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Media contact: George Chevalier
Promotions Manager
(732) 371-3855
BOULDER, Colo. (December 7, 2022) – International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) and Trails are Common Ground announce new guides on e-MTB and e-bicycles, to help explain the characteristics of different classes (and out of class vehicles), and identify the appropriate bike for the places where people ride. The information is meant for prospective e-bike shoppers, bike shops, e-bike curious, land managers, law enforcement, park rangers and all trail users.
These guides were created with input of local and national trail advocacy organizations, land managers, bicycle and motorcycle industry brands, concerned citizens and others. The variety of perspectives intentionally mirrors all types of trail users and the industries related to trails.
“Our goal is to educate the public about the spectrum of e-bikes that are available and being promoted for use on natural surface trails, underscoring the fact that not all classes or types of e-bikes are allowed on trails,” said David Wiens, IMBA Executive Director. “Taking stock of mixed and sometimes confusing messaging in the marketplace, it was important to us to announce and release these guides for this year’s holiday season as a tool for the public and the industry.”
Everybody considering purchasing or gifting an e-bike to ride on trails needs to first know whether e-bikes are permitted on the trails in their area and if so, what class or type of e-bikes are allowed by local regulations. Then, they can make an educated purchase and buy the class / type of e-bike that can be used lawfully and best suits their needs.
The aim is to spread knowledge about which sorts of e-bikes and natural surface trails are compatible, to help consumers make educated e-bike selections and be responsible trail users, and to help all types of trail users and land managers better understand and identify e-bikes. To that end, there is a Buyers Guide for retailers, and an Identification Guide for other audiences, both containing information about classification and appropriate use of these machines.
IMBA and Trails are Common Ground invite brands, organizations and individuals to help distribute these guides and educate communities about this nuanced topic. Shops, retailers and brands are encouraged to hang the buyers guide in their shop and share on their website & social media; trail users, advocacy organizations and land managers can utilize these documents as a tool to help their audiences understand the nuances of the complex topic that e-bikes and e-MTBs have become.
About IMBA
The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) creates, enhances and protects great places to ride mountain bikes. It is focused on creating more trails close to home to grow the quantity and quality of mountain bike trail communities across the U.S., so everyone has access to close-to-home rides and iconic backcountry experiences. Since 1988, IMBA has been the worldwide leader in mountain bike advocacy and the only organization focused entirely on trails and access for all types of mountain bikers in all parts of the U.S. IMBA teaches and encourages low-impact riding, grassroots advocacy, sustainable trail design, innovative land management practices and cooperation among trail user groups. IMBA U.S. is a national network of local groups, individual riders and passionate volunteers working together for the benefit of the entire community. Learn more at IMBA.com.
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