Travel GDMBR with eMTB (electric mountain bike) is it possible?

[mcomsto]

Newbie here. 

I would like to travel the GDMBR using an electric mountain bike, are there state laws prohibiting travel on all or parts of the GDMBR based on eMTB classes?

Thank you.

[John Nettles]

First, welcome to the ACA Forums! 

I am unfamiliar with the laws but my biggest concern would be where would you recharge the batteries?  Since you would be doing some definite climbing, I would think the batteries would not last near as long as advertised which are usually under optimal conditions. There are definite 100+ mile stretches with NO power at all, other than maybe a ranch, where you could recharge.

Tailwinds, John

[ray b]

I can only think of a few sections of trail that are closed to motorized vehicles - though I suspect e-bikes are subtle enough to avoid being stopped or reported - as long as they don't dawdle or obnoxiously pass a lot of hard working folks.

That said, I agree with the above, laws of physics are against you. You aren't going to find enough electrical energy to keep the batteries on your bike functional for every big hill.

By the time you add enough extra weight in batteries and chargers for remote hilly sections with long distances between services, you'll find that your fitness levels to keep the batteries from becoming fully depleted would be sufficient to propel a lighter load without batteries, the whole way.

If you think the solution to also carry a gas-powered generator, well, then you are ready for a motorcycle.

[BobG]

note- I deleted my previous post because it did not address the OP's question.

[MrBent]

Maybe one day....  Just was talking about this recently with friends.  I expect to live to see lightweight bike batteries with huge ranges and quick charging, but that ain't yet.  You can flirt with the edges of the GDMBR on 'lectrics, but a complete traverse looks unlikely.