23 Jul Trail Users Beware! Illegal E-Motos Speeding Around Nomi Trails

Since their rapid rise in popularity over the last 10 years, e-bikes have become more prevalent on our recreational trails. We met this new development with a mix of trepidation and cautious optimism, as e-bikes indisputably enable a new realm of outdoor recreation for so many people who might not otherwise be able to do it, and they allow people to ride years beyond what they felt possible.

But, unfortunately, we’ve recently seen a major uptick in complaints about the behavior of some e-bike riders, as well as a new concern – e-motos. In short, e-motos are not e-bikes. State law regulates three classes of e-bikes and where they can be used. But e-motos are “out of class” because state law considers them to be motorized vehicles that are absolutely not permitted on our trails.

Nevertheless, we are seeing more of them with each passing month.

Because e-motos are high-powered and fast, they pose serious safety risks to trail users. To operate an e-moto legally in Michigan, you must register the vehicle and follow all state motor vehicle and/or off-road vehicle regulations.

Under Michigan law, e-motos are classified as motor vehicles (think electric mopeds, motorcycles or dirt bikes) – not e-bikes. A vehicle is considered an e-moto if it meets any of the following criteria:

• Exceeds 750 watts of power.
• Can exceed 28 mph under motor assist.
• Functions primarily as a throttle-powered vehicle above 20 mph.
• Lacks fully operable pedals.

We see it. You see it. While we don’t yet have all the answers, trust that we are working with partners and trail users like you to identify such trail concerns. This is a statewide issue and multiple government agencies, bicycle groups, and trail organizations like TOMTC are actively working together on a coordinated response.

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