Michigan opens thousands of miles of trails to e-bikes with new policy

• A new state policy opens more state trails to e-bike users
• A previous policy restricted e-bikes to ‘improved surface’ trails and roads
• The new policy expands access to dirt woodland trails and makes way for throttle-equipped e-bike use by people with mobility issues

E-bike riders just gained access to thousands of miles of trials across Michigan. 

During a meeting of the state Natural Resources Commission on Thursday, Michigan Department of Natural Resources Director Scott Bowen signed a land use order dramatically expanding e-bike access on state-managed trails.

DNR officials touted the new policy as a way to expand outdoor recreation opportunities for people with mobility impairments.

“Today’s director approval makes trail riding easier for people who may not have the physical ability to ride a traditional bike,” Tim Novak, the DNR’s state trails coordinator, said in a statement. “This includes individuals living with disabilities, older adults and really anyone who wishes to experience some assistance as they ride a bicycle.”

Related:

• Michigan officials mull more access for e-bikes on state trails
• Disability rights advocates ask Mackinac Island to allow Class 2 e-bikes
• Michigan Dems OK $3M for e-bike discounts. GOP says plan is off the rails

While e-bikes of all stripes have long been allowed on DNR-managed roads, bike lanes and motorized ORV trails, the state’s former policy allowed only Class 1 e-bikes on other trails.

Class 1 bikes, which are pedal-assisted and travel no faster than 20 miles per hour, were limited to “improved surface” trails such as the rail trails that dot the state.

The new policy dramatically expands access, allowing Class 1 e-bikes on dirt mountain bike trails and other pathways open to bikes in state parks and recreation areas.

People with mobility disabilities affecting their lower extremities may also get a permit to ride those trails on Class 2 e-bikes, which can be propelled by throttle or pedal-assist.

Class 3 e-bikes, which can reach speeds of up to 28 miles per hour, remain off-limits on state trails.

The change is immediate, on a one-year trial basis. During that time, according to the land use order, the DNR will study the impacts of expanded e-bike use and will make the policy permanent if “no negative impacts are evidenced.”

The agency will soon install signs at trailheads to make the rules clear to trail users.

It remains illegal to ride e-bikes in state game and wildlife areas, on congressionally authorized trails like the North Country National Scenic Trail, or on the High Country, Shingle Mill and Pickerel Lake pathways in the Pigeon River Country.

The League of Michigan Bicyclists and Michigan Mountain Bike Alliance supported the new policy, although biking advocates have acknowledged consternation from some riders who fear e-bikes will damage and overcrowd trails.

Local governments still have the power to craft their own e-bike regulations. Mackinac Island, for example, has banned all throttle-assisted e-bikes, prompting backlash from disability rights advocates.