Riding E-bikes on Wisconsin State Trails
Q: Can I ride my electric bike on Wisconsin State Trails?
A: Yes, mostly.
With the exploding popularity of electric-powered “e-bikes,” many are wondering if electric bikes can be used on Wisconsin’s excellent recreational trails.
With only a few exceptions, e-bikes are allowed on most state bicycle touring trails, as long as they do not exceed a 15 MPH speed limit. And electric bikes are allowed on virtually all Wisconsin bicycle trails as long as they are used without the motor engaged. Like all other bikes, e-bikes require a Wisconsin State Trail Pass.
Note that NO e-bike capable of more than 30 MPH is permitted on any state trails that do not specifically allow motorcycles.
When riding your e-bike on the Glacial Drumlin State Trail, follow all the usual cycling rules of trail etiquette: remain aware, be considerate, and slow down and ride single-file when passing or meeting others. As e-bikes can sometimes sneak up on and surprise other trail users, be sure to use an audible signal.
Learn more, and see the complete list of Wisconsin bicycle trails here.
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/recreation/biking
To learn more about legal definitions, and clear, sensible e-bike policy, visit The Wisconsin Bike Fed’s resources page:
https://wisconsinbikefed.org/e-bike-resources/
I think all e-bikes should be allowed on paved trails. Your weight isn’t going to crack the concrete and I can regular mountain bike faster than 15 mph and try getting a really over weight person on a 21 speed, that would tear up a bike trail faster than any e-bikes.
I can’t believe electric scooters aren’t allowed. Sure they can go fast, same as ebikes depending on wattage. Walking is ok, running is ok, biking is ok, everything else is ok, but not scooters. OK……
I rode my e bike for the first time on the trail. Went about 10-12mph most of the time and it went well. It was a busy day of bike riders and walkers. I was even passed by an analog biker going much faster than me.
E-motorcycles traveling at high speeds have become a menace. One of them almost hit one of my children last year. Sure, bikes can go fast too, but it’s very rare that they are traveling in excess of 30mph. These trails are shared with walkers and runners.
In my experience cyclists (including those on -bikes) are also much more likely slow down and ring a bell or say “on your left” when coming from behind. The e-motorcycle users (which are illegal anyway), never do. Most are early teens, which may have something to do with it.
I ride an e-bike because I need to keep some flexibility in my knees. I haven’t got the strength to ride a heavy bike without the motor, nor do I understand the restriction on Class 2 bikes. I ride everywhere in Class 2, seldom using the throttle (mainly for hills or crossing intersections), and ride between 11-15mph. It seems like an unnecessary limit on e-bike riders to allow Class 3 (up to 28mph) but not Class 2, which is limited to 20mph. I wanted to plan some trips to ride some of the shorter trails, but it looks like I’ll be limited to county roads. Lots safer with 55-70 mph traffic than riding a trail at 15mph /sarcasm
Also, why no discounts for senior/disabled/veterans, or an option for a lifetime pass (like national parks and forests have)?