Unregulated e-bikes are a growing danger on American streets.

I walk the Blount County greenway in Springbrook Park nearly every day. Our group of of six also includes four dogs. There has been a great increase in e-bikes. Walkers have the right-of-way. However, e-bikers don't seem to understand that concept. Although, " old-fashioned, human-powered “analog” or “acoustic” bikes" also bring danger to pedestrians. Bicycle riders, e or otherwise, think that if they come barreling down the trail and say "on your left" that you should jump out of their way. First of all, at the speed they are going there is no way you have time to get out of the way. In addition, you have to register what they are saying. Finally, have you ever tried to get four dogs to quickly get out of the way of a speeding bicycle or e-bike?

"Forty-six states have adopted some version of a three-tiered system of e-bike categories that was established a decade ago by PeopleForBikes, a trade and advocacy organization based in Boulder, Colo. In Class 1, the bike’s motor assists the rider up to a speed of 20 m.p.h., but only when a rider is pedaling. Class 2 has the same top speed but also has a hand-operated throttle, similar to a motorcycle’s, that can be used in lieu of pedaling. Class 3 is like Class 1, but its maximum assisted speed is 28 m.p.h. (The federal limit of 20 m.p.h. applies to the speed generated solely by a motor; speeds can exceed that in combination with human pedaling.) As a rule, Class 1 bikes are permitted wherever a conventional bicycle can go (including bike lanes and trails), while Classes 2 and 3 are restricted to streets and roads (in theory if not in practice)."

"On a pedal bike, the chance of dying from an injury is about three-tenths of 1 percent,” Alfrey says. On an e-bike, the data indicated, it was 11 percent."

"...in New York City in 2023, 30 people were killed on a bicycle, 23 of whom were riding e-bikes. Three pedestrians also were killed by e-bike riders. Increased delivery services by e-bike,..."