We can now add Maryland’s state parks to the growing list of trail systems that allow Class 1 e-bike access. In a post on the state’s website, Maryland announced that the “Maryland Department of Natural Resources has approved new regulations to allow some pedal-assist e-bikes on multi-use trails on public lands across the state.”
E-bike approval was officially added to the Maryland Register in May, but didn’t take effect until July 1. According to a release, “The Maryland Department of Natural Resources received more than 60 public comments on the proposed regulation. Roughly 87% supported the proposed operational rules.”
The announcement goes on to specify which types of bikes are approved for the state’s trail systems. “Under the new regulations, Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes — those that provide motorized assistance up to 20 miles per hour — are cleared for use on public lands.”
Maryland doesn’t want any confusion about what is and isn’t an e-bike in its trail systems. An assist limit of 20 MPH is specified, and throttles are banned, meaning the motor can only assist a rider while they are pedaling. However, we couldn’t find any mention of power output when digging through the information provided online.
According to Maryland, the reason for allowing Class 1 e-bike access was twofold. First, the state recognizes the growing user base and wants to provide more access for e-bike riders looking to enjoy the state’s trails. Secondly, they want to boost access for riders using adaptive bikes, another growing group of trail users.
In a statement about the new regulations, Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz said:
“We’re excited to formally welcome e-bikes to public trails throughout Maryland’s state park system and public lands. These new regulations will allow more people to respectfully explore the state’s beautiful natural scenery while ensuring their e-bikes travel at safe speeds that enable them to yield to more vulnerable trail users such as hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers.”
Among the list of parks open to e-bikes is the Margraff Plantation trails, which we covered nearly a year ago. At the time of coverage, six miles of new trails had just been added, with a two-mile trail designed with adaptive riders in mind. Now, the entire 10-mile trail network is open to pedal-assisted machines.
Additional trail systems in Maryland that now allow e-bikes include a mix of natural-surface trails and paved paths. Note that not all bike trails on state lands may be open to e-bikes; this map shows trails that are said to be “e-bike friendly trails.”
- Patapsco Valley State Park (Tall Poplar Trail)
- Susquehanna State Park (Susquehanna Greenway)
- Savage River State Forest (Meadow Mountain Trail and Poplar Lick Trail)
- Deep Creek Lake State Park
- Western MD Trail
- Rocky Gap State Park (Bear Ridge area)
- Seneca Creek State Park
- Merkle Natural Resources Management Area
- Cedarville State Forest
- Salem State Forest
- St. Mary’s River State Park (Lake Loop)
- Palmer State Park
- Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area
- Tuckahoe State Park (Anna’s Trail)
- Pocomoke State Forest (Blades Hudson-Tarr Bike Road)
- Gunpowder Falls State Park (NCR Trail)
Maryland still welcomes the use of Class 2 and 3 e-bikes, and e-motos, but only in appropriate areas with motorized trails. Those caught violating the new regulations could get hit with a $500 fine or spend up to a year in jail.
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