E-bikes, which look like any other bicycle but with small electric motors and related gear, use a battery-powered motor to add power to the pedal strokes of the rider or to propel the bike even when the rider is not pedaling.
“On the lands it manages, DCNR will allow e-bikes on trails already open to traditional bicycle usage as long as users follow some guidelines,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn, summarizing the proposed policy.
She explained those guidelines, consistent with Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, will stipulate that e-bikes weigh no more than 100 pounds, do not exceed 20 miles per hour using their motors, have motors that do not exceed 750 watts and have full functional and operable pedals.
“E-bikes are increasingly popular as technology improves and the price drops,” Dunn said. “Because they make outdoor recreation accessible to more people we are updating our policy to provide those opportunities on our lands while at the same time working to limit their impacts on other visitors and on our natural places.”
When adopted, the policy will allow e-bikes to be used on DCNR-managed trails where traditional bikes are allowed.
State forest roads and trails that are not open to biking, and would not be open to e-bikes, include natural areas, trails designated for hiking, and trails or roads closed to biking.
Bike trails found in state parks feature a variety of sizes, terrain and scenic views. Approximately 3,800 miles of state forest trails are open to mountain biking and of those, 447 miles within 11 state forests are specifically designated and maintained for mountain biking.
The new policy was presented to the Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory Council this week, and the public comment period will be open until Aug. 31.
Written comments on the draft e-bike policy may be submitted to RA-NR_PolicyOffice@pa.gov.
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