This was posted by the GM of a local bike shop in a FB group for local trail users. It is a perspective that I’m ashamed to admit I hadn’t considered. Sharing with permission of the original poster.
“This weekend I met an amazing father and daughter. The dad came in wanting to look at an electric assist mountain bike for his daughter. He introduces me to Marggie (not her real name) and I turn to meet what turned out to be an amazing young girl who was about 18 years old. I soon learn she is battling her 2nd round of cancer in the last couple of years. She's a member of the Boulder High Mountain bike racing team. Her dad looks at me and says "my kid and I love to ride together but this battle she is going through doesn't leave her with enough energy or stamina to exert herself for very long. We came to see about an assist bike so we can go ride on the trails." Now Marggie does not look frail. She stood tall and looked strong. She can handle a bike on the rugged trails we have in our local mountains. So I send her out on a test ride. She had never tried an ebike nor had her father. As I pointed her in the right direction, she pedals that 1st stroke and woosh, she heads down the road and is gone. The look in her dad's eyes was priceless. We spoke about the legality of riding the bike and which trails are approved and which aren't. I explain about my wife and the positivity her ebike has brought to her life. Then back came Marggie. To see the joy in her face of realizing she can go and she can once again do the rides she was able to do before cancer was beyond compare.
I bring this very real very emotional story up in appreciation and the hope to change some (my friends included) minds. We currently have a rule that says disabled people can legally access trails in Boulder, CO using an electric vehicle. I hope it stays that way. Here's how it reads:
Individuals with mobility disabilities may use OPDMDs on all trails open for pedestrian use unless a particular trail has been designated as inappropriate for use by OPDMDs based upon the assessment factors found in 28 CFR § 35.137(b)(2) of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
OPDMD is defined as any mobility device powered by batteries, fuel, or other type engine that is used by individuals with mobility disabilities for the purpose of locomotion, including golf cars, electronic personal assistance mobility devices such as the Segway® PT, or any other mobility device.
Use of OPDMDs must be in a safe manner and is at the risk of the user. OPDMDs may not be used off trail.
I'm so glad there is at least a bit of legal space for some people to be able to do something as awesome as enjoy our trails on their ebike. So far, at our bike shop, the reality of e mtb buyers are not wild eyed 20 year old males running people off the trails. It's been good people who need a little help doing the thing they want to do. People who know their capabilities and love our trails and open space. Every story is different too.
Recently I have seen 2 cases of mountain bike riders intimidating, mocking and even threatening e mountain bike riders for riding on both open trails and on trails that don't allow it. Please if you must even question another rider, at least be open to hearing their story. I would urge you to just let them be if they aren't causing harm. It might be Marggie and her dad enjoying a few fun hours in their otherwise very difficult day. The more I am seeing what's going on with this issue, the more I want to have this ally on the side of recreational open space lovers. We can educate people so that most will follow well established guidelines for enjoying a trail in a responsible manner.”