Reply to E-bikes

Are e bikes allowed on the Katy trail?

https://www.google.com/search?q=ebikes&sitesearch=BikeKatyTrail.com

I'd be embarrassed to be seen riding an e-bike.

Ive ridden the trail on both a bike and a trike and would have loved to had an e-assist. To each his own.

Yes e-bikes are allowed on the KT.

Not Lazy- I ride an e-bike because I have a physical condition that otherwise renders me unable to ride a bike. I got my bike last year and cried like a baby as I haven't ridden a bike in 20 years. I have now ridden on the Katy Trail, the George Mickelson Trail in the black hills of SD, and lots of local trails. Nothing embarrassing about that.

Shay – what type/brand of ebike do you ride? And, why that particular one? Will probably be in the market for one at some point.

I ride a Rad e-bike. They have several models, I use the base model (Mission 1), which is also their cheapest ($999). It seems like there are several reputable e-bike companies nowadays- I went with Rad because I have a friend in Seattle who worked for them (they are HQ there).

How can an e-bike permit you to ride now when you couldn't ride a regular bike before? You still have to pedal.

I know; it's none of my business. You ride what you want to ride. It just seems that nearly every e-bike rider claims the same excuse. When the real reason is that they're just too lazy to get in to shape to ride a non-assist bike.

But, whatever makes your ride a pleasant one.

Not Lazy- I'm happy to explain it to anyone because it's incredibly frustrating to hear things like I'm lazy or not willing to get into shape. I was a college athlete and developed exercise-induced compartment syndrome in my calves. This means the muscles in my calves are "too big" for the spots they are in and exercise creates IMMENSE pain. Talk to anyone in the medical field (especially the ER) and they will tell you horror stories about compartment syndrome (usually due to a trauma- mine is exercise induced). So, I had surgery, which allowed me to get back on the soccer field, but it only lasted a year. So for 20+ years, I am unable to engage in repetitive exercise that involves my calves- cycling being the #1 offender- as well as running or even squatting (say, to look at various items on the lowest shelf at the grocery store). It impacts my life in so many ways. The e-bike allows me to ride freely- I am still pedaling 99% of the time- but it provides just enough boost that I am able to do so without straining my calf muscles. It has truly given me a new lease on life.

Also, just for the record, I am nothing but lazy. I have a doctorate in my field of study, practice yoga daily, and have made multi-day backpacking trips (eg Grand Canyon and other national parks).

I hope this helps you to understand why someone like myself can benefit from an e-bike, and more importantly, extend some grace to all those who do. :)

You can’t do repetitive exercise like pedaling a non-assist bike, but you can pedal an e-bike? Ohhhhh kay. Makes total sense.

Whatever. I’m glad it works for you.

Peace.

Your response is ignorant and disappointing.

I hope this post helps someone later when reading about e-bikes.

No one should ever be expected to be a "purist" when enjoying an activity. We all pay taxes and should be able to enjoy the Katy Trail with whatever bike that is safe and comfortable and meets our own needs.

Thank you Shay. I have done some research, but have gotten only a few endorsements from e-riders.

We too have ridden the Mickelson. The Route of the Hiawatha is also a grand trail in northern Idaho. The Elroy Sparta in Wisconsin is worth the trip as well as the Tunnel Hill in Illinois.

Happy Trails!

I just added those trails to my bucket list! Thanks so much!

Not lazy, have you ever ridden with a 10 - 15 mph tailwind? If so you were riding “assisted” by the tailwind. It was much easier wasn’t it. Same principle it’s just an electric motor providing the assist instead of the wind.

Well Shay, don't forget that Ray admonishes us all to keep our comments family friendly as children read, and apparently, respond to these posts. Will Rogers once said "Any fool can criticize condemn and complain; and most of 'em do." I wonder if NL owns a car? Nah, that would be lazy.

I'm a few weeks shy of 72 and I ride a 1st gen Trek mid drive e-bike. After doing a supported e-bike ride in France I gave my Trek Duel Sport peddle bike to my son and bought my own Trek Duel Sport e-bike. I ride more often, I ride longer, and I ride further. Riding my bike provides as much needed exercise but with way more fun in the process. Now I go bike camping, go on group rides, and in May rode 250+ miles of the Oregon coast route self supported. Bike did fine, I did fine, but my knee didn't do so well. Theres no shame in riding an e-bike and you get just as much exercise.

So to you cycling watt weenies, purists, and e-bike haters your day is comming and your e-bike is waiting.

I ride an e-assist recumbent trike.. The e-assist helps keep my knees from hurting so bad.. It allows me to ride farther while being more comfortable on my body.. Whats wrong with that? NOTHING
It doesnt matter what you ride.. JUST RIDE

We rode the Hiawatha Trail in July and the Coeur d'Alene Trail from Harrison to Plummer RT on a second day with e-bikes. They were fantastic, especially for us senior citizens. We don't ride e-bikes when we ride at home and feel like we are in pretty good bike riding shape but always rent them on our bike trips. On the Hiawatha, the trip was down hill to start and we didn't use the electric assist but most people took a bus back up to the starting point. We used the electric assist and rode all the way back up. Great trip-highly recommended.