E-Bikes on Multi-use Trails

Bike Trails to Multi-use Trails

Communities offer paved paths, “multi-use trails,” for use by walkers, runners, stroller-pushers, dog walkers, skateboarders, wheelchair users, scooter riders, bike riders, and others. Originally, “bike trails” trails were limited to bikers and walkers. People enjoy recreational or commuter riding apart from traffic. In cities with snow, these paths are often among the first through-ways to be cleared because commuters and recreational users rely on them.

E-bikes and multi-use trails

Only cyclists and walkers used the trails in the early days. Cities didn’t allow electric bikes, trikes, and scooters. And, in Ridekick’s hometown of Fort Collins, CO, there was even an ordinance that outlawed electric trailers — no doubt, it was the only city in the U.S. with such a law!

Introduction of E-bikes to Multi-use Trails

The status of e-bikes on multi-use trails changed with the growing popularity of e-bikes. People with limited abilities, (birth, accident, or aging) or with an interest in more efficient or eco-friendly transportation use e-bikes. The Department of the Interior approved plans to allow e-bikes on federally managed lands (Forest Service, BLM, etc) to let more people enjoy these lands. Each land organization will determine the parameters, but many will designate roads and paved trails for e-bike use.

Safety and Courtesy as Guiding Rules

As the variety of users expands, signs on these paths are more clear about right-of-way and speed expectations. Signs instruct dog walkers how to manage their animals on the trails. Speed limits guide bike, trike, and electric-assist riders. In addition, signs urge faster travelers to slow down when passing slower travelers. Safety and courtesy have become the messaging norms for paved trails.

Perhaps these were the expectations when walkers and cyclists were the predominant users of multi-use paths. As the diversity of users develops, so will the signs that instruct or remind people how to share these popular resources. If you are an e-bike rider, make sure you are being safe and courteous on the trails.

Are Ridekick Trailers Legal on Multi-use Trails?

So, are Ridekick electric bike-trailers legal on multi-use trails? Yes, they fall into a type 2 category that allows electric-assist vehicles on multi-use paths. Type 2 vehicles stay below certain speeds and have a throttle control. As the creators of Ridekick trailers, we want our powered bike-trailer users be safe and courteous, also.

Always Be Safe and Courteous

Our electric bike-trailers allow you to carry all your gear with ease while also getting a bit of a boost from the motorized trailer. With the addition of a Ridekick trailer, you can turn any bike into an electric-powered bike to make commuting and recreational riding easier. When you add a Ridekick trailer to your bike, ride safely and be aware of those around you. To learn more about our electric bike-trailer, contact us!