Electric Bike Usage: Rail Trails And Their Rules

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are allowed on trails all over the world, including rail trails. However, there is some debate about whether they should be banned from these trails. Some people argue that e-bikes are a safety hazard, while others maintain that they are no more dangerous than regular bicycles and that existing rules and regulations are sufficient to ensure safety. In the US, federal regulation of e-bikes is the responsibility of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which defines a low-speed e-bike as having a maximum speed of 20 mph. Typically, where e-bikes are allowed off-road, they are subject to the same rules and regulations as other cyclists.

E-bike speed and safety

Electric bikes are allowed on rail trails in some places, but not in others. For example, in New Hampshire, there is a House Bill to ban e-bikes from all trails and rail trails. However, in Maryland, two state park trails allow class 1 e-bikes: the Western Maryland Rail Trail and the Torrey C Brown Rail Trail.

The issue of speed and safety is a concern for some when it comes to e-bikes on rail trails. E-bikes are typically classified as Class I or Class II, with a maximum speed of 20 mph. This classification system was created to ensure safety on trails, with rules limiting power and speed to reasonable levels.

Some argue that e-bikes should be allowed on rail trails, as they are a great way for people to get out into nature and enjoy the outdoors. They can also help people who may not be able to cycle otherwise, such as older people, to keep up with their grandchildren on bike rides.

However, others argue that e-bikes can be a safety hazard on trails, as they can reach speeds that may be unsafe for other trail users. It is important for e-bike riders to maintain safe speeds and follow proper trail etiquette when using rail trails.

E-bike classification

Electric bikes are allowed on rail trails in some places, but not in others. For example, in New Hampshire, there is a House Bill to ban e-bikes from all trails and rail trails. However, in Maryland, two state park trails allow Class 1 e-bikes: the Western Maryland Rail Trail and the Torrey C Brown Rail Trail.

The classification system of e-bikes was specifically created as a way to make safety rules for the bikes that are allowed on trails. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are typically allowed off-road on multi-use trails and are subject to the same rules and regulations that govern other cyclists. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), a low-speed e-bike is defined as "a two- or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 horsepower), whose maximum speed on a paved level surface, when powered solely by such a motor while ridden by an operator who weighs 170 pounds, is less than 20 mph".

The CPSC regulation of e-bikes does not include their usage, and some people argue that e-bikes should be allowed on rail trails as they already conform to the existing rules of the trail and norms of trail etiquette, including maintaining safe speeds.

E-bike regulation

E-bikes are allowed on trails all over the world, including rail trails. However, there is some debate about whether they should be allowed on trails, with some arguing that they are a safety hazard. In some places, such as New Hampshire, there have been attempts to ban e-bikes from trails.

E-bikes are typically classified as either Class I or Class II, and are subject to the same rules and regulations that govern other cyclists when allowed on multiuse trails. These classes of e-bikes have a maximum speed of 20 mph, which is considered a safe and reasonable speed for trails.

The Federal regulation of electric bicycles in the US is the responsibility of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which regulates the manufacture, initial sale and recall of low-speed e-bikes. The CPSC defines a low-speed e-bike as having a maximum speed of 20 mph, being powered by an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 horsepower), and having fully operable pedals.

If e-bikes are allowed on a trail, it is important that riders maintain safe speeds and follow proper trail etiquette to ensure the safety of all trail users.

E-bike usage on rail trails in New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are allowed on rail trails wherever bicycles are permitted. This is similar to the treatment of other "mobility devices" needed by people with physical handicaps. However, Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed on New Hampshire rail trails per state law.

Federal law states that on public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service in New Hampshire, eMTBs (electric mountain bikes) are considered motorized vehicles and can access motorized trails.

State and local laws in New Hampshire allow Class 1 and 2 e-bikes on DNCR-managed trails where traditional bikes are allowed, which also includes singletrack trails. For those looking to explore, New Hampshire offers excellent eMTB trails such as the Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail and the Sawyer River Road Area. These locations provide scenic routes and are great for experiencing the outdoors with your electric bike.

It is important to note that e-bike legislation is evolving, and there may be restrictions on e-bike use applied by landowners or those with authority over the facilities and trails, especially on natural surface off-road trails.

E-bike usage on rail trails in Maryland

Class 1 e-bikes are allowed on the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail and the Western Maryland Rail Trail, where they are treated the same as traditional bicycles. These are the only two rail trails in Maryland that explicitly allow e-bikes.

E-bikes are generally allowed on bike paths and multi-use trails in Maryland unless local regulations restrict access. Maryland treats e-bikes similarly to traditional bicycles, simplifying the rules of the road for e-bike users. However, it's important to note that e-bike usage on sidewalks varies by locality, so always check local regulations before riding on sidewalks.

E-bikes are classified into three categories in Maryland: Class 1 e-bikes provide motor assistance only when pedalling and stop assisting at 20 mph. Class 2 e-bikes have a throttle that allows the motor to propel the bike without pedalling, also stopping at 20 mph. Class 3 e-bikes provide pedal-assist up to 28 mph but do not have a throttle.

Frequently asked questions