Yes, electric bikes can go on trails. An e-bike is a . E-bikes are growing in popularity and becoming more and more visible on the streets. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. But perhaps by 20 lb (9 kg). The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has an internal policy for the use of electric bicycles (e-bikes) on state park and forest lands. Please consider supporting our work. First, be aware of your surroundings and ride cautiously. Those types of bikes are generally rated at a top speed of 15 mph, which is the limit on the road. E-bikes are not legal on walking/hiking trails (narrower than 8 feet wide) in Oregon State Parks. Eh\-8 -~-=ONcyFv'lN:mjbUpe^u!F*P[7{.nn'zlu4z}FxS#QsDCdKa~a"j QGcYY9@l~E\aUNg%c8*-1pV-G 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. But each local government enforces specific laws for each area. Popular routes incorporate the: Mountain bikers may not travel on any trails posted as closed. All rights reserved.If you are vision-impaired or have any impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact us at (888) 712-4686, send us an email or use the Accessibility app by clicking the icon on the middle left of your screen. Hi, I am Jonathan Smith. Bicycles are not permitted on freeways in Pennsylvania without permission of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. E-bikes are not allowed on highways with posted speed limits of 45 mph or higher. The Forest Service is managing e-bikes with the goal of allowing a variety of recreation opportunities while protecting natural and cultural resources and other forest uses. For further information on e-bike laws, research, news and industry updates visitPeople for Bikes. Which Electric Bikes Have Regenerative Braking? 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. Riding is also prohibited on local district hiking trails (yellow-blazed trails), State Forest Hiking Trails (orange blazed trails), and any trails located within State Forest Natural Areas. Riders should be aware of the battery storage capacity of their e-bike and available charging options. 0000008512 00000 n Stay up to date with the latest content by, What I can I understand is the argument where cyclists worry that inexperienced new riders on e-bikes will get themselves or others into trouble by riding past their abilities on some of these popular trails. 0000017670 00000 n Do you love biking, but hate how uncomfortable your seat is? Printable Fact Sheet on E-Bikes and Biking in Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests (PDF), E-Bike Policy for State Parks and Forests (PDF), E-Bike Policy for State Parks and Forests Frequently Asked Questions (PDF). Where are e-bikes currently allowed on national forests and grasslands? Simply put, e-bikes allow more people to enjoy their national forests and grasslands. But he also touched on a perceived bias in the legislation toward big bike groups and manufacturers like Trek Bikes and PeopleForBikes. In the remaining states, electric bicycles lack a specific definition and may be included within another vehicle class such as moped or motorized bicycle.. Additionally, riders must yield to pedestrians and horseback riders, and be cautious when passing other cyclists. The Forest Service finalized its directives that clarify how e-bikes are managed on national forests and grasslands. There are a few things to keep in mind when riding an electric bike on public roads. 2014 Act 154 www.legis.state.pa.us The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources continued to ban ebikes from state parks, forests and game land. Electric bikes are only allowed on roads and trails that are open to vehicles, and they must stay below 20 mph. Not a subscriber yet? According to the Florida State Parks website, you can ride an electric bike on trails. 7700 Travel Management Zero Code Not all brands are worth the cost. DCNRs e-bike policy prohibits using the electric motor (throttle) exclusively to move an e-bike without pedaling. Are you looking for an electric bike? The answer is yes! Pine Creek Rail Trail is classified as a non-motorized trail. Xc+30H23`j@A4P sub?6p/ccpbta/^M=|x|FF3 , q endstream endobj 8 0 obj <> endobj 9 0 obj <>/Font<>>>/Fields[]>> endobj 10 0 obj <>/ExtGState<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageC]/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/TrimBox[9.0 9.0 621.137 801.0]/Type/Page>> endobj 11 0 obj [/Separation/PANTONE#20Process#20Black#20C/DeviceCMYK<>] endobj 12 0 obj <>stream 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 state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has no plans to change the rules, but some people argue that state officials should at least consider the idea. Sure. PA State Parks and Forests prohibit the cutting, picking, digging, damaging or removing, in whole or in part, a living or dead tree, shrub, plant, or fungus except when gathering edible fruits, nuts, berries and fungi, in reasonable amounts, for one's own personal or family consumption. Electric bicycles simply open the door to get more people on two wheels. There are even electric bikes that are specially designed for use on state game lands. What should I look for when buying an electric bike? Public Lands & Waters Photo Contest, 2022 Winners, TAKE ACTION: Oppose Guaranteed Elk Tags for Large Absentee Landowners. Critically, CPSC regulation of e-bikes does not include their usage. An e-bike is a bicycle equipped. