Made official Wednesday, e-bikes are now welcome in Land Between the lakes, and designated biking trails have opened to the Class-1 vehicles until further notice.
In note of this announcement, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Forest Service has provided additional guidance on the use and classification of electric bicycles, which are defined as two-wheeled vehicles equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts.
They are divided into three classes based on how the motor assists the rider.
Class 1 e-bikes provide motor assistance only when the rider is pedaling and stop assisting at 20 miles per hour.
Class 2 e-bikes can be powered entirely by the motor, without pedaling, and also stop assisting at 20 miles per hour.
Class 3 e-bikes provide pedal-assisted power and stop assisting at 28 miles per hour.
Class 2 and 3 e-bikes are not permitted at this time.
Traditional bicycles, by comparison, are powered solely by human pedaling and do not include a motor.
According to the Forest Service, e-bikes do not require license plates, and helmet use is generally recommended for riders.
