Detaljene fra undersøkelsen “Impacts of eMTB Use on Trails” er tilgjengelig. Det er en såkalt “Class 1” elsykkel som er testet, disse har toppfart på 32km/t. Den europeiske varianten “pedelec” er noe tregere.
Konklusjon
This study found that the impacts from Class 1 eMTBs and traditional mountain bicycles were not significantly different, while motorcycles led to much greater soil displacement and erosion. Observations suggest that Class 1 eMTBs may lead to more displacement under certain trail conditions. More research is needed before conclusions can be drawn regarding the environmental impacts of Class 1 eMTBs as compared with traditional mountain bicycles.
Understanding the potential resource impacts of Class 1 eMTBs is a necessary and important first step for formulating management strategies. Additional research is needed to further assess the range of environmental and social impacts for successful Class 1 eMTB use on public lands. IMBA’s initial study suggests that, with conscientious management and attention to trail design, Class 1 eMTBs may have the potential to offer a beneficial use of public lands with acceptable impacts.
Les hele rapporten her.