Thoughts on e-bikes? City wants to hear them

The city of Sioux Falls is looking for feedback on e-bikes.

A bike survey was launched recently to gauge interest and understanding on e-bikes and to help guide the bicycle committee on educational opportunities. The survey is open until Feb. 14, said Sam Trebilcock, a senior planner with the city of Sioux Falls.

“It’s really designed to find out how much people know about e-bikes and the related ordinances,” Trebilcock said.

As e-bike popularity has grown, it has come with some confusion over what is allowed where and what constitutes an e-bike.

E-bikes come in four classes: 1, 2, 3 and “out of class.” Class 1 e-bikes allow assist up to 20 mph, which means you have to be pedaling for that to work. Once you hit 20 mph, the assist stops, and you rely on your own power. Class 2 allows for a throttle-based system, meaning you don’t have to pedal for the assist to work, but it still cuts off at 20 mph. Class 3 is pedal assist, but it goes up to 28 mph. Anything outside of those parameters is considered “out of class.”

“Anything that doesn’t fit in that class system and goes more than 20 mph with a throttle only is a motorcycle,” according to Chad Pickard, owner of Spoke-N-Sport. “It’s going to need insurance and have a licensed rider and mirrors and headlights and turn signals and anything that a motorcycle has. I don’t think people realize that.”

Class 1 e-bikes are the only ones allowed on the bike trail. “They can be ridden anywhere a bike can be ridden,” Pickard said. Class 2 and 3 are allowed only on the road, and “out of class” technically isn’t allowed anywhere.

City planners will use results from the survey to determine what kind of public education is needed about regulations and open a discussion on if and how to improve those regulations, he said.

It also fits in with the recent formation of the Active Transportation Board, which is seeking applications for members, to advise the City Council, city departments and boards regarding active transportation, including bicycles.

The city has nearly 30 miles of paved multiuse path.