# News for Michigan E-Bike Enthusiasts: More Trails Opening Soon! **URL:** \ **Category:** News\ **Tags:** electric-bike\ **Created:** [June 24, 2024, 8:24am UTC](https://community.cyrusher.com/t/news-for-michigan-e-bike-enthusiasts-more-trails-opening-soon/236 "2024-06-24T08:24:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 9\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Julin](https://community.cyrusher.com/user_avatar/community.cyrusher.com/julin/32/693_2.png) [@Julin](https://community.cyrusher.com/u/Julin)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2024, 8:24am UTC](https://community.cyrusher.com/t/news-for-michigan-e-bike-enthusiasts-more-trails-opening-soon/236/1 "2024-06-24T08:24:47Z")
There’s some news coming out of Michigan that’s bound to have some of us buzzing with excitement while perhaps leaving others a bit divided. But let’s dive into the details! The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is contemplating a significant shift in the e-bike world by proposing a year-long pilot program aimed at opening **3,000 miles of trails** to electric bicycles. If all goes as planned, this change could be in motion as early as **July**! Currently, Michigan’s state-managed dirt trails are off-limits to e-bikes, with some restrictions on paved trails as well. However, this new proposal looks to make the great outdoors more accessible and inclusive. The idea is to cater to those who, for various reasons, might be hesitant or physically unable to ride pedal-powered bicycles. **E-bike classifications:** - **Class 1:** Pedal-assist only, with a maximum speed of 20 mph and power up to 750 watts. - **Class 2:** Both pedal and throttle-assist, keeping within the same speed and power limits as Class 1. - **Class 3:** Pedal-assist that can hit speeds up to 28 mph but still cap at 750 watts. However, it’s notable that Class 3 bikes wouldn’t be permitted on these trails. **Existing policies** allow Class 1 bikes on certain paved or crushed limestone trails and all e-bike classes on specific road-types and motorized trails. Yet, they exclude vast miles of natural-surface trails, such as mountain biking paths - until possibly now. Under the new policy, all Class 1 and permitted Class 2 e-bikes would gain access to these once-forbidden paths. The move comes with its share of controversies, with concerns about potential trail damage and overcrowding. Yet, Nicole Hunt from the DNR reassures that e-bikes have not shown to cause more damage to public trails than regular bikes, pointing to positive outcomes in states like Arkansas and North Carolina. We understand that change can be daunting, and for some, the trails are sacred ground. Yet, with 54% of 6,000 survey respondents showing support for the policy change, it seems many are ready to embrace a more inclusive biking environment. Plus, with plans to monitor the impact closely through feedback via QR codes at trailheads, it appears there are measures in place to ensure a smooth transition. As we await the final decision, let’s keep an open mind and consider the potential these changes have for making the great outdoors more accessible to all types of riders. And who knows? This might just be the push needed for more people to engage in an active lifestyle, supported by a little electric assist. * * * Let’s Hear From You! **What’s your take? Are you revving up in excitement, or do you have reservations about these new e-bike regulations? Feel free to leave your message below!** Ride on and stay electrified! * * * Source information: > **[Michigan officials mull more access for e-bikes on state trails | Bridge...](https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-environment-watch/michigan-officials-mull-more-access-e-bikes-state-trails)** > > E-bike popularity is surging, allowing e-bike riders to participate in the beloved pastime, but their access is banned on thousands of miles of state trails. A new Michigan DNR proposal would change that.  ---
**Author:** ![harryxc](https://community.cyrusher.com/user_avatar/community.cyrusher.com/harryxc/32/217_2.png) [@harryxc](https://community.cyrusher.com/u/harryxc)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2024, 2:12pm UTC](https://community.cyrusher.com/t/news-for-michigan-e-bike-enthusiasts-more-trails-opening-soon/236/2 "2024-06-24T14:12:31Z")
That’s a great news. ---
**Author:** ![cyrider](https://community.cyrusher.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/c/f4b2a3/32.png) [@cyrider](https://community.cyrusher.com/u/cyrider)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2024, 5:34pm UTC](https://community.cyrusher.com/t/news-for-michigan-e-bike-enthusiasts-more-trails-opening-soon/236/3 "2024-06-24T17:34:34Z")
Good news. I didn’t realize there were restrictions on ebikes. I currently ride the White Pine trail and see plenty of ebikes using it. ---
**Author:** ![Julin](https://community.cyrusher.com/user_avatar/community.cyrusher.com/julin/32/693_2.png) [@Julin](https://community.cyrusher.com/u/Julin)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2024, 1:11am UTC](https://community.cyrusher.com/t/news-for-michigan-e-bike-enthusiasts-more-trails-opening-soon/236/4 "2024-06-25T01:11:34Z")
Glad to hear that! ---
**Author:** ![Bigwaynester](https://community.cyrusher.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/b/7ea924/32.png) [@Bigwaynester](https://community.cyrusher.com/u/Bigwaynester)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2024, 3:59am UTC](https://community.cyrusher.com/t/news-for-michigan-e-bike-enthusiasts-more-trails-opening-soon/236/5 "2024-06-30T03:59:41Z")
I’m only a few miles from MI, I heard this on the news, to bad I have a class3. I wonder how often they check ---
**Author:** ![Julin](https://community.cyrusher.com/user_avatar/community.cyrusher.com/julin/32/693_2.png) [@Julin](https://community.cyrusher.com/u/Julin)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2024, 9:23am UTC](https://community.cyrusher.com/t/news-for-michigan-e-bike-enthusiasts-more-trails-opening-soon/236/6 "2024-07-01T09:23:58Z")
For road inspections, well, they’re a bit like the weather - can’t really predict 'em! 😢 But it’s always a good idea to stay informed with your local rules and regs. 🙌 ---
**Author:** ![cyrider](https://community.cyrusher.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/c/f4b2a3/32.png) [@cyrider](https://community.cyrusher.com/u/cyrider)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2024, 11:42am UTC](https://community.cyrusher.com/t/news-for-michigan-e-bike-enthusiasts-more-trails-opening-soon/236/7 "2024-07-12T11:42:18Z")
Are class 3 ebikes pedal assist only? ---
**Author:** ![harryxc](https://community.cyrusher.com/user_avatar/community.cyrusher.com/harryxc/32/217_2.png) [@harryxc](https://community.cyrusher.com/u/harryxc)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2024, 3:27pm UTC](https://community.cyrusher.com/t/news-for-michigan-e-bike-enthusiasts-more-trails-opening-soon/236/8 "2024-07-15T15:27:55Z")
yes, i think so ---
**Author:** ![cyrider](https://community.cyrusher.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/c/f4b2a3/32.png) [@cyrider](https://community.cyrusher.com/u/cyrider)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2025, 11:18am UTC](https://community.cyrusher.com/t/news-for-michigan-e-bike-enthusiasts-more-trails-opening-soon/236/9 "2025-06-30T11:18:08Z")
> [@Bigwaynester](#): > > …o bad I have a class3. I wonder how often they check I ride the White Pine trail almost every day. I’ve never seen anyone checked. Just be courteous to others while riding.