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DNR approves proposal to allow certain electric bikes on state-owned trails

Top speed and function are the key differences

Bicyclists riding Mike Levine Lakelands Trail State Park in Hamburg Township. (Michigan Department of Natural Resources)

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has approved a proposal which will allow cyclists to use certain e-bikes on state-managed land.

The proposal was first submitted in May. It follows the common breakdown of e-bikes into three common classes.

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The motor on a class 3 bike will run if it hits 28 mph. Class 1 and 2 bikes cut off at 20 mph.

For class 1 bikes, motors will only run if the rider also pedals the bike. For class 2 bikes, the motor will run whether the rider pedals or not.

Class 1 bikes are allowed on trails. Class 2 bikes are only allowed for people with a mobility issue who seek out a permit for the bike. Class 3 bikes remain banned.

The new rules are now in effect for a one-year trial period. If the DNR finds “negative impacts,” the order could be reversed.

Nicole Hunt from the DNR spoke to our Christy McDonald on the Daily+ live. She discusses these changes during an interview below.


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