More e-bikes to be allowed on city recreation trail

A new class of e-bikes will be allowed on the Sioux Falls recreation trail starting in June.

The City Council passed an ordinance this week that goes into effect June 1 and allows for Class 2 e-bikes to join Class 1 e-bikes on the trail.

Trail users are required to abide by the 15-mph speed limit and exercise carefulness to prevent accidents or collisions.

E-bikes come in four classes: 1, 2, 3 and “out of class.” Class 1 e-bikes allow assist up to 20 mph, which means you have to be pedaling for that to work. Once you hit 20 mph, the assist stops, and you rely on your own power. Class 2 allows for a throttle-based system, meaning you don’t have to pedal for the assist to work, but it still cuts off at 20 mph. Class 3 is pedal assist, but it goes up to 28 mph. Anything outside of those parameters is considered “out of class.”

Class 3 e-bikes, electric scooters, electric one-wheels, fully electric and gas-powered mobility devices, electric pedal-less bikes and all other motorized vehicles other than Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are not permitted on the trail.

“The trail is a shared amenity, catering to various recreational activities — it’s not just for bikes,” Brett Kollars, assistant director of parks and recreation, said in a statement.

“With approximately 550 daily users engaging in biking, running, walking and more, the department emphasizes the need for courtesy and cooperation among all trail users for safe enjoyment.”

Sioux Falls Parks & Recreation encourages trail users to follow safety guidelines, which include controlling speed, keeping to the right, yielding to pedestrians, passing on the left with audible signals and prohibiting motorized vehicles not authorized to be on the trail.

“The recreation trail makes our community unique, creating opportunities for fitness, wellness and fun — and overall, a healthier Sioux Falls,” Kollars said.

The parks department manages almost 37 miles of paved trail, including 19 miles on the Greenway Recreation Main Trail Loop, for year-round use. For additional information about the recreation trail, visit the city’s website.