Keeping it rolling

I’m 52 now. I still love to ride. Still hit the same trails I did in my 30s. But these days I often do it on a class 1 e-bike. I’m not trying to ride faster than anyone. I just want to keep my mileage up, stay sharp, and have fun.

At MORC, we’ve been watching the e-bike debate evolve. For a while, the default was to allow class 1 only. But we’ve started to question whether that’s realistic. Class 2 and class 3 bikes fall under Minnesota’s legal e-bike definitions. They look and operate like bikes. From our perspective, they belong in the same conversation.

What’s pushing this shift is what we’re not seeing. More and more, riders are showing up on e-motos that have pedals in name only. Or no pedals at all. These machines are powerful, fast, and clearly not legal e-bikes under state law. But trying to police what’s legal and what’s not, based on a motor label or pedal effort, is nearly impossible for volunteers or other trail users.

That’s why we’re advocating for a simple standard. If it looks and rides like a bicycle, and it fits into class 1, 2, or 3 as defined by Minnesota law, then we’re good with it. If it looks like a motorcycle, it’s not welcome on MORC trails. That’s the line.

We’ve published a position statement on our site that breaks this down in plain terms. The goal is consistency and clarity for riders, land managers, and partners. No more guessing. No more gray area.

We get that e-bikes stir up feelings. But for a lot of folks, older riders, people recovering from injuries, parents trying to squeeze in a quick ride after work, e-bikes are what keep them connected to the sport. They’re not cheating. They’re just adapting.

At the end of the day, our mission is simple. Gain and maintain trail. That means protecting what we’ve built while making sure it’s accessible for the people who love it.

See you out there.

Jason Tufty

MORC E-Bike Position Statement

MORC supports expanding access to trails in a way that is sustainable, safe, and aligned with state law. As e-bike use continues to grow, MORC recognizes the need for clear guidance to ensure consistency across trail systems and among our partners.

Position

MORC recommends that all partner organizations and land managers follow the definitions and classifications of electric-assisted bicycles as outlined in Minnesota State Statute §169.011.

These statutes classify e-bikes into three categories:

• Class 1: Pedal-assist only, motor stops at 20 mph
• Class 2: Throttle-capable, motor stops at 20 mph
• Class 3: Pedal-assist only, motor stops at 28 mph, must have a speedometer
  Our intent is to:
• Promote consistent enforcement and signage across trail systems
• Protect trail conditions and user safety
• Support trail access for riders using legal e-bikes under state law
• Ensure our policies are aligned with public land managers, local ordinances,
  and conservation goals
  
  Clarification on E-Moto Devices
  Devices that do not meet the definition of an electric-assisted bicycle such as electric motorcycles without pedals are not supported for use on MORC- maMORC E-Bike Position Statement
• MORC supports expanding access to trails in a way that is sustainable, safe, and aligned with state law. As e-bike use continues to grow, MORC recognizes the need for clear guidance to ensure consistency across trail systems and among our partners.
• Position
• MORC recommends that all partner organizations and land managers follow the definitions and classifications of electric-assisted bicycles as outlined in Minnesota State Statute §169.011.
• These statutes classify e-bikes into three categories:
• Class 1: Pedal-assist only, motor stops at 20 mph
• Class 2: Throttle-capable, motor stops at 20 mph
• Class 3: Pedal-assist only, motor stops at 28 mph, must have a speedometer
• Our intent is to:
• Promote consistent enforcement and signage across trail systems
• Protect trail conditions and user safety
• Support trail access for riders using legal e-bikes under state law
• Ensure our policies are aligned with public land managers, local ordinances,
• and conservation goals
• Clarification on E-Moto Devices
• Devices that do not meet the definition of an electric-assisted bicycle such as electric motorcycles without pedals are not supported for use on MORC- maintained trails. These devices fall outside the scope of Minnesota’s e-bike laws and present different management challenges.
• Next Steps
• MORC will continue working with local and state agencies to align trail policies and evaluate changes to access as technology and regulations evolve.intained trails. These devices fall outside the scope of Minnesota’s e-bike laws and present different management challenges.