Kootenay Mountain Culture Magazine, based in British Columbia, has published an article in its most recent issue interviewing Mike Clyde, the owner of Pedego Electric Bikes Canada, about the controversy of ebikes on dirt trails ridden by mountain bikers.

The article, entitled “Electric mountain bikes are the devil’s tool: fact or fiction?” interviews riders, bike mechanics, shop managers and distributors about a debate raging among North Americans. It seems the general public has accepted electric bikes on city streets and asphalt pathways but mountain bikers are fighting against having battery-powered ebikes on singletracks and other dirt trails.

In the story, Rossland mechanic Rory Belter says non-motorized-use trails, such as the ones mountain bikers use, mean no motors are allowed at all: even electric ones. “It’s a totally different sport. Sure you have two wheels but you’re no longer human-powered,” he says. “Imagine you’re struggling on this climb and then some electro douchebag who doesn’t have the same trail skills zips past like you’re standing still?” He goes on to say it’s a slippery slope and that nothing good can come from allowing any kind of motor, no matter how small, on local trails: motorbikes will inevitably follow and trails will erode faster.