Shared use trails are blazed with red 2-inch by 6-inch painted blazes. In my area, snowmobilers have managed to gain access to non-motorized trails - with sufficient snowcover, of course. State legislation has focused on three dynamics: The District of Columbia (D.C.) and 44states in some manner define an electric bicycle: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming. The Does not have capacity to be completely self-propelled (must be pedaled to engage electric motor). For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. E-bikes are permitted for use on approved mountain bike trails on property managed by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. This would generally meet the definition of a class three e-bike. At the federal level, a 2002 law enacted by Congress,HB 727, amended the Consumer Product Safety Commission definition of e-bikes. 0000010987 00000 n Once your e-bike is registered, youll receive a license plate that must be attached to the rear of the bike. Electric bicycles are street-legal in California, but you don't need a license or registration in order to operate one on the road. The policy allows e-bikes to be used on DCNR-managed trails where traditional bikes are allowed. Photo courtesy of A&S Bike Shop. +1 (385) 900-8093 Contact us today for your price quote! 1.1 PA E-Bikes Statement - Backcountry Hunters and Anglers; 2 E-Bikes could soon be permitted on state game lands | Outdoors. In West Virginia, the law provides for class one and class three e-bikes, but not the class two classification e-bike that can be propelled solely by a motor up to 20 MPH. Ebikes are allowed on sidewalks but restrictions may apply. In Louisiana and Pennsylvania, riders under 12 must wear a helmet. trailer <]/Prev 133392>> startxref 0 %%EOF 49 0 obj <>stream Under classes I and II, the motor does not provide assistance once the rider reaches 20 miles per hour; under Class III, the motor could provide support up to 28 miles per hour. Dec 20, 2022. Some states, including Alabama and Alaska, that define e-bikes in some manner still nonetheless require an operators license to ride an e-bike. HlWm'\`'44;'rQ,K))OU7#Ko?mx| V t =QN7}zumj0vzwz|9:('8z4P>b&bYP%6kok|w{JNME^ N-'" |P&`PK-kEHLB`'!,%AB+vQ0" 4=4cF>F=!7N7 We need your support. And thats a legitimate concern. First, be aware of your surroundings and ride cautiously. 0000003965 00000 n 6t4. t{,&?=T/ iksv^`* f [= t~{1.QL1.&$#$YqoX8TtR~[ zP^az2A0'c?dcc\(p@jhB\0[(jM\ 9+Lj(!TQKE =I15o]oSktx]c`EWzk1.c t#.Ye@Zux6v(03DK%0"2$N qC{of2TS](&3C\M %qB"qlI*"v&h E-bikes are allowedon trails already open to traditional bicycle usage as long as users follow guidelines consistent with the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code that e-bikes: E-bikes can be used on DCNR-managed trails where traditional bikes are allowed. Humans and animals can be unpredictable. 0000001156 00000 n 0000017557 00000 n In addition, e-bike riders must yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal when passing them. PENNSYLVANIA, USA After several months and hundreds of public comments, the state has finalized its rules for e-bikes in state parks and forests. The Forest Service has a long tradition of multiple uses and supporting access to the public land the agency manages. E-bikes also are banned on the forest preserve, meaning they can't share the trails with regular mountain bikes. State forest roads and trails that are not open to biking which would also prohibit e-bikes include: Natural areas; Designated hiking trails (blazed with yellow or orange); and. Specifically, on November 28, 2022, DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn executed the Department's final policy as it relates to the use of e-bikes on certain PA public lands. For further information on e-bike laws, research, news and industry updates visitPeople for Bikes. 0000031621 00000 n Owners of non-electric bicycles in Hawaii must register their bikes as well, but the fee is $15. In Mississippi, there is no clear designation for an electric bicycle, but anattorney general opinionindicates that an electric bicycle would be considered a bicycle. Warrenfeltz said most of his customers for these bikes are casual riders who ride at an average speed of about 12 miles per hour. The new law allows all three classes of e-bikes to ride on cycling trails in national parks, though Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed to use the throttle control. A bicycle equipped with 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 and is equipped with a speedometer. E-Bikes in Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests, Bureau of Facility Design and Construction, Conservation & Natural Resources Advisory Council, Cross-country ski trails (blue-blazed trails), Many trails connecting to State Forest Hiking Trails, Do not exceed 20 miles-per-hour using the motor. Bicycles are not permitted on freeways in Pennsylvania without permission of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. A lock ( You are using an out of date browser. Additionally, electric bike riders must stay on designated trails at all times and follow all other rules and regulations that apply to mountain biking in general. