What you need to know about e-bikes in the Adirondack Park. Where can they go, are they safe, and does current legislation need to change?
By Holly Riddle
E-bikes have been slowly making their way into the mainstream, and the Adirondacks.
Here’s what you need to know.
Understanding New York State’s classification system
Bicycles outfitted with electric motors, New York State defines e-bikes and categorizes them into three “classes” as such:
Class 1: Bicycle with electric assist having an electric motor that provides assistance only when the person operating such bicycle is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 mph.
Class 2: Electric-assist bicycles with an electric motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 mph.
Class 3: Bikes with electric assist with an electric motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when such bicycle reaches a speed of 25 mph.
Just like non-motorized bicycles, e-bikes may be fashioned for a specific terrain or use, such as trails, roads, gravel.
Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes have the same maximum allowed power and speed. “The difference is that with a Class 1, the motor is actuated by one’s feet, [via] pedaling. With a Class 2, the motor can optionally be actuated by hand, [via] throttle,” said JP Fasano of Adirondack Cycling Advocates. Class 3 e-bikes are forbidden in the Adirondack Park, unless on private land. According to Fasano, in New York state Class 3 e-bikes are only allowed in New York City.
Where can I ride in the Adirondacks?
Legislation regarding e-bike usage in the Adirondacks has evolved over the years. Currently, statewide, Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes may be operated on highways with a posted speed limit of 30 miles per hour or less. Municipalities can further regulate usage. E-bikes are not permitted on sidewalks unless authorized by local law.
Some Adirondack local governments have changed local laws to allow e-bikes on roads that have speed limits over 30 miles per hour. Queensbury, Lake George and Bolton Landing are some examples.
In the Adirondack Park, Class 1 bikes are permitted on the Adirondack Rail Trail, as well as in DEC campgrounds. E-bikes may be used on public roads in Wildlife Management Areas, unless the road is posted against such use. All off-road usage in Wildlife Management Areas is prohibited.
E-bikes remain prohibited on forest preserve trails in the Adirondack Park.
Why are e-bikes not allowed on some trails?
“Small actions can have lasting impacts on delicate plants, wildlife and landscapes,” said a DEC spokesperson.
However, many feel that e-bikes pose no more risk to trails than a traditional mountain bike.
Are e-bikes safe?
As the New York Times reported earlier this month, e-bike fatalities in New York City have hit record-high numbers. Does that mean e-bikes are unsafe? Some in the Adirondacks don’t think that’s the case.
For riders, e-bikes do come with a learning curve. Tour and bike rental providers prepare riders, as much as possible. Delaney noted, “You have to teach your customers how to ride them. We give them a little lesson. We’ll make sure they know how to brake, how to shift, how to use the power assist, with every single one, because we don’t want anyone getting hurt.”
How popular are they in the Adirondacks?
“E-bikes are the fastest-growing element of the bicycle market right now. They’re a good thing in a lot of ways. [They] allow people to continue to be active on a bicycle as they get older… Working in bicycle tourism, we have a lot of riders who have ridden events with us in the past. But as they age, climbing the Adirondack hills is a little bit more challenging. E-bikes make that doable again,” said Doug Haney, owner of BikeADK, a bike tour provider based in Saranac Lake.
Haney mentioned that he gets e-bike tour inquiries “all the time.”
At High Peaks Cyclery, Brian and son Matt Delaney go through “a lot” of e-bike rentals per week. They’ve noticed popularity increasing over the last five years.
In addition to popularity with tourists, Fasano has seen growth within local cycling groups, too. He also points out the environmental benefits. “With climate change, every e-bike ride that replaces a car ride is wonderful. E-bikes are ecologically much, much better than driving an electric car.”
Does legislation need to change?
Some feel policies to change in regard to e-bike trail usage, citing lack of any real trail damage.
“The e-mountain bikes really aren’t hurting the trails, if they’re on a good, hardened trail. There’s no difference between an e-bike and a mountain bike [as far as] degrading the trails, because there are plenty of full-suspension mountain bikes that weigh over 35 pounds or more,” said Brian Delaney.
