The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has proposed regulations to permit Class 1 and Class 3 pedal-assist electric bicycles on state-managed bike trails where traditional bicycles are already allowed, aiming to boost accessibility for users across the state, including those in Southern Maryland. Published August 22, 2025, in the Maryland Register, the proposal responds to rising e-bike popularity and seeks public input through September 22 before final adoption.
Under the draft, Class 1 and Class 3 e-bikes, which provide motor assistance only when pedaling and cap at 20 miles per hour, would gain access to multi-use trails on DNR lands such as state parks, forests and wildlife management areas. Exceptions apply to trails reserved for pedestrians, or those with infrastructure limitations, safety risks or habitat sensitivities, decided by the department. Class 2 e-bikes, equipped with throttles that operate without pedaling, remain restricted unless classified as adaptive for individuals with disabilities, featuring modifications like hand-cycles or reinforced frames.
“This e-bike policy will help even more people enjoy Maryland’s multi-use trails,” said Sandi Olek, director of the Maryland Office of Outdoor Recreation.
The move aligns with a surge in e-bike sales, which quadrupled from 2019 to 2022 according to U.S. Department of Energy data, reflecting broader adoption for recreation and commuting. Currently, Class 1 and Class 3 e-bikes are permitted only on the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail in Baltimore County and the Western Maryland Rail Trail in Allegany and Washington counties, while prohibited elsewhere on DNR trails. The proposal clarifies usage, fostering an electric cycling community while emphasizing etiquette: e-cyclists must greet others, yield to pedestrians and equestrians, control speeds and deactivate motors near horses. The mantra is “Say Hey, Give Way, and Enjoy the Day.”
Public comments are invited via mail to the Office of Outdoor Recreation at 580 Taylor Ave. C-4, Annapolis, MD 21401; email to outdoorrecreation.dnr@maryland.gov; or an online form. The department will review feedback from September 23 to October 27, with final regulations set for publication October 27.
In Southern Maryland, the changes could expand options on DNR-managed sites like St. Mary’s River State Park, where about six miles of trails accommodate mountain biking, including segments rated for e-bikes under current local guidelines. The park, spanning 2,100 acres in St. Mary’s County, features loops through wooded areas around two lakes, drawing cyclists for its varied terrain. Salem State Forest, also in St. Mary’s, offers nine miles of multi-use paths open to bikes, potentially seeing increased use with formalized e-bike access. Charles County’s Smallwood State Park provides biking on paved roads and some trails, while Calvert Cliffs State Park in Calvert County limits cycling to designated areas amid its fossil-rich cliffs and bay views.
These sites fall under DNR oversight, including the Forest Service for state forests, Park Service for parks and natural resource areas, and Wildlife and Heritage Service for wildlife management areas. The proposal applies solely to these lands, not county-managed paths like the 13-mile Three Notch Trail in St. Mary’s County, built on a former railroad and already accommodating e-bikes for its flat, paved route through rural landscapes. Similarly, the Indian Head Rail Trail in Charles County, a 13-mile paved corridor alongside Mattawoman Creek, permits Class 1 and 2 e-bikes under county rules, with no motorized vehicles otherwise allowed.
Broader Maryland e-bike laws classify devices into three categories, with Class 1 and 3 treated like traditional bikes on roads and paths unless restricted. No helmet or license is required for riders 16 and older, but local jurisdictions may impose additional rules. The DNR initiative follows national trends, as e-bikes enhance outdoor recreation by aiding those with mobility challenges or seeking longer rides. Studies show e-bike use promotes physical activity, reducing disease risks and encouraging conservation behaviors, though concerns include trail erosion from heavier bikes and potential conflicts with hikers or wildlife.
For Southern Maryland residents, the regulations could invigorate local tourism and health initiatives. The region’s proximity to the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River supports over 1,400 miles of DNR trails statewide, with Southern areas offering serene escapes. Point Lookout State Park in St. Mary’s, for instance, allows biking on its roads amid Civil War history and beaches, potentially extending to trails if deemed suitable. Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary in Prince George’s County, part of Southern Maryland’s extended area, restricts bikes to its driving tour to protect habitats, aligning with proposal exceptions.
The DNR’s push builds on partnerships, such as with Southern Maryland Mountain Bikers for trail maintenance in St. Mary’s State Park. Secretary Josh Kurtz highlighted in an August 7 message that such efforts challenge all skill levels while promoting inclusivity. Nationally, similar policies in national parks have shown minimal environmental impact when e-bikes follow bike rules. In Maryland, the Great Maryland Outdoors Act supports park enhancements, potentially amplifying e-bike benefits.
As comments shape the final rules, the proposal positions Maryland among states adapting to e-bike growth, ensuring safe, equitable access to natural resources for communities like those in St. Mary’s, Calvert and Charles counties.