Popular e-bikes could soon be joining old-school bicycles and pedestrians on Maryland state bike trails.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is considering regulations that would allow pedal-assist electric bicycles on state bike trails.
Until now, all electric bikes have been regulated the same as motorized vehicles in parks and public lands — banned from traveling on trails, and restricted to roads and parking lots.
With the recent quadrupling of e-bike sales between 2019 and 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, Maryland’s DNR has drafted a regulation that would allow pedal-assist e-bikes on state trails that currently allow bicycles.
“This e-bike policy will help even more people enjoy Maryland’s multi-use trails,” said Sandi Olek, director of the Maryland Offi