E-Bike Recreation Faces Confusing Array of Rules and Regulations

No E-Bikes on East Bay Regional Park District Multi-Use Trail

QWR continues to appreciate the effort put forth several weeks ago by the CA OHV Commission, staff, and E-vehicle manufacturers to present various vehicles and discuss the growing popularity of E-bicycles/motorcycles and just where they fit into the land-use equation.

The event has prompted QWR to start looking at the various local, state, and federal regulations and policies that govern E-bike use (Class 1 and 2) on public bicycle paths and designated trails.

Fortunately in California, California State Parks considers E-bikes (electronic bicycles and electronic mountain bikes) as bicycles and allows on the same paths and trails as regular bicycles and mountain bikes.   Utah has also passed E-bike friendly laws.

Region and local agencies often create ordinances that either ban or allow E-bike use within their jurisdiction.  For example, East Bay Regional Park District bans the use of E-bikes on their paths and trails (although they have a pilot project underway on a few of their paths to see if they will allow E-bike use in the future).

Regular MTB Ride on EBRPD Path Today

Great to get out and see the Salmon Spawn in Marsh Creek

Trail Could or Should be Open for Class 1 and 2 E-Bikes?

Santa Clara County Park regulations do allow mountain e-bikes on the trails, but they cannot be operated in excess of 15 MPH, and are restricted to specific roads and trails.

Sacramento County Department of Regional Parks does allow for Class 1 and 2 E-bikes on bicycle paths and trails, but restricts their maximum speed to 15 MPH.

Salmon Info Kiosk along Marsh Creek Path

On the federal side, the Consumer Products Safety Commission does not consider Class 1 and 2 E-bikes as motorized vehicles since it defines a bicycle §1512.2 as either (1) a two-wheeled vehicle having a rear drive wheel solely human-powered; or (2) a two- or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p.), 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.

Salmon Getting Ready to Spawn in Marsh Creek

Yet, the Forest Service, BLM, and National Park Service define E-bikes as motorized vehicles.  This basically restricts all E-bikes to using OHV trails if they want to travel on a dirt trail.

Many state and national programs and outreach efforts are urging folks of all ages and physical ability to “get out and enjoy the great outdoors” – An effort that QWR strongly supports.  However, it appears that some regulations are getting in the way.

Common Sense Trail Ethics is a Key Management Tool

With the rapid growth of E-vehicles (UTVs, ATVs, MCs, MTBs, etc.), QWR believes it is important for both the OHV and traditional mountain bike communities to work with E-bike enthusiasts, legislators, regulators, manufacturers, and other stakeholders to try and address the rather confusing array of rules and regulations that may actually be keeping people at home instead of transporting them to and on the trail.

Stay tuned for more updates.  Feedback is always welcome.  Either post feedback in the comment section or send them directly to: damador@quietwarriorracing.com

PS - Watch for Major Announcement in the next few weeks about QWR launching an E-Vehicle Module in 2018.