The Wyoming State Legislature recently passed senate file SF81, allowing for the use of correctly labeled electric bicycles on state trails and roadways designated as non-motorized. The bill was signed into law by Gov. Mark Gordon and goes into effect July 1.
According to a press release from Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources, the bill was supported by impassioned bicycle shop owners and sponsored by State Senator Tara Nethercott.
Electric bicycles are divided into three classes:
Class 1 – electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles an hour.
Class 2 – electric bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used to propel the bicycle without pedaling and is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles an hour.
Class 3 – electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 28 miles an hour.
According to the legislation, electric bicycles may be operated where “bicycles are permitted to travel…” with the following exceptions:
Class 1 or Class 2 electric bicycles may be operated on bicycle or multi-use paths where bicycles are allowed unless otherwise stated by the local authority or state agency with jurisdiction over the specific path or trail.
Class 3 electric bicycles shall not be operated on a bicycle or multi-use path unless it is adjacent to a highway or roadway or a local authority or state agency allows that operation.
The state parks are currently working on rules that will allow Class 1 electric bicycles on non-motorized trails. They are also piloting an experiment to look at the effects of Class 2 electric bicycles on trails.
According to research from the Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Office, electric bike sales and manufacturing have been climbing exponentially over the last few years.
“E-bikes allow people who may not normally be able to enjoy trails for whatever physical reason the chance to get into our beautiful parks.” said Domenic Bravo, Administrator for Wyoming State Parks and Outdoor Recreation Office, in the release. “We look forward to seeing you on the trail.”
