MONTGOMERY COUNTY — A new policy took effect on June 18, 2026, allowing Class 1 e-bikes and adaptive mountain bikes on natural-surface trails managed by Montgomery Parks. This policy change follows Class 1 e-bikes and adaptive mountain bikes being permitted on paved trails five years earlier.

Class 1 e-bikes provide motor assistance only when a rider is pedaling, and this assistance ceases at speeds exceeding 20 mph. Other types of e-bikes, such as Class 2 and Class 3 models, remain prohibited on all Montgomery County trails. Class 2 e-bikes offer motor assistance even when a rider is not pedaling, while Class 3 e-bikes provide motor assistance at speeds above 20 mph. Motorbikes and mopeds are also prohibited on these trails. The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission identified concerns regarding trail damage, speed, and public safety as reasons for these prohibitions.

Captain Frank Wulff, with the Maryland National Capital Park Police, Montgomery County Division, stated, "Bikes are evolving, the type of recreation is evolving." He noted, "The Class 1 e‑bikes, or pedal‑assist e‑bikes, provide motor assistance only when a bicyclist or a rider is pedaling, and stop assisting at 20 mph." Wulff also said, "We would also like riders to remember to avoid riding on muddy trails to prevent ruts or deep trail damage."

Captain Tracy Lieberman, with the Maryland National Capital Park Police, stated, "We understand the evolution of recreation involves e-bikes." She explained, "Class 1 e-bikes, there are three classes of e-bikes, the class 1 e-bike is the most restrictive in speed, which we have determined is the safest bike for our trails." Lieberman added, "So we want to find a way to work with the community to allow the e-bikes but in a safe way that is safe for everybody on the trail." Enforcement measures for policy violations include warnings, citations, or removal from park property. Riders using Class 2 or Class 3 e-bikes on trails may also have their bikes impounded.