Are e-Bikes Allowed on the Trails?

Our inbox has recently seen a spike of inquiries asking us about e-bikes, electric wheelchairs, and e-scooters on the trails. So, we wanted to take a minute to talk about what is permissible and what is not.

As many of you have seen from our posted rules, motorized vehicles are prohibited on the trail. I think it is obvious to understand why cars, trucks, and motorcycles are not allowed. This includes golf carts and ATVs. (But, please be aware that Noble Trails’ maintenance people and local law enforcement vehicles may be out on the trails, so always keep an eye out.)

But, many people ask about the blurry line with motors on bikes, etc.

Electric Wheelchairs and Mobility Scooters

Let’s start with electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters. These are absolutely allowed! For the simple answer, let’s just start with federal law. The Americans with Disability Act (ADA) protects those with mobility disabilities and requires public and private entities to take reasonable efforts to assure access. We legally cannot deny service based on the need for this equipment to get around.

But, more importantly, we don’t want to. We want our trails to be available to everyone. If this is how someone needs to get from point A to point B, then we want to be point B.

E-Bikes

Let’s get into the gray areas, now.

E-bikes have made a surge in popularity over the last few years. But before you take those out on the trail, it is important to know what type of e-bike you are buying. There are three classes of e-bike, and only two of those are permitted on the trails. Not only is this discussed as part of our policies, but it is also discussed in Indiana law under IC 9-21-11-13.1.

E-bikes come in three flavors: Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3, and is defined in Indiana law under IC 9-13-2-26.6 to 26.8.

Class 1 e-bikes are pedal assist only, meaning the electric motor only activates when you are pedaling to make it easier for you to move forward. These motors also have cut-off switches that turn off the assist when the bike reaches 20 mph.

Class 2 e-bikes are also pedal assist, but they may also have a throttle. However, these motors still have a switch that limits the motor to 20 mph.

Class 3 e-bikes are pedal assist only. But, the cut-off switch does not activate until you reach 28 mph.

Any motorized bike that does not meet these criteria is automatically defined as a motorized vehicle, and is not allowed on the trail.

Given these definitions, Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are allowed on the trails. Class 3 are NOT PERMITTED.

E-Scooters

If you look up new e-scooters on the web, you can find a wide variety of choices, including those that can go up to 50 mph or more! I don’t think it is unreasonable for Noble Trails to say that we don’t want those types of high-speed e-scooters on the trail.

Generally, though, Indiana code (IC 9-21-11-13.6) treats electric foot scooters the same as a bicycle. So, Noble Trails follows the same considerations.

HOWEVER ...

Yes, there is a however!

Regardless of what type of bike you are riding, Noble Trails has a speed limit of 20 mph on all of our trails. Whether e-bike, e-scooter, souped-up mobility scooter, regular bicycle, or Usain Bolt, you can’t go over 20 mph.

This speed limit is firstly for the safety and consideration of other trail users. But, even if the trail looks empty, hitting a squirrel at 25 mph probably won’t end well for you or the squirrel!

What Else?

While we are speaking about what is prohibited on the trail, we should also mention that horses are also not allowed on the trail. And for our other four-legged friends, dogs are only allowed if they are kept on leashes and are cleaned up after.

Closing Words

The key thing is to be considerate. Normal bikes and walkers should be considerate of those using or needing e-bikes to get out on the trails. And e-bike users need to be considerate of other trail users.

So, hopefully, we have cleared up the confusion of the “No Motorized Vehicles” rule.

Mopeds – No.

E-Bikes – Less than 20 mph.

Golf Carts – No.

E-Scooters – Less than 20 mph.

Electric Wheelchair – Yes.

Mobility Scooters – Yes.

World’s Fastest Mobility Scooter doing 107 mph – Uh …. No.