Department of Interior e-bike update

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On October 22nd, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DoI) issued a press release around management changes that included, among other things, how the DoI manages e-bikes. This means lands (and trails) managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Park Service (NPS). Below is a summary of changes at each agency as a result of the new changes. 

 
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National Park Service

Park Superintendents must revise their Compendiums to either allow Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes to be used wherever traditional bikes are allowed, or, to propose an e-bike policy that is tailored to the safety, resource protection and local requirements of their community.

Can I ride my e-bike? Check with your local national park before riding.

 
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Fish and Wildlife Service

Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes are allowed wherever traditional bikes are allowed but must be operated in pedal-assist mode only (no throttle). E-bikes are not permitted where traditional bicycles are prohibited.

Can I ride my e-bike? Yes, unless otherwise stated by your local FWS Wildlife Refuge Manager. We suggest verifying that no local restrictions have been imposed before riding.

 
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Bureau of Land Management

E-bikes are already permitted in areas that are open to off-road vehicles or motor vehicles. Individual district or field managers will be taking additional steps to allow the use of e-bikes where traditional bicycles are allowed in non-motorized areas. Local land managers will be taking into account local conditions such as natural and cultural resources, potential user conflicts, and the laws, regulations, and policies of adjacent jurisdictions regarding e-bike use when making these determinations.

Can I ride my e-bike on trails or roads designated as non-motorized? Not yet, contact your local BLM Field Manager and encourage them to allow E-Bikes.

Can I ride my e-bike on trails or roads open to off-road or motorized vehicles? Yes.

 
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Bureau of Reclamation

Regional Directors will examine areas where traditional bicycles are already allowed and then designate areas as open to e-bikes after taking into consideration public health safety, nature and cultural resource protection, and other management activities and objectives.

Can I ride my e-bike? Not yet, contact your local BOR office and encourage them to allow E-Bike.

 
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US Forest Service

It’s important to note the United State Forest Service is managed by the Department of Agriculture and therefore isn’t subject to this new change. The Forest Service classifies e-bikes at motorized, and therefore e-bikes are permitted on motorized trails and roads only. The OMBC advises riders to check with their local District Office for specific information.








Gabriel Tiller