New Mexico Bike Biz Alliance
(ebikes and all bikes!)
We invite New Mexico-based businesses that sell, rent, operate tours or otherwise involve bikes (ebikes and all bikes) to join us as we support each other through:
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information sharing & education
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advocacy & coalition building for bike related safety, laws and ordinances
(see examples below) -
connections with other bike-related businesses in NM and beyond.
Senate Bill 69: E-BIKE DEFINITION
MEETING NEW MEXICO’S NEEDS for
SAFE, HEALTHY & REWARDING BIKING on ELECTRIC BIKES (E-BIKES)
Regulate e-bikes in New Mexico consistent with federal and 40 other states who've adopted the 3-Class e-Bike Framework.
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E-BIKE DEFINITION ISSUES IN NEW MEXICO
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Currently, the State of New Mexico has no laws governing e-bikes.
In 80% of US states, including all our neighboring states, e-bikes are safely regulated by speed, source of motor power (pedal-assist and/or throttle), age of e-bike operator, and riding infrastructure (trails, paths, streets, roads, highways.)
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A 2017 New Mexico Motor Vehicle Department Code considers ALL motorized bicycles – including those being powered up to 60mph – as a bicycle. As such, unclassified motorized bicycles (by battery or gas) may legally ride on all New Mexico bike trails, multi-use paths and other protected areas alongside traditional cyclists, pedestrians, and other e-biker riding under 20mph.
This is grossly unsafe for everyone.
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Local jurisdictions are unsure and/or unable to inform, regulate or enforce their ever-increasing use. E-bikes are built more similarly to standard bikes than mopeds or motorcycles, with class 1&2 e-bikes reaching top speeds of 20mph, similar to the average road cyclist.
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Opposing regulations across state and federal lands cause confusion.
The federal government and all neighboring states have adopted the 3-class e-bike system, however New Mexico has not -- thus creating confusion for tourists and locals alike.
PROPOSED SOLUTION:
STATE REGULATION BY 3-CLASS E-BIKE SYSTEM
The PeopleForBikes 3-Class eBike System has already been adopted by 47 states, including all of our neighboring states, National Parks & US Forest Lands, per the Department of Interior’s Order 3376:
Class 1: Max 20mph • Pedal Assist Only
Bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches 20mph.
Class 2: Max 20mph • Pedal Assist & Throttle
Bicycle equipped with a throttle-actuated motor, that ceases to provide assistance when the
e-bike reaches 20mph
Class 3: Max 28mph • Pedal Assist Only • Must be 16yrs or older to operate.
Bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches 28mph.
Senate Bill - 343: E-BIKE REBATES
PROVIDING $1200 INSTANT REBATES for
NEW MEXICO'S LOW-INCOME RESIDENTS
Providing affordable transportation, reducing GHG emissions & improving health benefit.
See Legislative Propsoal for
Senate Bill - 343
PLEASE SUPPORT EBIKE SAFETY
& REBATES IN NEW MEXICO!
Hi, I'm Susan Gautsch - Owner/CEO of Free-to-Roam eBiking.
In 2020-2021, I started working with NM State Senator Sedillo Lopez who introduced legislation to define most eBikes as a bike rather than a motor-vehicle. While this bill was introduced, it never made it to a hearing.
BUT IT IS BACK NOW AS SB-69!
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In 2022, I started working with NM State Senator Jeff Steinborn who recognized how e-bikes could provide tremendously affordable transportation for New Mexico's
low-income residents – not to mention the tremendous health and carbon-reduction benefits as well.
Please join us to make 2023 the Year of the eBike
in New Mexico!
PUBLIC BENEFITS OF ENCOURAGING SAFE E-BIKING:
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Public Health & Wellness -- physical exercise, mental & psycho-emotional health and greater sense of community
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Environmental Sustainability -- zero carbon emissions, less cars on road & congestion
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Economic Development - attract visitors explore vast and hard-to-reach areas of state
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Community Engagement -- enable more cyclists of all ages and abilities -- even with socially distancing
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Community Development -- commuters via bike are more likely to shop & support local
INDIVIDUAL BENEFITS OF ENCOURAGING SAFE E-BIKING:
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Personal Health -- same health benefits as cycling, farther riding, even more fun
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Lifestyle Change -- breaks sedentary lifestyle, encourages more exercise in other aspects of life
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Mental Health -- decreased stress and anxiety, better sleep, boosted creativity
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Affordable -- cheaper than owning a car, little maintenance & no continued expenditures.
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Sustainable -- reducing carbon footprint and promoting a personal sustainable lifestyle
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Accessible -- possible for older, injured, or mobility impaired people – even for long distances and up hills
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Freeing -- naturally enables community with social distancing, longer & farther trips and outdoor fun.
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Commuting -- easier to ride uphill, in wind and professional clothes without breaking a sweat like on a traditional bike
STAY INFORMED • SUPPORT SAFE E-BIKE RIDING IN NEW MEXICO
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SB-369 was introduced in 2021 to the 55th State of New Mexico legislature - State of New Mexico
Introduced by Senator Antoinette Sedillo Lopez. While this bill never made it to the floor during Covid,
we're optimistic this new bill (to be introduced in 2023)