National Parks To Allow Electric Bikes On Trails Where Bikes Are Permitted

By Nakiesha Johnson
Published: Saturday, September 7, 2019 - 5:05am

Electric bikes will soon be allowed on trails and paths in some national parks where bicycles already are permitted. 

Some people are not happy with the new rule because it was made without public input.

Places like the Arizona National Scenic Trail have several motorized and non-motorized paths to separate hikers, bikers and others. 

Matthew Nelson with the Arizona Trail Association said, “One of the arguments for e-bikes that’s worth mentioning is that they do increase access for Americans to public lands. That does provide opportunities for people with disabilities, military veterans, people that are perhaps a little bit older or are unable to pedal a normal mountain bike on trails. It does provide them access with the help of an electric motor. ” 

The change is not expected to go into effect until next week.

"It’s worth mentioning that this will probably be challenged in court. The last time that I checked, there were over 350 trail groups nationwide that were in opposition to this secretarial order," Nelson said.