Should electric bikes and perhaps electric scooters be allowed on the carriage roads at Acadia National Park?/Rebecca Latson file
A story caught my eye the other day. It centered on electric bikes, and where they can roam in the National Park System. The story centered around Acadia National Park in Maine and raised the prospect that e-bikes might one day be allowed to travel the park's iconic carriage roads. Is that a good idea?
For now, the park is blocking the motorized bikes from heading down the carriage roads, which are restricting to muscle-powered cyclists, hikers, and equestrian travelers. But the AP story adds that "new rules are expected in the coming weeks."
“I’m hoping that they’re going to come to reality,” said one of the cyclists interviewed by the AP. “This will get more popular as time goes on.”
Well, there are a lot of popular things out there, but do they all deserve access in the parks? Remember Segways? What about those electric scooters that are all the rage in metropolitan areas? Will they be next to seek access to trails and areas normally off-limits to motorized vehicles?
In Canada, a pilot program is under way to test e-bikes on trails in Jasper National Park.
"There's a lot of places in the national park that are accessible by bike but maybe not to the entire general public due to limitations on fitness, etc.," Marc Vien, sales manager at Jasper Source for Sports, told CBC News. "But those e-bikes allow people to get to those places easily."
Tell us, travelers, how much access in the National Park System should electric bikes have?
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Comments
Please, no e-bikes on national park trails. People seek out these locations for the traqulity and as an escspe from the trappings of our modern society. E-bikes have there place, but definitely not on national park trails. Thank you.
have you ever ridden one?
Oh please. I own an ebike and they are not much different if at all from a regular bike. You just don't suffer when climbing hills. Joey do not ban people with disabilities from enjoying where you go just because you are physically fit to do so. Bad enough the Sierra Club supports designated wilderness in national forests. I've seen signs where wheelchairs are not even allowed because they are mechanical. I suppose they would rather the people get thrown off a horse and get more disabled.
so your vote would be for our disabled veterans and others with disabilities NOT to be able to use the same trails you ride on? Shame on you!
Think of the e bike as an “equalizer” for most of us. At the age of 73 I just want to continue to bike where I used to be able to!
After doing a lot of research on e-bikes, I believe only those who have too little knowledge about them that would be opposing them. I believe most bikers (OLD and young) who go to the parks are there NOT TO RACE but ENJOY the sights and the place. E-bikes do not produce fumes so I don't see a problem with air pollution. The MAJOR game changer here is being ABLE to EXPLORE farther and further without having to use the car. This is because of the ability of the e-bike to do a pedal assist especially on inclines, and this is MOST HELPFUL to those who have FITNESS ISSUES, OLD or YOUNG who won't be able to keep up the the fit and agile ones, and not look like a loser. You want people to explore more of the outdoors, then let them go around in the parks. I agree with the current regulations and limit of 500W and below, BUT PLEASE LET THEM GO AROUND and NOT ONLY ON DESIGNATED SPOTS AND TRAILS. In fact, in Italy, where a lot of older people want to explore the countryside like in the Tuscany region, e bikes have rekindled the love for biking among elderlies that they came back to North America wanting to buy ebikes and hit the road again in them. Wake up people, it's the new thing now.
As a disabled person with limited leg strength, I use an electric scooter to go to museums, take classes, go to botanical gardens and city parks. Having an electric bike, I would love the opportunity to enjoy nature trails specific to e bikes. Obviously not all trails are smooth enough, but it would enhance my enjoyment of life to get out in nature, and isn’t that the point of National parks. Obviously, I would still be somewhat limited, but hey, the parks are meant for all to enjoy. At least the e bike is quiet and non polluting, a lot nicer than snowmobiles that are allowed currently.
I am seventy, and suffer from arthritis. These days I need the help my ebike gives me to go up hills.
