The Kingdom Trails have finally opened to e-bikes

The Kingdom Trails, often referred to as “the Kingdom,” is arguably the largest and most famous mountain bike destination in the Northeastern USA. With over 100 miles of interconnected singletrack, plus a nearby lift-served bike park, the Kingdom offers trails for all ability levels. The expansive network is a relative rarity on the East Coast, and it gives endurance-oriented riders the chance to pedal lengthy loops.

Or those who also have a motor on their bike.

The Kingdom Trail Association (KT) has just announced that Class 1 e-bikes “are now welcome on most of its 100+ mile trail network” in a recent press release. “Following extensive guidance from our landowners, our KT members, industry experts, and community stakeholders, this policy change aims to increase accessibility while maintaining the trail system’s renowned riding experience.”

The policy change comes during a period of steady growth in e-bike adoption over the last decade. According to the press release, “cycling trade groups [indicate] that eMTBs now comprise 15-20% of mountain bikes sold each year. This is up from less than 5% just five years ago.”

KT claims the policy shift will make the trail system more inclusive

“This policy change is exciting as it creates a more inclusive trail system,” said Abby Long, Executive Director of Kingdom Trails. “Understanding how Class 1 eMTBs improve access for many people was a significant part of our decision process. It feels good to know this will welcome more people to our amazing trails and NEK region.”

This change is driven in part by a growing emphasis on creating inclusive mountain bike trails that cater to all types of riders, including those with disabilities. Trail systems across the nation are making minor changes to allow the wide wheelbases of adaptive mountain bikes to navigate their trails. While handcycles have been around for many years, the addition of e-bike motors to handcycles has only recently enabled adaptive cyclists to achieve speeds comparable to those of other mountain bikers. Today, most adaptive mountain bikers use e-bike models, and this policy shift at the Kingdom will allow these adaptive riders on their trails.

While trail systems across the nation are adopting adaptive mountain bike trail standards, Vermont is one of the hotspots leading the charge. The Driving Range in Bolton, VT, claims to be the first fully-adaptive MTB trail network in the world.

Exactly how many trails are open to e-bikes?

85% of the Kingdom will be opening to Class 1 e-bike access. For a detailed breakdown of the different classes of e-bikes, be sure to read our full explainer here. KT has clearly marked which trails are off-limits to e-bikes both on physical trail signs and in most online trail mapping software.

Responding to common concerns

Geoff Whitchurch, Kingdom Trails Director of Trails, said of KT’s policy shift, “There has been concern that eMTBs cause excessive trail damage, but there simply isn’t evidence to support that concern. In fact, our Trail Crew has received support from Cannondale with several eMTBs that enable our team to access maintenance projects without using ATVs — which is much better for the trails.”

KT said they’ll closely monitor “trail conditions and user experiences” as e-bikes are added to the network. “The organization remains committed to ensuring this enhancement improves the Kingdom Trails experience for all riders.”

All riders are required to pay a membership fee to ride the Kingdom, ranging from $20 per day to $125 per year. Other passes, such as 2-day, 3-day, and family, are also available. E-bikers will be charged the same rates as normal mountain bikers.