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. But he also touched on a perceived bias in the legislation toward big bike groups and manufacturers like Trek Bikes and PeopleForBikes. Yes, electric bikes are legal in PA. If possible, stick to existing trails when riding an electric bike on state game lands. Albright said he sells over 100 e-bikes per year, with the vast majority of his customers over 65 years old. Designations involve appropriate environmental analysis, public involvement, and local decision-making. Dont block the trail. DCNRs e-bike policy prohibits using the electric motor (throttle) exclusively to move an e-bike without pedaling. U.S. Supreme Court Decision Upholds New Mexico Public Access Law, University of Montana Students Attend Rally for Public Lands, Oregon Business and Conservation Interests Support Dedicated Funding for Oregons Imperiled Species, Forever no more? The rider on the electric bicycle must be at least 16 years old. E-bikes bring new users to forests, grasslands, USDA Forest Service Issues Guidance to Manage Future E-Bike Use on National Forests and Grasslands. Under current regulation, it is unlawful to use or operate any type of e-bike on Pennsylvania State Game Lands, unless used by individuals with mobility disabilities. Is foraging legal in PA? As use trends change with time and new technologies, the way we manage lands to ensure their long-term health and resilience must change as well. Yes, electric bikes can go on trails. Revising older state laws that classify e-bikes as mopeds and scooters and may include burdensome licensure, registration or equipment requirements. When riding on soft surfaces like dirt or sand, be especially mindful not to create ruts or trails that could damage sensitive plant life or disturb wildlife. In a convoluted way since first introduced in 2010, a last minute amendment was introduced by Representative Kevin Schreiber (D-95) with identical language to HB 213 by Seth Grove (R-196), which was also identical to SB 997 introduced by Mike Fleck. Contents. Are Electric Bikes Allowed on Rail Trails. This policy provides the greatest assurance that any impacts to wildlife habitat from increased motorized use will be minimized and that traditional non-motorized hunting and fishing opportunities will be maintained. 0000008512 00000 n According to the Florida State Parks website, you can ride an electric bike on trails. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. If you're looking for ways to make your bike seat more comfortable, you've come to the right place. Can You Ride an Electric Bike on Public Roads? If you're looking to pedal an e-bike today in a national park, on BLM land or in a national forest, your best bet is to stick to trails and roads where you'll also find cars, camper vans, motorcycles and other motorized vehicles. Colorado, Indiana, Michigan, New Hampshire, South Dakota and Utah require helmets for those under age 18 operating or riding on a class three e-bike. What are the rules for riding on the trails in Pennsylvania? Public Lands & Waters Photo Contest, 2022 Winners, TAKE ACTION: Oppose Guaranteed Elk Tags for Large Absentee Landowners. Whether its getting them active on trails or out of cars for their commutes, e-bikes are a net positive for society. And whether you ride an acoustic or electric bike, you cant argue that fact. 7 0 obj <> endobj xref The law states assisted bikes are allowed to be ridden on roads and bike lanes and the power limit is 750 watts (1 horsepower). Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee and D.C. require riders under age 16 to wear a helmet. 0000026788 00000 n 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. But for those who own bikes with electronic motor assistance, where they can legally ride them may soon have its limits. To be street legal, your e-bike must be registered and titled with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). There are a few things to keep in mind when riding an electric bike on public roads. Pennsylvania. E-bikes will be allowed on DCNR-managed motorized trails and public-use roads unless they are marked as prohibited to bikes. Classes I and II can operate on authorized paths, while Class III can only operate on paths adjacent to a highway or roadway.. State Parks, State Forests, and Other State Lands: Class 1 electric bicycles may be used anywhere bicycles are allowed. 0000001391 00000 n Twenty-two states and D.C. have helmet laws that apply to all bicyclists, including e-bike riders, under a certain age, ranging from under 12 to 18 years of age. 0000026871 00000 n Eh\-8 -~-=ONcyFv'lN:mjbUpe^u!F*P[7{.nn'zlu4z}FxS#QsDCdKa~a"j QGcYY9@l~E\aUNg%c8*-1pV-G Owners of non-electric bicycles in Hawaii must register their bikes as well, but the fee is $15. By Gwendolyn Craig. Florida, Maine and Maryland require any e-bike operator or passenger under 16 years of age to wear a helmet, while New Jersey requires any e-bike operator or passenger under 17 to wear a helmet and New York requires any e-bike operator or passenger under 14 to wear a helmet. The 2020-21 Pennsylvania Hunting & Trapping Digest incorrectly states on Page 16 that Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are permitted on game lands, despite the fact that they are still illegal. Google PA laws for e-bikes 2019 . Local district trails (specific use) that also may be used for mountain biking include: Mountain bikers also may utilize the Coudersport Pike Snowmobile Trail, which is designated as shared use. E-bikes should be used as normal bikes in California and are not considered vehicles under the California Vehicle Code. 3.1 proposed rulemaking - Pennsylvania Bulletin; 4 pennsylvania's e-bike law . %PDF-1.3 % Morgan Lommele, the director of state and local policy for the advocacy group PeopleForBikes, said at the hearing the bill would update state law to keep up with technology. She said 28 other states have passed similar measures. More: Electric bike rental delivery service rolls out for Erie. 0000022228 00000 n The Forest Service finalized its directives that clarify how e-bikes are managed on national forests and grasslands. E-bikes are permitted on most trails where motorcycles are allowed. 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