I’m 70, a disabled vet though reasonably able man, ebikes have got me rolling the roads again. Critics of ebikes invariably have little sense as to what the are. They only move when you pedal...their assistance is no different than the 21 gear carbon frame Rolls the ‘purists’ jet around on...and they are slower particularly when ridden by the older target audience. I suggest the opposition is mostly from younger fit individuals who don’t realize they will ever get old...they are wrong on all counts
There are 3 levels of e-bikes: from having a small assist to bikes that are essentially scooters, that need no pedaling. Most trails are allowing types 1 & 2 on trails, but not 3, the scooter type that can go at higher speeds for a long time. Don’t Van All e-bikes from trails, but do limit the speeds they can go. Most of us travel at the same speed as a regular bike, and use assist on hills. Thank you. Freda Tallmadge
We cruise the coast every summer and love coming to Acadia to enjoy the carriage trails and to hike. We have owned fold-up marine bikes for years. We first started with Dahon fold-up bikes that could easily be stored on our boat. We would take them on dingy to shore and quickly unfold them to get to stores and to go into Acadia National Park. As we aged we found it more difficult to get to the park on bikes from our boat. So in 2014 we gave up the regular pedal bikes and purchased pedal assist fold-up bikes. These bikes have a very small motor. There is also a 3-speed manual shifter just like a regular bike to help with various terrains. The only difference between an ebike and a regular bike is as you pedal you get assistance from a small electric motor. The motor is located in the rear or front hub or located in the crank mechanism called a mid-drive. We have used our ebikes extensively throughout the carriage trail system and really help in getting up some of the most challenging hills. We have found that having an e-bike we can bike longer and go further. These bikes though they do have small motors they are rated as class II vehicles and are governed to go no faster than 20mph In order to reach this speed, however, you have to pedal vigorously. These are not motor scooters or mopeds. There is no throttle and there is no more noise than a regular bike. In all the years we have been going into the Park we have followed all the rules as any other cyclists and there has never been an issue or a problem. In fact, because you can go further with these bikes you actually get more exercise! These bikes pose no more threat to the Parks than do regular bikes, hikers or horses. They do however enable more people to go out and enjoy Acadia. I understand that there is a slippery slope factor where people and officials of the park fear that if you allow ebikes then eventually other motorized vehicles will have to be allowed. I don't think we need to fear this. These are bikes that you still need to pedal! They make no noise. They don't pollute and they have governors on them so the speed these bikes can attain is no faster than a regular bike. In fact, regular bikes because of their lightweight frames can exceed speeds of 35 miles per/hr. going downhill and on the flats Ebikes on the flats cannot reach these speeds due to being usually 2 to 3 times heavier. It is time to lift the ban on ebikes and electric wheel chairs in Acadia!
i rode mine on the carriage trails in Acadia about 4 yrs ago. I have a note from a Dr stating I need assistance due to a bad knee. I can go places with the assist that I could normally do and get exercise as well. They do a lot less damage than some mountain bikes do and are illegal over the speed of 20 mph
Please read and sign my petition on this very topic inspired by my recent visit to Acadia National Park:
http://chng.it/B99t2g7d
i think ebike should be allowed. Ebikes are only assist in peddling and do not provide power on their own. ebikes are also very quiet. Ebike are also geat in allowing people who would normally not bike due to age or physical limitations to bike and get exercise.
In our local community it is now allowed to use "Pedal Assist" e bikes. I believe it would be fine to allow that type of e bike in Natl Parks. It would allow people to enjoy biking and have to do some pedaling . Unlike just hitting a switch and go. I do think there should be some restrictions mainly with speed. Some of us as we age or have some other physical issue that prevents us from exerting energy to completely travel by bike the way we once could Would have the assistance of electric power to help.
electric bikes may ease car congestion on crowded paved NP roads such as the loop roads but would be a nuisance where there are buses provided in NPs. They should absolutely not be allowed where hikers or cyclists can go off of paved roads such as the carriage roads In Acadia. That would change everything and be devastating.
i have a pedal assist ebike. your description is of a moped type scooter. I am a senior citizen and cannot keep up with my husband on his regular bike. If you test rode a nice regular bike you would know they travel at much greater speeds than ebikes.
That sounds ok, but you don't know that. It has been tried elsewhere, and works well. I used to ride horses...they are a lot bigger and faster than electric bikes at times. Besides, when we get old, it is sad we can't even bike. I always thought riding bikes was easier and a lot more fun than walking.
I disagree. An electric bike does no more harm to trails which are open to cyclists than a mountain bike. Similar false assertions were made in my home town of Durango, CO. A year long trial proved them incorrect.
At 60 years old my husband and I moved part time to NC. We bought e- Trail Bikes so we could enjoy the trails with our bad hips and knees. Without the power assist pedals we could not enjoy riding places we could not hike to. Please allow people with age and mobility issues enjoy these wonderful trails! The sport shouldn’t just be for the young and robust. These bikes have no more impact than a regular bike. The motors are low powered and offer assistance only. Let us enjoy the trails with everyone else!
