Electric bikes will soon be allowed on Michigan State Park trails after the state’s Natural Resources Commission approved a proposal last week.
The proposal now allows Class 1 electric bikes to be operated on improved surface trails managed by the state. Under Michigan law, a Class 1 electric bike has a motor that provides assistance when the rider is pedaling and reaches speeds up to 20 mph.
According to the proposal, the state manages about 3,000 miles of trails open to the use of bicycles on both the Parks and Recreation and Forest Resources Division. The improved surface trails – which would allow the Class 1 e-bikes, are trails that have an asphalt, crushed limestone, or similar surface, or rail trail.
Earlier this year, the state put out the proposal and sought public comment on the plan. According to the land use order, “the majority of comments received have been in support of expansion.”
Under the proposal, Class 2 e-bikes will also be authorized for anyone with a mobility disability on bicycle trails through the issuance of an annual use permit. Class 2 e-bikes are equipped with a motor that propels the bicycle to a speed of no more than 20 mph – whether or not the rider is pedaling.
The land use order will be in effect for one year, according to the DNR. And if after the one-year period they find negative impacts, they will rescind the order. However, if there are no negative impacts, then the order will remain in effect.
West Michigan has many bike and walking trails, and the biggest rule for state-owned trails was no motorized vehicles. However, thanks to a DNR rule change, people can now ride certain electric bikes on state trails.
At Village Bike and Fitness in Plainfield Township, electric bicycles are a big part of the business. Owner Corey Boltma emphasized that purchasing an e-bike begins with selecting the right type of bicycle.
Electric bicycles come in three categories: Class 1 bikes have pedal assist and a top speed of 20 miles per hour; Class 2 bikes have throttle control, allowing the rider to choose not to pedal; and Class 3 bikes are similar to Class 1 but can reach speeds of up to 28 mph.
Now, for the first time in Michigan, two classes of electric bikes are being allowed on state park land and recreational trails. Boltma expressed excitement about this change, stating, “We never really understood why it was not allowed before, because in the country, it’s been at most states you can ride e bikes on mountain bike trails and state trails and all of that. So, we’re super excited about it.”
In July, the DNR decided to allow the use of Class 1 ebikes for everyone, and Class 2 ebikes for people with disabilities. Class 3 ebikes still are not allowed to be used on state trails.
DNR Trail Section Chief, Tim Novak, explained that extensive public meetings revealed no valid reasons to continue the prohibition, prompting the change. He pointed out that other states allow electric bikes to be used and it was time for Michigan to follow suit, saying, “The National Park Services opened up their non-motorized trails to electric bicycles. It’s a trend that increases accessibility for people.”
Friends of the White Pine Trail chairman, David Heyboer, sees the need for the rule change because it will allow more people to use the trail, stating, “It certainly opens things up to people that are limited in capabilities, and that’s good.”
Village Bike is just glad the state has finally embraced electric bikes. Boltma said, “It never made sense. So, I’m super excited that has changed. And, you know, look forward to the future.”
The DNR says the use of electric bikes on state trails will be evaluated next year to determine if any changes need to be made to the policy.