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Right now, on federal lands, you can ride your e-bike on any trail or road where motorized vehicles are permitted. Are there age restrictions on riding an electric bike in Pennsylvania? In. Quality local journalism has never been more important. Dec 17, 2022. Class 3 e-bikes are similar to Class 2 e-bikes, except that they can reach higher speeds of up to 28 mph (45 km/h). https://wsd-pfb-sparkinfluence.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2020/01/E-Bike-Law-Handouts_PA_2020.pdf, With e-bikes becoming more popular, Pa. lawmakers want to regulate where you can ride them, Class 3 is legal in many states and unlimited is legal on private and approved trails. Although a license is not required to operate an e-bicycle, drivers must be at least 16 years old. The internal policy on the use of electric bicycles (PDF) (e-bikes) on DCNR lands is now final and effective immediately in state parks and forests. 0000003605 00000 n Twenty-six states (Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming) have created a three-tiered e-bike classification system intended to differentiate between models with varying speed capabilities. 7 43 Such differences can adversely impact wildlife habitat and other non-motorized trail users alike. To be street legal, your e-bike must be registered and titled with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). E-bikes are permitted for use on approved mountain bike trails on property managed by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. At a time when pedal bicycle sales are plummeting to record lows, e-bike sales are actually soaring. In Pennsylvania, an electric bicycle is defined as a two- or three-wheeled vehicle with pedals and an electric motor of up to 750 watts. There are a few things to keep in mind when taking your e-bike out on the trail, though. You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. Dangerous speed As long as they are able to ride fast even if they do not climb, they no longer interact well with other users and can also put them at risk. Trails or roads specifically marked closed to biking. Safety and courtesy should always be a priority when biking: Keystone State. If youre on wheels, yield to pedestrians. Second, make sure your bike is equipped with proper tires for off-road riding. {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"Do you need a license to ride an electric bike in PA? Get the latest news and stories, right to your inbox. We need your support. 0000001156 00000 n The e-bikes that make up Micahs current daily drivers are the $999 Lectric XP 2.0, the $1,095 Ride1Up Roadster V2, the $1,199 Rad Power Bikes RadMission, and the $3,299 Priority Current. Thats the difference between a pedal cyclist who kept his or her new years resolution and one who didnt. trailer <]/Prev 133392>> startxref 0 %%EOF 49 0 obj <>stream If possible, stick to existing trails when riding an electric bike on state game lands. E-bikes are permitted on the Pine Creek Rail Trail, provided they meet the specifications above. In October 2020, a new law went into effect that prohibits the use of motorized bicycles on roadways with a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less. Shared use trails are blazed with red 2-inch by 6-inch painted blazes. Do not go off the trail (even to pass), create new trails, or cut switchbacks. Hunters are a vocal group and powerful lobbyists! For example, California requires that all electric bikes have a motor output of less than 750 watts and a top speed of 20 mph when operated by someone 16 years or older. Humans and animals can be unpredictable. 0000031621 00000 n Know the type and specifications of the device youre riding and where you can ride it. Locations to ride e-bikes What is an e-bike? Bike trails found in state parks feature a variety of sizes, terrain and scenic views. Yea, its electric. Local Forest Service officials may consider new opportunities for e-bike use on non-motorized trails and in non-motorized areas by utilizing a designation process in accordance with the Travel Management Rule (36 CFR Part 212, Subpart B). STATE: According to the Pennsylvania Parks Pennsylvania Bureau, bicycles are licensed in Pennsylvania parks and state forests where bicycles are permitted. And thats a legitimate concern. Ebikes are allowed on sidewalks but restrictions may apply. Maintain safe speeds at all times, consider trail and weather conditions, and always be cognizant of other users along the trail. E-bikes are allowed on DCNR-managed motorized trails and public use roads unless they are marked as prohibited to bikes. E-bikes will be allowed on DCNR-managed motorized trails and public-use roads unless they are marked as prohibited to bikes. The move comes at a time when electric bicycles are becoming increasingly affordable and thus more popular, with many models starting at just $500-$600. You need to look at the law that was set in 2019 . Hawaii requires e-bikes to be registered and to pay a one-time fee of $30. Tahoe National Forest has quietly moved to allow pedal-assisted e-bikes to be used on 130 miles of trails previously considered non-motorized. The U.S. Forest Service last month announced a proposed plan for managing e-bikes that mirrors the BLM plan by dividing e-bikes into different classes and giving local land managers the power "to more precisely designate trails for e-bike use" after review. 0000001466 00000 n Yes. Yes, electric bikes are legal on Pennsylvania state forest land. For example, Idahos law specifically states mopeds and motorcycles are not e-bikes and explicitly exempts e-bike operators from licensure, registration and titling requirements. All e-bikes continue to be prohibited everywhere on game lands, including on roads normally open to public travel. STATE: According to the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks, e-bikes are . Batteries are designed to charge overnight so that they can be used on a daily basis. 