I live at 8,000 ft in a ski resort town. Most roads lead up hill. A lot of visitors have a hard time biking flat roads and up hill at this elevation. Several years ago electric bikes were introduced here, this town is a perfect example of how e-bikes and people walking can play safely in harmony. Electric bikes makes it fun for the whole family to enjoy a bike ride here. Weather you are old or young you can enjoy the beauty of this place on a electric bike. It creates jobs here. We have bike paths and our bike paths have hikers, walkers, joggers, mountain bikes, runners, road bikes, large families walking and electric bikes. Everyone is playing by the rules walkers see a bike coming they step aside, just like when hikers see mules or horses on a trail. I see people and families riding at speeds going downhill that are safe. If people want to ride faster down hill they go on off the bike path and on the road. This town is a perfect example of how electric bikes work with all different people on one bike path.My answer is try it e-bikes in National Parks. Make changes if needed to make it safe for everyone. Let all ages enjoy the park you will see smiles, laughter and it gets people out of their cars and not to mention a little exercise.
Only class one, peddle assist only and maximum speed of 20 mph.
NO
i think for the time being they should be restricted to areas where motor vehicles are allowed to travel.
No. Not on trails or paths. Preserve some peace and quiet.
No access please. i can easily foresee riders disregarding rules prompting collisions with bikers and hikers. Carriage roads were designed to be places for the leisurely enjoyment of Acadia’s beauty. Allowing motorized vehicles of any kind will, I believe, ultimately spoil the roads for that purpose.
Only electric motors are allowed on the lake I go to. It doesn't spoil the lake, for when I take pictures. I am 76, and can no longer ride bikes or walk for that matter any long distance...which I desperately wish to do.
I have been to many national parks over the years and enjoyed hiking on many trails in those parks, and I have also cycled on many routes where bicycles are allowed. Much of the enjoyment is the effort you put into it and the achievement you feel when you have hiked a particular trail. I do not think that we need motorized bikes on trails and roads that are already sometimes more crowded than we would like. There are plenty of places in most parks for those who are not “physically able” to enjoy without getting on an e- bike. What’s next? Elevators to Angels Landing for those who can’t hike it, a tram ride to get to the top of El Capitan? It’s more important to spend money on maintenance in the parks and on the present problems of overcrowding and congestion in the large, popular parks. That would help make the parks more enjoyable to people.
no electric bikes in parks.
I am 65 years old and have enjoyed casual biking most of my life. 15 months ago, I became more than casual a biker after purchasing an ebike. To hear the NPS is not allowing ebikes in national parks is Short sighted, ignorant and not rational. The states have rules regarding the classification of ebikes. The feds should follow them.
If our National Parks we’re better funded I would be in support of pedal assist bikes with speed restriction in areas currently open to biking. These types of bikes would increase accessibility without necessitating any significant changes to our parks. Unfortunately, this will require enforcement of speed limits and types of ebikes on trails, and since the NPS is consistently understaffed and under funded I doubt it could be adequately monitored. It should also be noted that anytime a new user group is granted access to a park it will lead to increased visitation, which is a double edged sword. (More people experiencing nation parks is good, loving our parks to death is bad.)
Best thing for arthritic knees is to get out and move! I hike and bike and feel better!!! Try it; you might like it too!
we go to parks for peace & tranquility. Please No Motorized vehicles!!
A motor is a motor. No motors on park trails. Period.
Allow ebikes because they are quiet. But all others should be limited.
Yes, they should be allowed. They are quiet so will not disturb the tranquility of the park. Our parks need to be utilized and enjoy!
Yes to electric bikes !
Electric bikes, within power and speed limits, cause much less trail damage and interference with user experience than horses and no more than mountain bikes. I am not familiar with these particular trails, but allowing anything other than hikers/walkers on a trai diminishes the appreciation of the natural environment for itself.
