E-BIKE POLICY

E-Bikes, Introduction
The mission of CTC is to promote cycling at all skill levels and improve cycling safety and awareness in Northeast Ohio.  
  
E-Bikes now represent a material portion of bikes that are available for sale in many bike shops and, as a result, are now being purchased in higher numbers by recreational cyclists.

Given the general alignment that E-Bikes have with other forms of recreational cycling, as well as the Club's mission to advance recreational cycling, the Board of CTC believes it should promote Club membership, and the benefits extending from it to riders of E-Bikes.

It is also important to note that the Club has, at this time, minimal experience with E-Bikes. As such, any policy that we establish today will likely change as the Club becomes more experienced with E-Bikes.
E-Bike Policy
Members of the CTC Bicycle Club may ride bicycles with electric assist motors (E-Bikes) on many Club sponsored rides, tours, and events, under the following conditions:

1. E-Bike riders will observe and follow CTC Club ride rules and policies governing ride safety and etiquette absent the provision of any other rules specific to E-Bikes. 
   
   
2. E-Bikes eligible to participate in group rides must be pedal-assisted (the bike does not move without pedaling). It may not utilize a throttle, meaning that it must be a Class 1 or Class 3 E-Bike.
   
   
3. Ride leaders are not responsible for determining whether a rider is using an E-Bike or what class of E-Bike a rider may be using. 
    
4. Similar to conventional cyclists that participate in group rides, ride leaders have the authority to speak with any rider of an E-Bike if, in their judgment, they feel that rider is compromising the safety of others on the ride. This authority also includes making them aware of what they are doing incorrectly or to request that the E-Bike rider maintain a position at the back of the group ride to ensure the safety of others.
   
   
5. E-Bikes are NOT permitted on A/B group rides
   
   
6. E-Bike riders may only participate in group rides where the established pace is equal to or slower than rides they have demonstrated experience with on a conventional cycle. Groups are not chosen solely based on speed, rather on the rider’s skill and experience riding safely with that particular paced group.
      
7. If the group rides with a pace-line, the E-Bike, when assuming the front position, may not accelerate the pace of the group. They may only maintain the established pace, or safely reduce it in the event a hazard exists.
   
   
8. When proceeding up climbs, E-Bikes should not aggressively pass conventional riders and on descents should stay well to the right to not impede conventional riders.
   
   
9. An E-Bike rider is responsible for ensuring they have sufficient battery reserves to enable them to complete the ride they have chosen without assistance from other riders.