08/17/2026
Hi folks. Update to previous post about e-bikes.
In hopes of presenting a clear policy; I had stated: “no e-bikes, period”.
I support use of this technology for affordable and safe transportation. And I really want to help people with their ride, so bear with me.
New policy is only class 1 and a very limited few class 2 e-bikes.
https://bikexchange.com/electric-bike-classes/
Lithium batteries,electric motor technology, and direct-to-consumer marketing have opened up a Pandora’s box of reliability and safety issues.
The classification and regulation situation is complex. While many states have enacted rules based on a complicated and not-very-intuitive classification scheme developed a few years ago.
The classification is a complex mix of pedal assist vs throttle controlled and maximum speeds.
Many states have implemented rules for road use and lands management agencies and municipalities regulate use on on recreational trails. In 2025 Alaska Governor Dunleavy vetoed a bipartisan bill to adopt some common sense regulations. Because that’s what he does. So much freedom! But many of these bikes are essentially unregulated motorcycles, the chain drive is a ruse to make them look like a bicycle when they are not rideable at all without the motor.
I recently was asked to service a bicycle from a big box retailer known for its hot dogs. Customer bought the bike for her 11 year old grandchild. The classification limits motor output for e bikes at 750 watts. This bike had a rated output of 1400 watts. Also of concern, the handlebars were mounted 180 degrees off so the front fork rake was reversed completely compromising steering and stability, and the brake cables were so loose the levers went to the handlebars before fully engaging.
Another bike that came in had to have five wire connections removed from a nest of wires underneath the back seat just to remove the wheel/hub motor in order to fix a flat tire. The repair took four hours, even at a 50% discount it cost the owner $120. The owner then discovered that the key used to disable the bike for theft prevention failed to work. They had not ridden the bike prior so we could not determine if my disconnecting and reconnecting wires caused the problem.
Some of these bikes are extremely heavy and bulky. To get to my shop you need to climb 14 stairs and walk the bike through my kitchen.
E bikes generally pair a comparatively heavy motor and battery with lightweight bicycle frame and components..
Manufacturers are flooding the market with cheaply produced throttle control.
It would be great if someone with access to better facilities started working on these. Meanwhile people snap them up without thinking about how they will maintain and repair their ride. I’m sure you will see them pile up at the dump. I wonder if city solid waste department is prepared to recycle all those discarded batteries.
Here’s a really good perspective on the industry
https://youtu.be/bB6hBLmBhPA?si=HE2TkQQl7yW_qfjY
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