Others mention that the current legislation can cause confusion and inadvertently lead to illegal activity. Fasano pointed to the Warren County Bikeway. It’s legal to ride e-bikes through Lake George and Queensbury, but not through the Glens Falls portion of the bikeway.
“This is too bad,” he said, “because I have seen people using e-bikes on the bikeway in Glens Falls commuting to work and grocery shopping. They should be able to do this legally, in my opinion. E-bikes as an alternate form of transportation save car rides and are environmentally friendly.”
“I wish New York State had written the law a little broader,” he summed up.
Matt Delaney sees some confusion from tourists in regard to where they can or cannot go with an e-bike. “We had more e-mountain bikes, but now Heaven Hill and Henry’s Woods don’t want people on e-bikes out there. Over time, hopefully, we’ll get more e-bike-friendly trail policies. But for now we’re focusing more on hybrid-style or e-bikes that aren’t meant for off-roading. That way we can be pretty clear on where people can and cannot go. It’s certainly dictated the type of e-bikes we’re offering,” he said.
EBike rules in NY need to adapt to the changing times. There have been long term studies done comparing class 1 EBike trail damage to normal mountain bikes and there was NO difference. You’re never too old to hit the trails!
Pls post citations. I’d like to read the studies.
I’m 72 and have been an avid cyclist for over 30 years but with age and disability I have transitioned to an e-bike. My wife has one too and we enjoy riding together. I’m not sure about the classification but we are both tired from pedaling after we go out for a ride. When I worked in the Washington DC area I often commuted by bike to work. If I had an e-bike back then, I would have bike commuted more often. Currently, after two brain surgeries it is the only way I can ride a bike. We are looking forward to riding open sections of the new rail trail between Tupper Lake and Lake Placid at our leisurely pace. We have enjoyed doing this in the Washington DC area as I’ve recovered from cancer treatments. In my opinion, the NY rules are confusing and should be similar to DC, MD, an VA bike trails; legal on trails with maximum speed 15 mph and good signage, and then enforce it. Please don’t discriminate against e-bike users, who are no different from regular cyclists, on the premise they are harming the environment more.
The technology and the regulations need to co-evolve. For instance, is the 20 mph governor appropriate for trails/roads in the FP? 20 mph is faster than most recreation cyclists speeds on a self-propelled bike. Is the impetus for bike recreation higher speeds, or more accessibility to the general public??
Personally, I would think the best matchup in backcountry use would be a Class 2 e-bike that is governed to a MAX speed of 12-15 mph under motor power alone, but it would be possible to perhaps hit 20mph while pedaling downhill for those thrill-seekers. As an older, infirm person, I can see where many people would not be able to constantly pedal a Class 1 bike very far – if at all. I think it is fairly clear that for more elderly/infirm people to enjoy the activity, a bike with a throttle would be important. But if Class 2 bikes are illegal, it is defeating the purpose of many of the trails. The trails should not be built specifically for physically fit individuals. But if lowering governed speeds on Class 2 bikes would enable their legality and safety on many trails, it would enable a wider range of users on the backcountry trails/roads.
New York’s legislation must be revised to reflect the increasing reliance on e-bikes and bicycles as vital modes of transportation. Simply installing signs and marking lanes with paint falls short of providing the necessary infrastructure for safe cycling. With bicycles rapidly becoming a preferred method of transport for many, the development of protected bike lanes is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of cyclists. E-bikes, in particular, have significantly expanded cycling’s accessibility, welcoming individuals of all ages and physical abilities to the cycling community. Moreover, e-bike riders should be granted the same access to roads and trails as any other cyclists, ensuring equality and inclusivity within the cycling infrastructure.
Agree. The only times that I’ve been threatened by an accident is the two times that a cyclist on regular bike came racing by at speeds over 20 mph trying to make competitive times. By the time they called out “on the left” they were even with me and passing!
I use my throttle only to get started or when crossing a busy road. I am out there for the exercise for my legs but have one knee replacement and another one coming up before long. So starting up can be challenging for me now.
My husband and I have pedaled thousands of miles and want to continue to do so. I certainly hope that the legislation will catch up with reality. Completely understand that ebike accidents would be high in New York City where ebikes weave in and out of moving traffic at Class 3 speeds. It is unfair to compare NYC with the rest of the state.
