The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has approved new regulations to allow some pedal-assist e-bikes on multi-use trails on public lands across the state.
Under the new regulations, Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes — those that provide motorized assistance up to 20 miles per hour — are cleared for use on public lands. The approved regulation was published in the Maryland Register in May and is now in effect.
“We’re excited to formally welcome e-bikes to public trails throughout Maryland’s state park system and public lands,” said Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz. “These new regulations will allow more people to respectfully explore the state’s beautiful natural scenery while ensuring their e-bikes travel at safe speeds that enable them to yield to more vulnerable trail users such as hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers.”
Bicycles that have a motor that operates without pedaling or a motor that provides assistance after the e-bike has reached 20 mph are not allowed on state trails. Those e-bikes are limited to areas that are used by motor vehicles, including roads, parking lots, and areas that are specially designated for off-road vehicles, dirt bikes, and ATVs.
Adaptive e-bikes are specialized mobility devices that are used by individuals with physical disabilities or mobility challenges. These are permitted on state lands with the same restrictions as e-bikes that provide motorized assistance up to 20 miles per hour, but are permitted to have motors that do not require pedaling.
“Our well-developed trail system is highly valued by hikers, bikers, equestrians, hunters, and other outdoor enthusiasts across the state,” Director Sandi Olek said. “The new ebike regulations don’t change the rules of the road or who has the right of way on the trail. Visitors should still look out for others, familiarize themselves with yielding to more vulnerable trail users, and ride in a safe manner that respects the resource and makes it enjoyable for all.”
Cyclists should wave and greet other trail users, yield to pedestrians and equestrians, maintain a safe speed, and be aware of the needs of other users on the trail. The general motto for all Maryland trail users is “Say Hey, Give Way, and Enjoy the Day.”