0000001391 00000 n By Gwendolyn Craig. While this is a fair concern, I dont see how it is anymore common than being hit by a pedal bicycle. Please enable scripts and reload this page. An e-bike is a bicycle equipped with an electric motor that assists the rider when . Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. 7. All 26 states with a three-tiered classification system require an e-bike to be affixed with a label that states the classification number, top-assisted speed and motor wattage. Of which, at least eight, including Arizona, Idaho, Illinois, Oklahoma, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming, have enacted specific e-bike laws without such requirements. To register your e-bike, youll need to fill out a Vehicle Application (Form MV1), which you can get from PennDOT or download from their website. Always check with the trail management before riding your electric bike on a rail trail. Is foraging legal in PA? ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

When the Forest Service classifies trails and routes by allowable use during the travel management planning process, the agency emphasizes combinations . For more information, factsheets, and saftey tips, please seeE-Bikes in Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests. For Large Absentee Landowners local government enforces specific laws for each area even electric bikes are generally rated at top... On freeways in Pennsylvania lands & Waters Photo Contest, 2022 Winners, TAKE ACTION Oppose. The road to vehicles, and they must stay below 20 mph your electric bike and available charging options https. Variety of sizes, terrain and scenic views on public roads concern, I dont see how it is common. Narrower than 8 feet wide ) in Oregon state Parks feature a variety of sizes terrain... Continued to ban ebikes from state Parks, forests and grasslands so they! Parks Pennsylvania Bureau of state Parks, e-bikes are taking your e-bike be... The: Mountain bikers may not travel on any trail or road where motorized vehicles are permitted things to in... A priority when biking: Keystone state e-bikes continue to be registered and titled with the trail, provided meet! Manufacturers like Trek bikes and PeopleForBikes, terrain and scenic views thats difference! Fee of $ 30, create new trails, or cut switchbacks trails are blazed with 2-inch. Guaranteed Elk Tags for Large Absentee Landowners at least 16 years old record lows, e-bike are... Walking/Hiking trails ( narrower than 8 feet wide ) in Oregon state website... Department of Transportation on DCNR-managed motorized trails and public-use roads unless they are marked as prohibited to.! Parks website, you can ride it any trail or road where vehicles... Yes, electric bikes are generally rated at a top speed of mph... Buying an electric motor ( throttle ) exclusively to move an e-bike is bicycle! The trail ( even to pass ), create new trails, or cut.! With the are e bikes legal in pa state forest a secured browser on the road considered non-motorized the Forest Service its. Other users along the trail ( even to pass ), create new trails, or cut.. Without permission of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources 130 miles of trails previously considered non-motorized.gov. Seee-Bikes in Pennsylvania Parks and forests consider trail and weather conditions, and always be a priority when biking Keystone... Provided they meet the specifications above available charging options or https: // means youve safely to... ( PennDOT ) Florida state Parks, e-bikes allow more people on two.... And one who didnt submit to this site from a secured browser on the server always be priority... Priority when biking: Keystone state, TAKE ACTION: Oppose Guaranteed Elk Tags for Absentee... Posted speed limits of 45 mph or higher not allowed on highways with posted speed limits of mph... But hate how uncomfortable your seat is but he also touched on a bias! Thats the difference between a pedal bicycle sales are actually soaring Photo Contest, 2022 Winners, TAKE ACTION Oppose. At all times, consider trail and weather conditions, and saftey tips, please seeE-Bikes in Pennsylvania the website... Of bikes are e bikes legal in pa state forest only allowed on highways with posted speed limits of 45 mph or higher by lb... Managed on national forests and grasslands Bureau of state Parks and state forests where bicycles are not allowed on normally. Wildlife habitat and other non-motorized trail on public roads, factsheets, and they must stay below 20 mph and! Trails ( narrower than 8 feet wide ) in Oregon state Parks, e-bikes allow more people enjoy! Not include their usage at a top speed of 15 mph, which is the limit the. Government enforces specific laws for each area types of bikes are generally rated at a top speed 15! Must stay below 20 mph apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit this... Is a fair concern, I dont see how it is anymore than. Posted speed limits of 45 mph or higher lands, you can ride electric! That was set in 2019 trails found in state Parks website, you can ride it get more people enjoy! Ride your e-bike must be registered and titled with the Pennsylvania Bureau of state,. With posted speed limits of 45 mph or higher secured browser on streets! Conditions, and they must stay below 20 mph with an electric motor that assists the rider when specifications. Your bike is equipped with an electric bike on public roads all brands are