I took my ebike to Acadia last fall and toured some of the carriage roads at a leisurely pace to enjoy the scenery and get some exercise. With the exception of going up very steep hills, I was either keeping pace with slower traffic or going slower. My maximum speed was recorded as 12 mph. I was startled more than once by a Lycra-clad biker zooming past me. Operator behavior is key. Maybe try setting speed limits. I am obese and trying to lose weight to become more fit and healthy. I have a previous knee injury but it’s not severe enough to have a medical disability note. Without my ebike, I would not have been able to experience these beautiful roads. Ebike speed is easily controlled, regardless of the class designation. Prohibition of ebikes would be like closing easy and handicapped accessible hiking trails. Apart from ebike commuters, I believe you will find ebikers to be an older, less fit demographic with some medical issues. We are not speed focused. Don’t shut us out without at least a trial period.
I can only comment on Acadia, where I have biked extensively for nearly 30 years. I hope the current status is upheld; namely e-bikes are only allowed for use by those with a documented disability (and who would therefore be unable to use the facility otherwise). This current status is consistent with two premises: (1) that trail access is intended to provide users with an opportunity to EXERCISE in a natural setting, and (2) that everyone should have the opportunity to use the facility for that purpose. On a more practical note, the heavily used trails in Acadia are used by a great many children, not all of whom are experienced bikers. Biking defensively has allowed me to avoid many accidents with ”enthusiastic” youngsters. The thought of youngsters on e-bikes is a frightening one.
Trails designed and built for slow pedestrian and bicycle traffic should not allow eBikes capable of 20 mph. Granted, there are three classes of eBike, but without close inspection, a ranger could not differentiate between a peddle assist and a throttle controlled bike, thus that limitation is unenforceable. You will have fast eBikes everywhere.
Limit eBikes to paved and gravel roadways designed for vehicular traffic, and keep hiking trails safe for hikers.
As a disabled veteran I cycle for rehab and exercise. I have ridden bikes on tours in Europe and recently purchased one. My ebike allows me to participate in rides on gravel roads and trails. I have found that most peopale who comment negatively have incorrect knowledge and most likely have never ridden one. Mountain ebike are limited in the assist to 20 mph and road versions to 28 mph. You must pedal and the bikes have no throttle. Many parks prohibit mountain biking after rains to prevent trail damage-that is reasonable. Many trails have etiquette guides for horse, hikers, and cyclists (bikers ride Harley’s). Hard core mountain cyclists as shown on TV are generally not interested in riding on National Park trails and competing with hikers.
Class 1, pedal assist eBikes are very much like a non-electric bike and travel generall at about the same speed and have about the same impact on a natural surface trail. They make the simple joy of cycling accessible to those aging out or physically unable. In my experience, if naysayers would take a ride on one of these, they would have a vastly different opinion and would not object to class 1, low speed electric bikes.
I use an e-bike because of a heart condition. An ebike allows me to explore and still have the ability to get to home base . I think only pedelec (no throttle) should be allowed, however.
I think they should be allowed anywhere a bicycle is permitted.
Power ASSISTED e-bikes on the Acadia NP Carriage roads (note the second word, ASSISTED) should be allowed. These wonderful conveyances are primarily powered by the best of all power: human power. Pedaling is what makes them work. The Acadia Carriage Roads are mostly wide enough to accommodate a large range of users, and many of those unique roads are very hilly (Day Mountain, anyone?) which begs for the use of any kind of cycling assistance, especially the very kind of quiet boost that e-bikes provide. I’m hopeful that the NPS will do the right thing and bring their Acadia NP rules into the 21st century to allow e-bikes on the Carriage Roads. Hey, it should help get people out of their cars on the already congested Acadia roads.
I agree with allowing eBikes, requiring pedaling and no higher speed than 20 mph (I would change allowed mph to 15.). I am a member of aa volunteer "Bike Patrol" in one of our parks. This question has come up frequently and the colleagues that I've discussed it with agree.
Please allow pedal assist bikes with a top speed of 20mph.
I believe these are considered Class 1. These bikes enable
us to remain active as we age.
E-bikes should safely operate anywhere regular bikes may now travel. This means roadways and even off-road with other Mtn bikes. E-bikes don’t do any more damage than regular bikes. It’s about the behavior of the rider itself, not the technology.
I'm 61 with bad knees. Having an e-bike allows me to ride again. As other have said, Class 1 & 2 are limited to 20 mph (I get passed by regular bikes all the time) and they are quiet. I have ridden in several NPS and never caused an issue. There was a day when no cars were allowed in some parks, but they became allowed to give more people access. E-bikes are a lot less intrusive tha autos. Give us a chance and an even laying filed across all parks.
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