Michigan Looks at E-Bike Use in State Parks

There are more than 3000 miles of trails in Michigan’s state parks. And e-bikes may soon be allowed on them. Currently, the trail systems are open for nonmotorized use—hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers. The Michigan Natural Resources Commission recently met to consider allowing Class 1 e-bikes to be ridden on nonmotorized trails, which would include single track and other unimproved trails.

Class 1 e-bikes are allowed on improved-surface trails; those are trails that have been paved or are covered in gravel. The new proposal would open these improved-surface trails to Class 2 e-bikes—those with a maximum pedal-assist speed of 20 mph, plus a throttle. Class 3 e-bikes, which have a maximum pedal-assist speed of 28 mph, would continue to be prohibited from use on state park land.

The proposal seems likely to go through, considering recent comments by Tim Novak, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources state trail coordinator.

“This change would make trails more accessible for people who may not have the physical ability to ride a traditional bike,” Novak said. “This would include individuals living with disabilities, older adults and really anyone who wishes to experience some assistance as they ride a bicycle. Class 1 e-bikes require pedaling, providing a great health benefit to riders.”

According to Novak, Michigan has studied how other states have handled e-bikes.

“We have benchmarked other states and local trail systems that allow e-bikes on natural surface, nonmotorized trails, and what we found was there haven’t been issues with conflicts or injuries or unnecessary wear and tear on our natural resources which would cause any reservation in expanding e-bike use,” Novak said.