hate boats.

1. Insert the following language in the park compendium:
The term “e-bike” means a two- or three-wheeled cycle with fully operable pedals
and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p.).
E-bikes are allowed in [insert name of park] where traditional bicycles are allowed.
E-bikes are prohibited where traditional bicycles are prohibited
. Except where use of
motor vehicles by the public is allowed, using the electric motor to move an e-bike
without pedaling is prohibited.
__________________
mstng is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Thor Industries or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.




All times are GMT. The time now is 12:31 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2