Maryland considers opening state trails to e-bikes

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is considering new regulations that would allow pedal assisted electric bicycles on state trails.

Currently, electric bikes and motorized vehicles are prohibited from traveling on trails and restricted to roads and parking lots. But according to the state, sales for electric bikes have increased, quadrupling between 2019 and 2022.

The DNR says it wants to address the demand by allowing e-bikes on state trails where bicycles are already allowed.

The proposal would only allow Class 1 and Class 3 e-bikes.

Class 1 and Class 3 bikes are pedal-assist e-bikes, according to the DNR. On these bikes, the electric assist function will not activate unless a person is pedaling. These bikes also stop providing electric assistance when the bike reaches 20 miles per hour.

Class 2 bikes have a throttle function and do not require pedaling. Under the proposed regulation, Class 2 e-bikes would only be allowed on trails if the bike is adaptive.

Class 1 and Class 3 e-bikes are currently allowed on the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail and the Western Maryland Rail Trail, but prohibited on all other trails.

The DNR is accepting public feedback through Sept. 22.

Comments may be sent to the DNR's Office of Outdoor Recreation, emailed to outdoorrecreation.dnr@maryland.gov, or submitted through an online comment form.