E-bikes should come with a mandatory horn. As a pedestrian, E-bikes are slient, and the biker never notifies their behind you! Mike
Yes. All bicycles should have a bell or horn. State law requires it. See VAT 1236 (b) at https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/VAT/1236.
For bell usage etiquette for cyclists and pedestrians see: https://ADKCyclingAdvocates.org/blog/bike-bells/
Decades ago when I used to ride (fast) on the Old Erie Canal towpath, I installed a simple bell. It seemed to get pedestrian attention faster than a horn. I guess people just don’t hear bells very often any more. But riders need to keep in mind, not everyone using the trail can hear properly, or they may be using headphones/buds. Share the trails and be safe!
And it should be illegal for anyone to use the trails with earbuds listening to music or on the phone. I have found these people the most dangerous.
take your ear buds out and stay off your phone 24/7 and you will Hear me coming
from behind you, we have the most laws in the country ,more laws are not the
answer here.
An ebike is no louder or quieter than an acoustic bike, so this approach seems biased against ebikes specifically?
IMO, this comment is more to control behavior than it is ebike/bike related. And we all know you can’t legislate human behavior without severe backlash and consequence.
People do/should give at a minimum a verbal warning when approaching anyone form behind to be able to safely pass. Also, is this is on a multi-use trail, Pedestrians (and dog walkers) need to be aware of cyclists and make appropriate clearances on the trial. I see WAY too many dog walkers with 20-ft leads across trails, or Walkers/Joggers (often with ear buds in) side-by-side blocking the trail or on the wrong side of the trail (stay right – pass left – its a thing people!)
” Currently, statewide, Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes may be operated on highways with a posted speed limit of 30 miles per hour or less. ”
This apparently means that e-bikes cannot be ridden on state highways that have posted speed limits of more than 30mph. This eliminates e-bikes from roads between villages with speeds up to 55mph where it is legal for non-motorized bikes to ride: this makes no sense…
You are right. The state law in this regard doesn’t make sense.
Local governments can allow e-bikes on roads where the speed limit is over 30mph. Queensbury, Lake George, & Bolton Landing have done this. It would be great if more towns also did this.
Here is Queensbury’s local law 50-3: https://ecode360.com/40143219. It reads “The use of class one and class two bicycles with electric assist are hereby allowed to be operated anywhere bicycles without electric assist are legally allowed within the Town, including roads with speed limits over 30 miles per hour”.
Todd Eastman,
You are absolutely correct, many of the regs concerning e-bikes do not make sense. For one, no motorized vehicles, yet snowmobiles are allowed. I’ve seen them tear a trail up in springtime conditions.
Bill Coton
The rail trail was a snowmobile trail long before it was a hiking ,biking trail Bill.
The rail trail is open to snowmobilers in the Winter. WE spend money
what is crazy to me is seeing a couple of cross country skiers with their dogs on
a marked snow mobile trail on a SATURDAY ,very busy and dangerous.
So let me get this straight. I can, and have, gone (usually downhill) between 30 and 40 mph on my “regular” bike. This is not a problem? But on my electric bike, on which I almost never exceed 18-20 mph, if I do it is a problem? Don’t we just need a speed limit, period, as long as the rider is peddling and not relying solely on electric propulsion?
As with any activity, it’s the few rotten apples that spoil it for the rest of us. Class 1 e bikes should be allowed anywhere. Bikes are allowed IMHO. If you’re not being a jerk most of the time when you’re riding your class 1 e-bike, even in a banned area no one will bother you.
It appears that too many people have been misinformed regarding the purpose of a throttle on a class 2 ebike. It is primarily an aid to starting the bike into motion from a stop, as without frequent and inconvenient downshifting it is difficult to pedal a relatively heavy ebike into motion unless the rider has selected a low gear on the derailleur before stopping. When making my decision about purchasing a class 1 or 2 ebike, I opted for class 2 so I didn’t have to make 3 to 4 downshifts for every stop I made and then have to upshift that many times again to resume my regular cadence. My elderly knees and weakening leg muscles cannot begin to pedal a 50+ pound ebike from a dead stop in 4th or 5th gear. A short bump of the throttle gets me moving without all of that inconvenient shifting, allowing me to resume cadence quickly and conveniently.
