E-bikes: You Gave Input, What Comes Next?

Report recommendations

Highlights of the WDFW/DNR report to the legislature include:

• Decisions on e-bike use on trails and roads should be made on the local and regional levels (when developing recreation plans or wildlife area plans) and engage expert, tribal and public input before changing the rules for a specific trail or trail system.
• Trails and roads that are closed to motorized use should be closed to e-bikes, unless or until specifically opened to that use.
• On roads or trails where e-bike use is designated, it will be open to all three classes of e-bike.
• E-bikes should continue to be allowed on trails and roads open to motorized use.
• E-bikes should be a category of recreation separate from traditional biking.

Photo by Himiway Bikes on Unsplash

What does WTA think?

WTA is happy to see WDFW and DNR recommend that decisions for e-bike use on natural surface trails and roads should occur at the local and regional levels. WTA believes that new policies around e-bikes should consider the environmental and social impacts of introducing a new use to a trail and that the public should be engaged before any decisions are made about specific trail systems. We were pleased to see that the agencies shared this sentiment, noting in their report: “Plans should incorporate an understanding of the local natural, cultural and tribal resources, trail design, data on demand and use patterns, analysis of potential impacts from e-bike use, and other relevant scientific data and knowledge.” 

• What are the different 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.

WTA also supports the agencies’ recommendation that trails and roads that are closed to motorized use should be closed to e-bikes, unless or until specifically opened to that use. We feel that this allows space for the planning process highlighted above to occur.

While WTA is generally pleased with the report’s recommendations, we are concerned about the recommendation that decisions to open a trail to e-bikes should include all three classes of e-bike. We would like to see multiuse, nonmotorized natural surface trails limited to class 1 e-bikes. 

What does this mean for trails today?

No rules are changing today. This set of recommendations will guide future policy and planning. Currently, e-bikes are only allowed on WDFW and DNR trails and forest roads that are open to motorized use. Also, individuals with an ADA parking placard can use class 1 or 2 e-bikes on non-motorized trails and roads where traditional (non-motorized) bicycles are already allowed. 

What are the next steps? 

The WDFW/DNR report proposes next steps. One step is for the agencies to update their trails policies to include e-bikes. Another step is to identify areas that are a priority for beginning local trail planning processes for e-bikes. WTA will look for opportunities to keep engaging in this issue so the hiking community will continue to be heard in decisions around e-bike use.