Cyclists can now get a little help pedaling on unpaved state trails, as the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has agreed to allow e-bikes on natural trails in state parks and recreation areas.
Electric bicycles or e-bikes have small rechargeable motors that make pedaling easier or take the work out of pedaling for the rider.
Allowing e-bikes on unpaved, non-motorized trails will increase access for people with disabilities, the elderly and anyone who needs assistance riding a bike, department officials said last week when announcing the news.
“This decision makes our trails even more inclusive and provides opportunities for those who cannot bike without assistance but still want to continue riding and enjoy the outdoors,” said Ron Olson, DNR’s Division of Parks and Recreation director. “We expect all cyclists and trail users will continue to follow proper trail etiquette so that all users can stay safe and enjoy the extensive nature trail network.”
Previously, e-bikes were only allowed on paved or limestone-grained trails and on rail trails. They were previously prohibited on natural trails such as mountain bike trails. The DNR will post signs at trailheads to indicate the newly permitted use of e-bikes.
They remain prohibited on state game and wildlife areas, the North Country National Scenic Trail and some trails in Pigeon River Country State Forest, the DNR said.
E-bikes have become increasingly popular since Jason Hall started selling them in 2019, he said.
Jason Hall, manager at Trek Bicycle Detroit Midtown on Woodward Avenue, said e-bikes have become increasingly popular since he started selling them in 2019. The store, which also sells what Hall calls “acoustic bikes,” was formerly called Electric Avenue Bikes.
Hall said e-bikes can change people’s lives by helping them feel confident enough to get on a bike again, even if they haven’t ridden in 10 years. They also help people tackle terrain like steep hills that they couldn’t manage on their own, ride longer distances and keep up with other riders.
Hall and his customers were pleased with the DNR’s announcement that e-bikes would be allowed on more trails.
“These people are excited,” he said. “They have trails behind their houses. They can go out and ride their e-bikes on the trails … The fact that it’s legal now like everything else inspires people to do it.”
The DNR has been studying the possibility of allowing e-bikes on natural trails for “many months,” it said, and has met with bicyclist and trail user stakeholders to gather their feedback. The agency also sought public opinion through a survey earlier this year.
The agency acknowledged that some are concerned about the speed of e-bikes. In other states, such as Arkansas, e-bikes have been legal for years without problems, said Nicole Hunt, director of the DNR’s regulatory division.
“The DNR’s decision to move forward with this land use change was not based on a desire to be trendy, but rather on providing people with more recreational opportunities while respecting our state’s natural and cultural resources,” Hunt said.
DNR Director Scott Bowen approved the e-bike rule Thursday through a land use ordinance amendment during the Michigan Natural Resources Commission’s August meeting held in Detroit.
“Electric bicycles can eliminate barriers to bicycling, such as hilly topography and long distances to destinations, and they provide people with physical limitations with new recreational opportunities or the ability to continue previous recreational activities that are not permitted to them due to their limited mobility,” DNR staff wrote in a memo to Bowen. “This proposal would provide greater access to our natural resources to those who might not otherwise have access.”
To be legal on state roads, e-bikes must have fully functional pedals, a seat or saddle for the rider to sit on, and an electric motor with no more than 750 watts or 1 horsepower.
The new regulation allows Class 1 e-bikes to be ridden on non-motorized trails. These are equipped with a motor that only starts when the rider pedals and can reach a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour.
Class 2 e-bikes are also allowed if the rider obtains a permit. Permits are free. Class 2 e-bikes have motors that can power the bike even when the rider is not pedaling. They can be activated by a throttle or by pedaling and are only allowed to travel up to 20 miles per hour.
Class 3 e-bikes, which are allowed to travel up to 28 miles per hour, are not allowed on non-motorized trails.