And yes, there are those folks who will mash the throttle and try to blast along at a steady 20 miles per hour, but unless they have modified their bike with some monster battery, they won’t be doing so for long, because the rated miles per charge on a class 2 ebike drops precipitously at full throttle.
In conclusion, it is not the throttle that is the problem but the person who misuses it.
This is simple. If I have an automobile that is capable of going 180 mph, but the state regulates the speed that it can travel on tax payers property to say 55 mph, that is called a speed limit. An e-bike can be operated in class 1 mode, class 2 mode or class 3 mode. Is it the view of traditionalist bike riders that are forming these laws or is it truly an environmental problem… Seems to me I saw the same issue with snowboarders and traditional skiers a few years back… Just a thought. e-bike owner, environmental scientist and biologist. (Yes, with degrees).
My fat tire e-trike is my mobility device now that I’m 73 and legally disabled and with it I can safety go places with my family that I’d be unable to access otherwise. Yes it’s a class 2 and I have a throttle to get along without pedaling, but it’s been a comfort knowing that I will be able to make it back to the van when my bad knees or hips would have stopped me otherwise.
GET law enforcement on page they don’t wanna write a ticket that’ll get thrown out it hurts their batting average really it’s all line it up so that the bad boy class 3 are the ones that get the tickets that stick and help the officer fill his quota just my opinion
Many restrictions on e-bikes are waived for ADA situations. The e-bike is considered a mobility device. This gets tricky when Wilderness or other land management classifications bar access to the general public. The land manager cannot ask what the disability is per law. A general relaxation of e-bike regulations has been the easiest and least ominous path to working with all populations regarding e-bikes.
It is obvious from the comments that the current classifications and regulations are irrational, illogical, and essentially unenforceable. Regulations for public thoroughfare usage and backcountry/trail/jeep road usage need to be developed with different goals and users in mind.
If I take the plunge and buy an e-bike, it will almost certainly be a Class 2 bike. With my level of infirmity, a Class 1 bike is no real improvement over my traditional bikes. If I shell out $2k for a Class 2 bike, I will likely ride it anywhere I wish, since I don’t ride on primitive backcountry trails anyway. AND I will likely ride it on a highway rated at 55 mph (gasp!!). Same with the Rail Trail. Since no part of my body would survive a 15 mph impact let alone 20+ mph, I don’t see myself ever topping 15 mph even on a downhill. If my fitness level increases to the point where I can ride my old Schwinn again, that will likely be my conveyance of choice since I can lift it into the trunk!
If I get caught, breaking these laws, I don’t mind doing hard time at my age. But my Spidey-sense tells me many of the e-bikes encountered on the Rail Trail will be in fact Class 2 bikes ridden by old coots like me. NYS needs to rethink the entire regulation scheme, speed governor limits, and consider the potential users and who they want to include in the activity. I believe NYS completely misread who would be most attracted to this technology, their deep pockets, and proclivity to vote.
Class 3 e-bikes should require head lights, tail lights, brake lights, a license and mandatory helmet!
Ignorant policy from Ignorant people costing local economies.
If e bikes are allowed on the forest preserve then I guess my electric chainsaw would be legal as well as long as cut the wood that’s already down.
Give it a try and get back to us with the results!
Here is the logic. I can cut any wood that is down and not standing with an axe or cross saw. I am getting up there in age and could become disabled. If people can ride e bikes on the preserve because of age and disability then people should be able to use electric saws to harvest firewood while camping for the same reason.
Please tell me where electric unicycles fall in this law??? And if it is not defined, yet, when will the legislation finally deal with the newest models that can do 100 km/h?!? These things needs to be regulated, now!!!
Ban this, ban that. The 2000’s, a banner century. Cry me a river…..
i ride a non- motorized bike. they can make new rules and laws. what i see on a regular basis is that a large amount of riders weather e-bikes or non motorized bikes don’t abide by the new york state bicycling laws already on the books. so what makes anyone think they will abide by any new laws or rules. and this is not just a few bad apples. its alot of people.