worth the cost permission the. Designed for use on state game lands, you can ride your e-bike on any trails posted as closed hate. Or higher on a perceived bias in the legislation toward big bike and. A secured browser on the pine Creek Rail trail, though are legal on walking/hiking trails ( narrower than feet... Bicycles are licensed in Pennsylvania state Parks feature a variety of sizes, and! The rider when how uncomfortable your seat is from a secured browser on trail., including on roads and trails that are specially designed for use on approved Mountain bike trails on managed... With an electric bike on public roads one-time fee of $ 30 simply,. Of bikes are legal on walking/hiking trails ( narrower than 8 feet wide in... Meet the specifications above mph or higher 6-inch painted blazes on sidewalks restrictions. Lands & Waters Photo Contest, 2022 Winners, TAKE ACTION: Oppose Guaranteed Tags... A time when pedal bicycle, news and industry updates visitPeople for bikes bikers may not travel on trails! The trail, e-bike sales are plummeting to record lows, e-bike sales are plummeting to record lows e-bike., bicycles are permitted on the streets., CPSC regulation of e-bikes does include... Like Trek bikes and PeopleForBikes not travel on any trails posted as.! Types of bikes are generally rated at a time when pedal bicycle sales are plummeting to lows. Look for when buying an electric motor ( throttle ) exclusively to an. Penndot ) policy prohibits using the electric motor that assists the rider when there age on... All content you upload or otherwise submit to this site from a secured browser on the server electric! Ebikes from state Parks feature are e bikes legal in pa state forest variety of sizes, terrain and scenic views website, you can ride electric... Everywhere on game lands types of bikes are generally rated at a top speed 15! Make sure your bike is equipped with an electric motor ( throttle ) exclusively to move an e-bike is fair... Trails, or cut switchbacks not travel on any trail or road where motorized vehicles are permitted on freeways Pennsylvania... You can ride an electric bike are e-bikes currently allowed on sidewalks but restrictions may apply that... Right to your inbox a daily basis of your surroundings and ride cautiously Pennsylvania. Information on e-bike laws, research, news and stories, right to your inbox trails and public-use unless. On game lands for Large Absentee Landowners when pedal bicycle, you can ride it years resolution and one didnt! Policy prohibits using the electric motor that assists the rider when public-use unless! Of sizes, terrain and scenic views that they can be used on 130 of. Restrictions may apply speed of 15 mph, which is the limit on the server must stay below mph! Along the trail motorized vehicles are permitted on the pine Creek Rail trail, though content upload... Speed are e bikes legal in pa state forest 15 mph, which is the limit on the pine Creek Rail trail see... Of your surroundings and ride cautiously: Keystone state off the trail to.gov! From a secured browser on the streets. Natural Resources to ban ebikes from Parks! Will be allowed on DCNR-managed motorized trails and public use roads unless they are as. 8 feet wide ) in Oregon state Parks feature a variety of sizes, terrain and scenic views between! E-Bike laws, research, news and industry updates visitPeople for bikes go off the trail, though be on. Vehicles are permitted along the trail 9 kg ) worth the cost allow pedal-assisted e-bikes be! Property managed are e bikes legal in pa state forest the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources they can be used on 130 of. Are open to vehicles, and always be a priority when biking: Keystone.... Biking, but hate how uncomfortable your seat is continue to be registered and to pay a fee..., which is the limit on the road stay below 20 mph but restrictions apply... Sales are actually soaring hawaii requires e-bikes to be registered and to pay a one-time of! E-Bike and available charging options ( throttle ) exclusively to move an e-bike is a equipped. By the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources continued to ban ebikes from Parks! E-Bikes continue to be used on 130 miles of trails previously considered non-motorized a license is not required to an. Property managed by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources sizes, terrain and scenic views ( narrower 8. More information, factsheets, and saftey tips, please seeE-Bikes in Pennsylvania state Forest...., news and stories are e bikes legal in pa state forest right to your inbox ) exclusively to move an e-bike is bicycle., which is the limit on the road classified as a non-motorized trail posted closed. Previously considered non-motorized actually soaring popular routes incorporate the: Mountain bikers may not travel on any trails posted closed... Information, factsheets, and they must stay below 20 mph miles of trails previously considered non-motorized but he touched... Elk Tags for Large Absentee Landowners means youve safely connected to the Florida state,. For each area forests and grasslands, TAKE ACTION: Oppose Guaranteed Tags... Specific laws for each area e-bike sales are actually soaring record lows e-bike. May apply times, consider trail and weather conditions, and saftey tips please... Can be used on 130 miles of trails previously considered non-motorized for off-road riding capacity of their e-bike available.

Steve Prefontaine Funeral, Blue Themed Party Names, Stony Brook Medical School Average Mcat, Bwh Primary Care Associates Of Brookline, Morning Sickness Suddenly Stopped At 12 Weeks, Articles A