For nature lovers, exploring our national and state park systemson electric bikes is an excellent way to get fresh air, exercise, and take in the natural beauty of our forests, lakes, and rivers. Unfortunately, e-bike enthusiasts have often been excluded from enjoying the sights and trails in the state and national parks system.
Luckily, for those who love the thrill of riding the vast biking trails in our National Park system, laws opening up and regulating e-bikes were declared in 2019 by the Department of the Interior. The 2019 decree reclassified e-bikes from gas-powered motorized vehicles to non-motorized bikes. All three classes of e-bikes are allowed.
State Parks are all governed differently so e-bike usage will vary. They will have different rules and regulations. So before you zip out on your e-bike, let’s take a look at all the rules so you can stay legal and have a blast.
National Parks
The National Park system is a jewel in America’s crown. Not only for protecting wilderness habitats for future generations but for the recreational opportunities they give for hiking, camping, rafting, photography, and of course, biking.
Until the 2019 decree, however, e-bikes were not permitted to ride the cycling trails in any National Park. Wisely, the Department of the Interior decided that the following factors make e-biking an excellent choice of travel:
- E-bikes make bicycle travel more accessible and efficient because they allow bicyclists to travel farther with less effort.
- E-bikes provide expanded options for visitors who wish to ride a bicycle but may be limited because of physical fitness, age, disability, or convenience.
- When used as an alternative to gasoline- or diesel-powered modes of transportation, e-bikes can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel consumption, improve air quality, and support active modes of transportation for park staff and visitors.
- Like traditional bicycles, e-bikes can decrease traffic congestion, reduce demand for vehicle parking spaces, and increase the number and visibility of cyclists on the road.
In their own words: “As e-bikes become more popular both on and off NPS-managed lands, the NPS recognized the need to address this emerging form of recreation and active transportation in its regulations. The intent of this action is to address an emerging technology in a manner that accommodates visitors and increases opportunities for the public to recreate within and travel through the National Park System while at the same time protecting the resources and values that draw millions of visitors each year.”
All three classifications of e-bikes are allowed, but classes II and III are not allowed to use their throttle. The Park Service also asks that you abide by general safety rules, and riding in the wilderness is not permitted.
You can get your National Park Trip planning guide by clicking on this link.
State Parks
With State Parks, the rules are not cut and dry. With 50 states, Washington DC, and 14 territories, there is a patchwork of regulations. So do not assume the rules in your state carryover if you decide to go trail riding in the next state over.
In California, for instance, only classes 1 and 2 e-bikes may be ridden in any state park where traditional bicycles are allowed. But Washington State allows all 3 classifications of bikes in their parks. So if you live in Washington and want to take your class 3 e-bike into a California State Park, you’re out of luck.
In North Carolina parks, you may ride any class of e-bike anywhere a traditional bicycle is allowed. But if you visit Virginia, you’ll be disappointed that only class 1 bikes can enter the state parks.
The best thing you can do is check your state’s website for the most up-to-date rules and regulations and if you plan on taking your e-bike on the road to different states, make sure you check their websites.
Rules around e-bikes are changing quickly–and usually for the better for e-bike riders. But make sure you follow the rules and safety guidelines so that states will take note and eventually follow the National Parks lead and open up all trails to all e-bikes.
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