PRESS RELEASE
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
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The permissible use of Class 1 electric bicycles on state-managed non-motorized bike lanes/trails has been expanded following the approval of a proposed land use ordinance by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
DNR Director Scott Bowen approved the land use ordinance change during the Michigan Natural Resources Commission’s monthly meeting held at the Cadillac Place Building in Detroit.
“This decision makes our trails even more inclusive and provides opportunities for those who cannot ride a bike without assistance but still want to continue biking and enjoying the outdoors,” said Ron Olson, DNR’s Parks and Recreation Division director.
“We expect all cyclists and trail users to continue to observe appropriate trail etiquette to ensure all users are safe and can enjoy the extensive nature trail system.”
Definitions and details
An electric bicycle (or e-bike) is a bicycle with a small, rechargeable electric motor that can provide a boost to the pedaling rider or take over the pedaling entirely.
To be considered an e-bike in Michigan, the bike must meet the following requirements:
- There must be a seat or saddle for the rider to sit on.
- The pedals must be fully functional.
- The electric motor must not have more than 750 watts (or 1 hp).
Whether you are allowed to ride an e-bike on a trail depends on several factors, including the class of e-bike, the type of trail, and whether the agency that manages or oversees the trail allows its use.
The DNR Land Use Regulation The ordinance approved today takes effect immediately and expands the operation of Class 1 e-bikes so that they are now permitted on paved surface trails, such as linear trails (paved or gravel/asphalt), as well as on non-motorized natural surface bike paths/trails in state parks and recreation areas and on state forest trails and roads.
The predominant concern regarding the approval of electric bicycles on hiking trails is the issue of safety – particularly in relation to speed.
Class 1 e-bikes have pedal assist and can travel up to 20 miles per hour.
In addition, the amendment now allows Class 2 e-bikes, which have throttle and pedal assistance and can travel up to 20 miles per hour, to operate on the paths/routes approved for use by Class 1 e-bikes for mobility purposes, provided that a cyclist has applied for and received a free permit to do so.
Before the land use change, Class 1 e-bikes were only permitted on paved paths and roads on government-managed land.
“Today’s approval by the director makes trail riding easier for people who are physically unable to ride a traditional bicycle,” said Tim Novak, the DNR’s state trail coordinator. “That includes people with disabilities, older adults and really anyone who wants some assistance while riding a bike. Class 1 e-bikes require pedaling, which provides great health benefits for riders.”
The DNR places signs at trailheads indicating the permitted use of e-bikes.
E-bikes remain prohibited on state game and wildlife areas, on congressionally authorized trails such as the North Country National Scenic Trail, or on these three trails in Pigeon River Country in the northern Lower Peninsula: High Country, Shingle Mill and Pickerel Lake.
Class 3 e-bikes, which have pedal assist and have a top speed of 28 miles per hour, remain prohibited on all state-managed non-motorized trails.
Under current law, local authorities can expand or further regulate the use of e-bikes in their respective communities.
Informed decision-making process
The land-use change followed months of research, discussions and collaboration between DNR staff and trail user groups, including the League of Michigan Bicyclists and the Michigan Mountain Bike Alliance.
The DNR also collected feedback on the then-proposed change through a public survey conducted earlier this year.
The League of Michigan Bicyclists and the Michigan Mountain Bike Alliance support the land use ordinance change, said Matt Penniman, the organizations’ communications and advocacy director.
“Theodore Roosevelt once wrote, ‘I believe in power, but I believe that with power should come responsibility.’ We believe in the power of e-bikes to give more people access to Michigan’s incredible mountain bike trails,” said Penniman. “We also believe in the responsibility of riders to follow the rules, practice good trail etiquette and treat our trails with respect.”
“Over the past year and a half, the DNR has engaged well with the mountain biking community on this change. We expect the DNR to continue to take a responsible approach to allocate more resources to education, enforcement and trail maintenance in parallel with increased use.”
Nicole Hunt, chief of the DNR’s regulatory unit, said that e-bike use is actually continuing to grow across the country and that many states are opening up certain areas for their use.
“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.
The review of federal recognition of e-bike use was also part of the process.
“The federal government has recognized the benefits of e-bikes for recreational use on trails and has updated its regulations for providing federal grants for the construction of non-motorized trails on natural surfaces. The use of e-bikes on trails constructed with federal funds is now no longer prohibited,” Hunt said.
Novak said the DNR has also studied how other states allow the use of e-bikes.
“We compared other states and local trail systems that allow e-bikes on natural trails without motors and found that there have been no conflicts, injuries or unnecessary depletion of our natural resources that would raise concerns about expanding e-bike use,” Novak said.
Hunt said Arkansas’ state parks are notable for having a large number of trails, including mountain bike trails, and have allowed e-bikes for years without any problems.
The DNR plans to monitor e-bike use in the coming months, including releasing a new public survey and speaking with riders on the trails and with trail user groups during yet-to-be-scheduled virtual public meetings.
Further details about these events will be announced shortly.
Learn more about e-bikes in Michigan, current e-bike policies on state-managed parking lots, and upcoming public e-bike meetings at Michigan.gov/DNR/Ebikes.
Heather Johnson Durocher is a trail and resource writer for the Michigan Department of Natural Resource’s Division of Parks and Recreation
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