Public Input Sought on E-Biking Policy for Vermont State Forests and Parks

Montpelier, Vt. – The Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (FPR) is seeking input from the public on a draft updated policy that would allow the use of electric bicycles (e-bikes) on lands managed by the Department, including state forests and state parks. The Department is proposing to update the current FPR Policy 4: Mountain bicycles, horseback riding, and pack animals. The public is invited to submit comments on the draft updated policy through the online form which will be open and available on the FPR website through November 28, 2025.

Vermont statute (23 V.S.A. § 4) defines electric bicycles as bicycles equipped with fully operable pedals, a saddle or seat for the rider, and an electric motor of less than 750 watts that also meets the requirements of one of the following three classes:

• Class 1: a bicycle equipped with an electric motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour, also called pedal assist.
• Class 2: a bicycle equipped 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 the speed of 20 miles per hour, also called throttle assist.
• Class 3: a bicycle equipped with an electric motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour.

Statute (23 V.S.A. § 1136a) also requires that e-bikes be governed as bicycles and lays out options for municipalities and agencies to allow or restrict the use of the different classes of e-bikes on multi-use paths and natural surface trails.

The Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation is proposing to allow all classes of electric bicycles on the following resources:

• State park roads;
• Class A and B forest highways;
• Gravel-surfaced Class C forest highways;
• Multi-use trails and other Class C forest highways designated for bicycle use through established planning processes.

The Department is also proposing to allow Class 1 e-bikes on natural surface trails designated for bicycle use through established planning processes.

The policy would designate a 20-mph speed limit on all state park roads, forest highways, and multi-use trails with an option to designate a lower speed limit, as needed.

Finally, the Department is proposing to differentiate the use of forest highways by road classification for the activities in the policy, including bicycles and horseback riding.

The full text of the draft policy, supplemental information, a link to the comment form, and additional options for submitting comments are available on the FPR website.

Please note that this policy does not pertain to the four rail trails that are owned and maintained for the Agency of Transportation.