Share Your Thoughts on E-Bikes on Trails

There are all kinds of ways to enjoy trails: walking, running, biking — the list is limitless. We know that all kinds of people get out on trail, and there are many ways to do so. Including e-bikes. 

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are gathering feedback on the use of electric-assisted bicycles (e-bikes) on non-motorized, multi-use natural surface trails already open to mountain bikes and closed roads open to non-motorized recreation. Now is your time to share your thoughts about e-bikes through their survey. 

This is a non-motorized, multi-use natural surface trail at Grand Ridge Park — the kind of trail e-bikes could be on if a change in policy is made. Photo by kidzwonthike.

What’s an e-bike?

Electric-assisted bicycles (e-bikes) are equipped with an electric motor that assists with or replaces pedaling. They are increasingly popular as a mode of transportation for commuting and recreating. 

E-bikes have two or three wheels, pedals and an electric motor.

There are three classes of e-bikes:

• Class 1: A bicycle with a motor that assists only when the rider pedals and stops assisting when the bicycle reaches 20 miles per hour.
• Class 2: A bicycle with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that stops assisting when the bicycle reaches 20 miles per hour.
• Class 3: A bicycle with a motor that assists only when the rider pedals, stops assisting when the bicycle reaches 28 miles per hour and is equipped with a speedometer.

A bit of history

In 2021, the Washington Legislature passed a bill (SB 5452) that directed DNR and WDFW to lead a public engagement process to help decide what types of e-bikes will be allowed on state lands, and where they’ll be allowed. 

Currently, the agencies allow e-bikes on motorized trails and forest roads open to motorized use. Individuals with an ADA parking placard can use class 1 or 2 e-bikes on non-motorized trails and roads where non-motorized bicycles are already allowed. 

WDFW and DNR are gathering feedback to help develop a set of recommendations for future e-bike rules. They have held many listening sessions, some of which WTA participated in to represent the needs of hikers. Now the next step is this survey to hear from recreators like you!

What WTA thinks

WTA believes that everyone should be able to enjoy the benefits of the outdoors, and we support opportunities that create increased access. We know that e-bikes can help us achieve this mission by facilitating a more inclusive outdoor experience for people of all abilities. 

We believe that decisions regarding class 1 e-bike use, which is the class most similar to traditional mountain bikes, should be made on a trail-by-trail basis. We don’t think there should be a blanket policy that covers all non-motorized, multi-use natural surface trails. While one trail may be suitable for a class 1 e-bike, another trail may not. WTA believes that class 2 and 3 e-bikes should not be allowed on non-motorized, natural surface trails. 

• Hikers on Instagram shared the following:
• “The more people that get to experience and love the outdoors the better”
• “E-bikes can help people with disabilities enjoy trails they otherwise couldn’t access!”
• “I think some trails are better equipped than others for e-bikes”
• “The speed difference is too great and the lack of noise on approach make them hazards”
• “Don’t need anymore traffic or erosion on the trails"

WTA believes policies must be developed with consideration to the environmental and social impacts that a new use may have on a trail. Any policy developed around e-bikes should be clear to users about where e-bikes are allowed and not allowed through education and signage. Before any agency decisions are made, the public should be engaged and asked for their input.

Recently, we asked folks from our Instagram how they felt about class 1 e-bikes. The feedback we received spanned the spectrum of responses. From hikers who are comfortable sharing a trail with an e-bike to hikers who would prefer not to.

Some trails may be better suited than others for e-bikes, while other trails may not be. Considering safety for all users is necessary for a positive trail experience as well.

Now is your chance to let DNR and WDFW know how you feel about e-bikes.

What do you think?

WDFW and WDNR have a survey open now asking for your input on e-bikes. 

Take the survey by July 15!