Electric bikes

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NW from Irwin on 3/17/2019 7:35:31 AM:

Are electric bikes allowed on the trail?

Rivnuts from Munhall, PA on 3/17/2019 4:06:05 PM:

Of course, "motorized vehicles" are prohibited on the trail, but I am unaware of any prohibitions of ebikes and have seen several on the trail. That said, there isn't a whole lot of need as the grades are very slight and gradual.

Cenzo from Hatfield PA on 3/18/2019 8:05:30 AM:

I must say I am flat out against ebikes on the trail. I would be OK on a permit only basis based on disability for example but otherwise these things move way to fast compared to a pedal bike or hike and I think they should not be allowed. Just my 2 cents.

martyfromTampa from Tampa on 3/18/2019 9:38:20 AM:

I used to be against electric bikes on the trail. But then I met an older gentleman and his wife on that paved trail and spoke with him for a while. He said he used to ride bikes a lot and wanted to keep riding. Apparently, with these EBs you can “dial in” how much work you want to do. So, without the EB he wouldn’t be riding at all. With the EB he can still enjoy life on his bicycle. I don’t think it is safe to ride an EB fast in the C&O or GAP. After talking to him, I changed my mind.

Stillriding from Pittsburgh on 3/18/2019 10:04:22 AM:

E-Bikes are very legal to ride on the trail. Everyone on a E-Bike or regular bike has to obey all the same rules. The speed on the trail is 15 mph. With that said, yes,I have seen E-Bikes go over that but also regular bikes go over that. When you see someone on an E-bike chances are they are older, heaver, or may have a disability that you may not even be able to see. The point is these bikes cost more money and they are spending it so they to can still enjoy the trail or maybe just being able to ride a bike again. I don't like being passed but if a person calls the pass out before hand and for the most part the trail is plenty wide enough, it's all good. And yes, I have an E-Bike,and two regular bikes and depending on the ride location, length, time and how I feel that day, then I decide on which bike I take. It's never just because I want to go fast, however, I do enjoy being able to pass people again at 67 which does not happen on my regular bikes. Hope this helps. Any comments are welcomed. Enjoy the ride.

tl from robinson pa on 3/18/2019 11:02:13 AM:

I have very mixed opinions pertaining to e-bikes. I have been through the C & O trail a number of times now, and have come to feel an almost spiritual reverence for the sights, smells and sounds when passing through this historic and majestic place. The thought of any type of electrically propelled bike seemed to be inappropriate for these types of trails.
I kind of changed that outlook one day on a trip from DC to Pgh when I happened to meet an elderly gentleman who was slowly making his way up the towpath riding on an electric wheelchair-type scooter. He said he was 86 years old and he had been hiking the C & O since the 1960's. Bad knees and hips now prevent him from walking the trail. As he looked around as he talked to me, I saw the same reverence in his eyes and his words for the trail that I felt. Apparently his grandson drops him off at a trailhead, and he tries to make it to the next trailhead to be picked up. How fantastic to be 86 and still set goals. E-bikes should be allowed possibly with special permits to limit the use to people who really need them.

Sunbiker from Santa Monica on 3/19/2019 1:39:06 AM:

Been reading the recent posts re: e-bikes. I’m nearing age 70 and have biked all around the world. Still love to ride, but putting big mileage on day after day for a week or two or even more is getting difficult. Just bought an e-bike a few weeks ago. For me, it’s not about the speed, it’s about endurance and continuing to enjoy what I love most. Biking!!! Still have my regular road and mtn bikes, just another option when needed. (I admit I felt a little guilty when I first bought it, but it sure feels great to stay in the saddle longer).

Rebecca from New Bern, NC on 9/18/2019 3:31:37 PM:

Are electric bikes allowed on the C&O Canal NHP Towpath?

Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 9/18/2019 6:27:14 PM:

As I recently noted an earlier forum thread on e-bikes the National Park Service as of August 30, 2019 has adopted a new policy that generally permits e-bikes within the national parks albeit subject to any specifically different policies of the individual parks. A search of the NPS webpage for the C&O Canal Towpath does not appear to identify any restrictions to the use of e-bikes therein.

Jwiffle on 10/8/2019 2:31:16 PM:

Currently, according to the NPS website on the C&O, ebikes are NOT allowed (how some did searches without finding it shows they don't know how to navigate a website).

https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/hikingandbiking.htm

Having said that, I've heard that it may be changing. But the official website still shows them as not allowed.

Rivnuts from Homestead. PA on 10/9/2019 7:49:36 AM:

See the attached Executive Order for additional information.

https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/sites/default/files/attachments/so_3376_-_increasing_recreational_opportunities_through_the_use_of_electric_bikes_-508_0.pdf

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