Electric bikes seem to elicit mixed responses from the public, but the reaction to using them on bike paths and off-road trails almost always tilts toward the negative end of the spectrum. That said, they can be fun and useful in some situations, though a new Arizona law could make it illegal for kids to enjoy e-bikes.
The law aims to make it illegal to operate an off-highway vehicle (OHV) with an open container or while consuming alcohol. It would also prohibit anyone without a driver’s license from operating an OHV, which includes electric bikes, under state law. Arizona defines OHVs as “transportation deriving motive power from a source other than muscle or wind.”
The intention is to prevent kids from operating ATVs and other motorized vehicles, but the law could bring a host of unintended consequences. Beyond impacting young riders’ ability to pilot e-bikes, the law may cause headaches for adult riders without driver’s licenses. While there will likely be people who raise the alarm on these issues, which could prompt a change in the law’s language, it’s odd that state lawmakers didn’t focus a bit more on the details.
Kids losing access to electric bikes would be a bummer, but there are certainly situations in which e-bikes are not appropriate. Riding on delicate trails and crowded bike paths can lead to environmental damage or injuries to people around the riders. Some models can reach speeds higher than 20 mph, making them dangerous for inexperienced riders.
[Images: Chris Mercer, Melissa Herzog, and CL Shebly via Shutterstock]
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