Yeah, Zero electric bikes have changed a lot since this shot from 2011.
I’ll proceed now with numbers 5 and 6 on this list of “10 Biggest Threats To Motorcycling” discussed in the May 2026 issue of American Motorcyclist, the publication of the American Motorcyclist Association. You’ll find issues 1 and 2 here, and 3 and 4 here.
Side-By-Side Size And Power, And Trail Degradation
Four-wheel all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are not motorcycles. But more and more, the people using these things are taking to the trails that have formerly been used by dirt bikes and mountain bikes. There is a problem in that they are double-track while we are single-track. They’re basically carving into the adjoining areas in order to do so. They’re also bigger and heavier so that contributes to the issue. Being more stable they also go faster. And because they are easier to use than a motorcycle, the users are often less experienced and don’t necessarily have a good idea what they’re doing.
That kind of adds up, doesn’t it? Do I really need to say more? To quote the AMA, “As a result, responsible motorized trail users are grouped in with the damage caused by oversized side-by-sides and the sometimes-poor decision-making by their drivers, leading to reductions in trails and land closures.”
Now, the AMA does not support getting these machines off the trails, they simply ask that they follow appropriate trail etiquette and trail groups “be mindful of one another and work together rather than one group dominating the trails in some way.” They also mention that some states now require training for these users, which presumably include appropriate and protective ways of operating the vehicle.
Consumer Choice
Electric is growing and you may already have an electric car or bike. But some people still want their gas-powered vehicles.
The motorcycle market should be allowed to evolve based on demand, innovation, and rider preferences.
Add in the fact that current infrastructure is not prepared for an all-electric future, it’s clear that electric mandates would certainly harm motorcycling.
That pretty well sums it up. Electric is fine, just don’t force it on everyone. The AMA supports two proposed Congressional bills that would address these concerns. These are the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act and the Automobile Retail Sales Act, both introduced in 2025.
Biker Quote for Today
Going for a ride is always worth it.
Tags: ATVs vs. motorcycles, electric vs gas powered vehicles, motorized vehicles on trails