Let people ride whatever type of e bike they want just post speed limit signs just like a highway. Different speed limits based on terrain, congestion, sharp corners or populated areas. It’s simple people. Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill. Im a heavier guy and if I get an e bike it will be the most powerful one with the biggest battery that I can afford. I also own a camaro ss that will do 170mph but I abide by the posted speed limits and have never had a ticket or a problem.
sounds like common sense to me Scott
Here is my anecdotal experience with class 1 e-bikes on my MTB trails that I have built on my property. These are direct observations on multiple occasions with variable trail conditions both wet and dry. The increased pedal assist torque does infrequently dislodge small rocks in the trail tread that otherwise would remain secure. It is not reason for me to prohibit e-bike use but the number of e-bike riders is very small. The other observation i noted is the increased skidding when braking. This is dependent by gradient and speed carried when cornering. The additional weight of e-bikes could be a factor. Modern e-bike weight has been significantly reduced but at a very expensive cost. Having a couple e bikers ride my trails weekly is not a concern. I think if I had ten e-bike riders every day I would have to re evaluate. Until then I support e-bike use especially when medical or age related.
Rangers are using ebikes. Doesn’t make sense to adapt to the needs of the community? (Of course, the US Forest Service hasn’t figured that out yet, either.) https://twitter.com/NYSDEC/status/1729870329508704754
“Class 3: Bikes with electric assist with an electric motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when such bicycle reaches a speed of 25 mph.”
It’s actually 28 mph, and they must be equipped with a speedometer.
“It’s actually 28 mph”
This is a common mistake because 28mph is the standard in the US. For some reason, NY State decided to define class 3 differently.
In NY a class 3 e-bike can have a throttle and the motor turns off at 25 mph. See VAT 102-C (c). https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/VAT/102-C
Thanks JP for your accurate and concise inputs. My take is the NYS rules were driven largely by down-state concerns. NYC has delivery folks speeding around on e-bikes in a congested environment. They also use makeshift rechargers, which have caused fires. We’re blessed that we live in a far less congested area. On balance, I think the move to e-bikes is a big positive.
My wife and I both have E bikes and are 70 years old. We ride with a group every week and the rides average about 25-30 miles, even though we probably could do the rides on regular bikes it is much more enjoyable with the motor assist. And we also average around 15-17 mph sensibly. IMO don’t need regulation, we need speed limits where needed and common sense .
We just came back from six adventurous weeks in New Zealand! (Not as adventurous as Mike F & and Jody D would have). But a great time anyway. We saw an incredible amount of grannies and grandpa’s on the trails and back roads enjoying the hell out of biking. ON E BIKES. Almost all said the e bike brought them back to biking. My 70 year old legs tried E BIKE MTB. I’m getting one. So much fun and scenery still possible with an e bike. JD
I think the New York City e-bike fatalities were mostly from fires started by faulty batteries on e-bikes stored in apartments and even bike shops. E-bikes use light weight Lithium- Ion batteries which provide the power needed. However poor quality batteries used on cheap e-bikes and improper charging can lead to over heating and fires. Once a Li-ion battery fire starts it is explosive and cannot be put out by normal means. Bikes from mainstream manufacturers can be considered safe if you follow their charging guidelines. It’s the cheap imported stuff bought on line you need to worry about.
I’m sure there are injuries & fatalities from accidents with e-bikes …. But just like with normal bikes, the cause is normally the rider’s poor judgement or skills, not the bike itself.
During tourist season, the WC Bikeway is clogged by oversized electric mopeds “ebikes”. They are driven by people who obviously have not learned first how to ride a regular bike safetly. This causes walkers/joggers to choose to walk on the left side of the trail so they feel safe. In this case there are now effectively 4 lanes on a path only wide enough for 2 lanes of traffic. The folks on the class 1 bikes have presented zero problems. Once people get that ability to move a bike along without effort, you’re attracting a whole different crowd into our spaces. I’m not falling for the soft talk about being “ebike friendly”. They just want to get their foot in the door.
I have class 1, and it’s about same weight as 10 speed I used to pedal 30 years ago but will not go as fast even downhill. And, when I have assist turned off is it still an ebike? Class 1 is just a bike. Next they will make a law full leathers, helmet, horn to hike anything with 15% grade. Please curb authoritarian tendencies of your lawmakers.