If you’ve recently purchased an electric bike from E-Lux Electric Bikes, you probably can’t wait to take it with you on all your travels. But if your plans include traveling to national parks this year, there are some things you should know before you go. On August 30, 2019, the National Park Service implemented a new electric bike policy that will be enforced in all national parks. The good news is that the new policy favors electric bikes in many ways. It also clearly outlines specific rules that ebike owners must follow whenever they are on federal park lands. Here are some of the policy details.
Safety Considerations
If you plan to ride ebikes in national parks, you must follow these safety rules established by the NPS to maintain your safety and the safety of those around you:
- Obey all speed limits.
- Slow down at intersections and always make eye contact with other drivers before you proceed.
- Wear a helmet while riding your electric bike.
- Pay attention to other drivers and drive defensively.
- Wear reflective clothing and bright colors to make yourself highly visible.
- Dismount and mount the bike carefully.
While electric bikes are not technically considered bicycles or vehicles under NPS regulations, they are required to obey the rules of the road, including speed limits. Your electric bike may be capable of going faster than the speed limit, but you must stay within the posted speed limit at all times.
Increased Recreational Opportunities
Secretary’s Order 3366 supports an increase of recreational opportunities on public lands. To support this order, national parks are happy to allow ebikes an permitted park areas. A few benefits of ebike use include:
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions when used as an alternative to diesel- or gasoline-powered transportation.
- Easier and more efficient form of travel for those who might not be able to ride a regular bicycle
- Decreased traffic congestion and reduced demand for regular parking spaces.
As more electric bikes appear in national parks, they increase the visibility of regular bicyclists and make traveling by bike safer. To maximize your safety and ensure that you follow all regulations, only stick to bicycle-approved trails when riding your electric bike. No ebikes are allowed in wilderness areas.
Find More Information
National parks are beginning to implement the new ebike policy this year. Depending on where you visit, different aspects of the policy may or may not be enforced. It’s important to check with the park you plan to visit before you go to make sure you clearly understand what you may and may not do as an ebike owner. After all, you want to enjoy your time in the park without worrying that you may unintentionally break a rule and face repercussions.
To find more information about national park opportunities for active transportation, refer to the National Park Service Active Transportation Guidebook. It details all information about bicycling, walking or using other forms of active transportation to safely explore the parks. It also gives useful resources to guide visitors toward the best areas where they can experience historical and natural places in the most immersive ways.