E-Bike?
l3wis I look at a lot of different micro-mobility devices, and this is just ridiculous, but an experiment for a nerdy engineer;
Bike Trail
E-Bikes banned on the Mickelson Trail?
So why the question mark? Because, the legislature really did not ban them because they don’t understand the technology. We will get to that shortly.
First off, I was planning a trip with four other E-bikers to the Mickelson in May. We were going to rent a monster VRBO, eat out and entertain ourselves, spend lots of tourist money and ride the trail. Trip cancelled. We instead are probably going to Duluth and ride the trails around Lake Superior while spending our tourist dollars in another state. It will be epic.
The AARP was against this because seniors are the biggest users of Class II E-bikes, tons of studies have shown this. It has also improved the health of many seniors.
This bill was written by a whack-a-doodle who is anti-green energy and of course anything electric, go figure.
The irony is that they will still allow 200 HP, LOUD, 40 MPH, GASOLINE powered snowmobiles. Hmm? The other irony is that electric powered snowmobiles and ATV’s are becoming extremely popular with hunters and naturalists because the animals are not alerted by the exhaust smell and noise. E-powered vehicles are virtually silent not interrupting the quaint sounds of nature.
But what puzzled me the most is the lack of knowledge the legislature has on micro-mobility (E-Bikes, etc.) This isn’t rocket science and you can literally watch a 10 minute YT video explaining the different technologies that change everyday. They are allowing Class I which is no different then Class II or III except for speed and a throttle. But the best part is they haven’t banned E-Bikes entirely, they actually opened the trail up for E-Motorcycles which can go anywhere between 40-80 MPH;
Electric bicycle defined–Classes.
For purposes of this chapter, the term, electric bicycle, means a bicycle or a tricycle that is equipped with a seat or saddle, with operable pedals for propulsion, and with an electric motor of seven hundred fifty watts or less.
An electric bicycle is a Class I electric bicycle if the motor provides assistance only when the person is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when a speed of twenty miles per hour is achieved.
An electric bicycle is a Class II electric bicycle if the motor is capable of propelling the bicycle without the person pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when a speed of twenty miles per hour is achieved.
An electric bicycle is a Class III electric bicycle if the motor provides assistance only when the person is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when a speed of twenty-eight miles per hour is achieved.
In other words if your E-bike can achieve over 29 MPH it is considered an ‘out of class’ e-bike and is NOT defined in state law. Once again the dopes in Pierre passed a law that has zero teeth, but I won’t bother testing it, because I will be in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Sioux Falls is hostile towards bicyclists and peds
After riding E-Bike for 4 years I decided this year I would try to ride almost everyday this winter, not quite but I am averaging 6 days a week so far. Studded tires are where it’s at 
I have to admit it is kind of an addiction but once you have the layers on it is actually very peaceful and comfortable. And I am not crazy, on my way to work today I counted 20 individual joggers in a 4 mile stretch. Some people get it. The other day while riding to work I saw this beautiful younger Bald Eagle gracefully flying thru the trees on the bike trail. I should have taken a picture but I was in such awe I didn’t even think about it. I also work late afternoons so the beginning sunsets on my commute are beautiful.
But there is one thing I detest; the way our city’s public works doesn’t properly maintain our streets in Sioux Falls;
While this graphic is from another city, it is pretty much like this in Sioux Falls. It amazes me when we have a mayor who is supposedly into fitness makes it very difficult for people walking or riding bike to navigate this town. I said if most people in Sioux Falls started bike commuting to work at least 3 days a week we would be less fat, and more happy. I lost 100 pounds riding bike and that was my only exercise routine on my 3 year journey. I do other routines now, because I can physically now, but biking is a great low cardio workout, especially an e-bike where it monitors your cadence and keeps you at a consistent pedal speed. Not only good for leg muscles it can also make your arms stronger and helps with balance, coordination and concentration.
Former city councilor Neitzert said to me recently that he pushed hard to get more bike safety measures on our streets and was ignored, he even told me that the city has a fund for this stuff and the Mayor won’t touch it with a 10 foot pole.
I’m not anti-car. Many peeps have asked me if I even own one, I do. I love my 2009 Honda Civic. It’s simple and functional and I have been looking for a used Hybrid. My bro owns a Chevy Volt and he has told me it is the best car he has ever owned (C’mon, the VW diesel pickup was pretty cool, you should have never sold it!)
We need to find a way in Sioux Falls to make peace between cars, bikes and peds. I didn’t even mention all the insults thrown at me from peeps in vehicles and guess who is the worst? Harley riders. You would think my 2 wheel cousins would have my back, hell no. Small pee-pee syndrome.
Speaking of cars, one of my friends is trying to sell his 1961 Porsche Notchback that he fully restored after pulling it from a barn in Virginia. Cars are cool, bikes are way cooler.
South Dakota Ranks 45th in Bicycle friendliness
H/T to Jordan Deffenbaugh for posting this on Turdbook;
While Sioux Falls as a city ranks a lot better, we do have work to do, trust me, someone who rides a ton in this town knows. What I found most astounding was the ZERO in Planning. I would think there would be at least ONE legislator pro bicycle. I guess I need to take Jamison out for a coffee and a bike ride.
WE MISSED AN OPPORTUNITY WITH JORDAN
Speaking of Jordan, I see what his opponent has done so far and I am completely disappointed that the voters didn’t see what a great package we would have gotten with Jordan. Maybe Thomason will wake up after New Years, stranger things have happened, like watching Councilor Miranda ‘Lucy’ Bayse vote for a property tax increase next year. This is going to be fun.
The Argument to Allow E2’s on the Rec Trail hasn’t changed in 5 years
On December 18, 2018, the Sioux Falls City Council passed the first E-Bike ordinance only allowing E1’s. Listen to the testimony for allowing E2’s also (FF: 27:00). Folks, nothing has changed in 5 years! The only thing that has changed is that E-Bikes have become safer, lighter, more affordable and technologically advanced. Just look at this ride, the battery is so powerful you can use it as a power source (it has an inverter) and can be ridden full throttle and full headlamp for 105 miles on one charge.
Councilors Starr and Stehly tried to amend it to allow all E-Classes and were voted down. Starr’s argument holds true today, this is an opportunity for people with mobility issues (old folks) to get some exercise.
E-Bikes are not going away, in fact I think in 10 years you will probably be hard pressed to find a traditional bike in a storefront and E1’s will be considered dinosaurs.
I had to chuckle a bit during public input, former Mayor Rick Knobe suggested they put signs on the rec trail that inform people to be ‘courteous’. LOL. He got his wish.