On my bike club’s Facebook group a discussion ensued about the merits of allowing e-bikes on club rides. It should be noted that the club is a touring rather than a racing club so speed and winning is not a factor.

Small side note, this is not a blog about e-bikes or how they work. A simple google (or better yet, Duck Duck Go) search will lead lots of descriptions. Wikipedia of course has a discussion. Myself, I ride a pedelec [e.g. the motor assists the pedal] which I bought for commuting but also use for leading trips.

A Great Equalizer

CHEATING? The problem of course with e-bikes is that they seem like cheating if not to yourself then other cyclists. After all you are able to participate at a speed and distance with less physical conditioning as compared to other riders who had to work to get to that point.

EQUALIZATION. This is my point in favour of e-bikes. They equalize rides and allow for cyclists of many different levels to participate. While this includes the less physically fit but also older riders, those with disabilities or perhaps even younger riders. Some of these individuals can use an e-bike to start to shed weight and become more active meaning in due course they may use their e-bike less and less.

TRIP LEADER. As a person who often leads trips or who supports rides, I like an e-bike. It allows me to keep up to a diverse group and move back and forth along the ride-line. Once upon a time I could do this on my own steam but time, gravity and “our dryer that shrinks clothes” have conspired against me. I still like to lead groups, an e-bike simply lets me do it more consistently and safely.

When e-Bikes Should Be Avoided

So why not have everyone simply ride e-bikes? After all, with a governor, they are limited to 32KMh and so the group speed would be about the same.

MORE TO GO WRONG. The first reason is that e-bikes have more bits to go wrong. Batteries that get depleted, computers and motors. An e-bike with an exhausted battery makes for a VERY long slog home and an unsafe set of conditions if break down happens a long way from help. Thus e-bike riders need to be MORE aware and a tuned to their bikes than a fully human powered bike rider.

80KM OR LESS. While cyclists have limits, e-bikes impose a further limitation on a rider. If I nurse it carefully, I can get 80KM from my battery. According to my Cycling Grade, my e-bike is only good for a light/medium Blue-Ride and I would likely be riding empty on a Red-Ride [for more on this, see a prior post: Cycling on a Grade].

BETTER TO BE 80% THAN SORRY. To be on the safe side, an in case there is a head wind or unexpected hills, e-bikes should be ridden on rides that are less than about 80% of the maximum range (e.g. for me, 60’ish KM). While about 60KM is not a bad little blue ride it is also much less than most club rides for intermediate + cyclists.

HAVE EXTENSION CORD, WILL TRAVEL. Another limitation is the ability to charge the bike. If you are riding self supported you would need to ride a heavier e-bike a shorter distance but also carry the power-adapter… assuming your over night spots have power that is. I have also heard that you are not allowed to carry an battery on an air plane. This means that your ebike is likely grounded for further travels.

An e-Bike Policy

So, should my club allow, or not e-bikes? My vote is a definite yes if the rider is (in order):

• A trip leader and the e-bike enhances the safety and enjoyment of the event.
• Aware of the distance and charge limitations of their bike and can manage within these limits.
• Able to charge the bike after the ride. For example, it is a day ride and they return home or the over-night ride is assured electrical power.
• Not using the bike on a trip that is competitive for speed or distance.
• Not unduly infringing on the other riders enjoyment as a result of their choice of a bike (e.g. able to charge it, the bike has good range, etc.).

What say you? For fun club rides, allow e-bikes or not?