Electric Bike Usage: Exploring State Park Policies

Electric bikes are allowed in some state parks, but the rules vary depending on the park and the state. For example, in California, e-bikes are allowed on paved bike trails used for commuting, but only where this is consistent with the e-bike designations of adjoining trails operated by other agencies. In Pennsylvania, e-bikes are allowed on trails open to traditional bicycles, as long as users follow guidelines consistent with the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code. In Michigan, e-bikes are allowed on improved-surface trails, linear trails, and natural-surface nonmotorized bicycle trails/pathways in state parks, but they are not allowed in state game and wildlife areas or on congressionally authorized trails.

E-bike use in California state parks

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are allowed in California state parks, but there are some restrictions.

E-bikes are allowed on trails already open to traditional bicycle usage, as long as users follow the guidelines consistent with the California Vehicle Code. E-bikes may be allowed on paved (asphalt or concrete) bike trails used for local or regional commuting, as long as the designation is consistent with e-bike designations of adjoining trails operated by other agencies.

A “class 3 electric bicycle,” or “speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle,” is a bicycle equipped with a speedometer and a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour. No person shall operate an e-bike in a park unit of the State Parks System, except on public roadways and in areas allowed through a Superintendent’s Order. E-bike use on trails and nonpublic, controlled-access roads shall be allowed only where designated by Superintendent’s Order.

Federal guidelines enable you to take Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes onto national park trails. It defines this as two- or three-wheel e-bikes with fully operable pedals that can’t exceed 750W. California state parks have varying rules but typically only allow Class 1 e-bikes on trails.

E-bike use in Michigan state parks

Electric bikes are allowed in Michigan state parks on improved-surface trails, linear trails, (paved or gravel/asphalt) and natural-surface nonmotorized bicycle trails/pathways in state parks, recreation areas, and state forest pathways and roads. They are not allowed on state game and wildlife areas, congressionally authorised trails such as the North Country Trail, or on three pathways in the Pigeon River Country: High Country, Shingle Mill, and Pickerel Lake.

If a cyclist has a DNR-issued permit (no cost) for mobility issues, Class 2 e-bikes are allowed in all areas open to Class 1 e-bikes. Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed on any state-managed nonmotorized trail. You can ride Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes on all roads where a non-electric bicycle can be ridden.

The rules on e-bike use in state parks vary across the US. For example, Virginia allows Class 1 and 2 e-bikes into its parks; California state parks have varying rules but typically only allow Class 1 e-bikes on trails; while Washington State allows all e-bikes on roads within state parks but only Class 1 and 3 bikes on specific trails. In Pennsylvania, e-bikes are allowed on trails already open to traditional bicycle usage as long as users follow guidelines consistent with the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code.

E-bike use in Virginia state parks

Electric bikes are allowed in Virginia state parks, but only Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are permitted.

Class 1 e-bikes are two- or three-wheel e-bikes with fully operable pedals that can't exceed 750W. They are allowed on trails already open to traditional bicycle usage, as long as users follow guidelines consistent with the Virginia Vehicle Code. This means that e-bikes can be used on managed trails where traditional bikes are allowed, as well as on managed motorized trails and public use roads unless they are marked as prohibited to bikes.

Class 2 e-bikes are allowed in all areas open to Class 1 e-bikes if the cyclist has a permit (which is free) for mobility issues.

Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed on any state-managed nonmotorized trails.

E-bike use in Washington state parks

A Class 1 e-bike is a two- or three-wheeled e-bike with fully operable pedals that can't exceed 750W. A Class 3 e-bike is a speed pedal-assisted e-bike with a speedometer and a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedalling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour.

E-bike users should follow guidelines consistent with the Washington State Vehicle Code. E-bikes are allowed on trails already open to traditional bicycle usage. They are also permitted on DCNR-managed motorized trails and public-use roads unless they are marked as prohibited to bikes.

E-bike use in Pennsylvania state parks

The use of e-bikes in Pennsylvania state parks is allowed on trails already open to traditional bicycle usage, as long as users follow guidelines consistent with the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code. E-bikes can be used on DCNR-managed trails where traditional bikes are allowed, and on DCNR-managed motorized trails and public use roads unless they are marked as prohibited to bikes.

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has an internal policy for the use of electric bicycles on state park and forest lands. An electric bicycle (e-bike) is defined as a bicycle equipped with an electric motor that assists the rider when they are pedaling.

In general, federal guidelines enable you to take Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes onto national park trails. However, regulations in state parks vary depending on specific state laws. For example, Virginia allows Class 1 and 2 e-bikes into its parks, while California state parks typically only allow Class 1 e-bikes on trails. In Michigan, e-bikes are allowed on improved-surface trails, linear trails, and natural-surface nonmotorized bicycle trails/pathways in state parks, recreation areas, and state forest pathways and roads.

It's important to note that some national parks may not have many off-road trails open to bikes, so there may be limited options for e-mountain bikers. Additionally, e-bikes are not allowed in certain areas, such as state game and wildlife areas, and congressionally authorized trails.

Frequently asked questions