ANNAPOLIS, MD—The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is proposing new regulations that would allow pedal-assist electric bicycles, or e-bikes, on many of the state’s public trails. The move is aimed at increasing accessibility and enjoyment of Maryland’s public lands.
The proposed regulations, published Friday in the Maryland Register, would permit Class 1 and Class 3 e-bikes on state trails where traditional bicycles are already allowed. Class 1 and 3 e-bikes are “pedal-assist,” meaning the electric motor only provides power when the rider is actively pedaling. The assistance cuts off when the bike reaches 20 mph.
This new policy comes as the sale of e-bikes has seen a dramatic increase in recent years. Previously, all e-bikes were treated as motorized vehicles and were restricted to roads and parking lots on public lands…