Ebikes

Are e-bikes allowed on Mickelson Trail, specifically class 2.

The Mickelson Trail bill allows only the slowest class of e-bikes, Class I, on the trail.

The governor signed the bill approved by the state legislature on March 13th. You can read the link below.

https://www.argusleader.com/story/news/politics/2025/03/13/south-dakota-governor-larry-rhoden-signs-school-cash-mandate-mickelson-trail-ebike-limits/82366367007/

I guess we won’t be visiting your great area due to your limiting laws on e-bikes. Mine is assist-only but not class 1. We’ll spend our dollars elsewhere.

Like many other issues in life, the few ruin things for the many. But children (and even adults) have been injured by Class 2 and 3 bike riders on the trail going way too fast. I know from personal experience.

When you add the higher speeds and the higher weight of e-bikes (some up to 70#), Class 2 and 3 bikes are just not safe on this particular trail. They do rent traditional bikes and Class 1 bikes for those who want to ride on the Mickelson.

When I've ridden the trail, there were a few places between Deadwood and Hill City where electric assist would have been nice. But not a necessity in my opinion.

I can understand why some will want to spend their dollars elsewhere. But the law was passed after considerable study and debate.

Have a great ride wherever you go...

Curious to know how that law is monitored. Don't judge!!! Wondering if I could sort of sneak on the trail ! :)

Well, I won't judge you, if you won't judge me. :)

I guess I'm kinda "old school" on things like this. Just because you CAN do something (e.g. sneak on the trail), doesn't mean you SHOULD. If we were all free to ignore the rules and regulations that we don't like...well, I'm not sure that's a world I'd want to live in. Some may have a different opinion. My opinion is that the new law was passed for specific safety reasons and I will follow them until the law is changed.

I know there are monitors on the trail, but I have no idea how they are going to enforce this new law. I'm assuming fairly strictly because maintaining safety on the trail is their primary reason for being there.

I do know if my children were seriously hurt by an e-biker that was not designated for the trail, that person better have a good lawyer. Knowingly breaking the law resulting in personal injury can be very expensive.

Again, please don't judge me as I won't judge your decision to "sneak onto the trail." As I said, I'm "old school" on many subjects. I'm just one person giving you my personal opinion. But if the new law doesn't keep Class 2 and 3 e-bikes off the trail, I'll spend my dollars elsewhere - as one other commenter stated.

My (serious) question to you is: Would you want to live in a society where each individual follows only the rules and regulations that they like?

(Somehow I know I'm going to get blasted for my opinion by the majority on this forum and that's okay. But you asked and I gave my honest opinion. PLEASE DON'T JUDGE ME!!)

I ride the Mickelson every week. I have never seem any problems with E-bikes. In towns I have but not on the trail. Safety on the trail is about etiquette. The biggest safety issue on the trail are joggers wearing ear buds with unleashed dogs. I would not recommend breaking the rules, but don’t hesitate giving our State Capital a call and let them know how you feel about the rule. They are very responsive. I know they have had many inquiry’s.

We plan on riding the trail in mid September and have class 2 e-bikes. They will not exceed 20mph under electric power and we will disable the throttles which will essentially make them class 1.

Everyone says, "I'll just disable the throttle on my Class 2 bike." Except most never do. "Oh, I forgot" is the usual answer. If you actually disabled your throttle, I don't know if you would still be fined, or not. The Trail stewards should post their policy on that. Assuming they have one that moderates the wording of the law.

Between hikers, horses, and young children there are others to consider when riding the trail. If you are in an accident (and there are more than a few each season) whether you caused the accident, or not...are you prepared for the consequences of breaking the law?


The law specifically states only Class 1 e-bikes for a reason -- no matter how people try to justify going around it. As I said earlier, I don't want to live in a society where we are all free to ignore the laws we don't like. That sounds like chaos to me. But I'm just one voice in the minority.

The good news is the $500 fine isn't all that much with inflation these days.

As I've admitted before, my injury on the Trail caused by two e-bikers has me VERY jaded about e-bikers. Had they injured my wife or children in the way they injured me, I'd probably be living in free state-provided housing for a few years. Or more.

So, feel free to ignore my rant! I'm an old grumpy senior citizen and I still enjoy real bikes powered by me. :)

P.S. I'd buy the idea that e-bikes help seniors and other physically challenged riders. But 75%, or more, of the e-bikers I see on the trails all over the country are young people who need the exercise more than the electric assist.

https://www.consumershield.com/injuries-accidents/bike-accidents/compensation

Just to set the record straight, there is only one diff between class 1 and 2 ebikes and that is the throttle. Both are limited to 20 mph. Neither is more dangerous than the other. If the legislature was educated, they would have limited trail speed. I can surely say that a decent gravel bike or light weight mountain bike will hit speeds well over that of any class 1 or 2 ebike on most parts of the Mickelson.

I've ridden the Mick many times and plan on doing so again next week with a group of friends. I'm really hoping that our ride is not subjected to irresponsible e-bike riders who don't have the necessary skills to ride safely and/or are going to fast.

It's a shame that so many of our trails have become motorized by either "e-bikes" that exceed power, mechanical assist speed or are actually e-motos. Many e-bike manufacturers actually market the ability of their machines to exceed maximum allowed speeds.

Class-1 laws are an attempt to enforce some semblance of good behavior on what are supposed to be non-motorized trails.

If you can't follow the rules that are there because of past poor behavior by others, please stay off the Mickelson, you don't belong!

Thanks DK, your comment regarding E-bikes is much appreciated. If only I could express the same sentiment as well!

Enjoy your group ride. I'm hoping to get there by the end of September, or the first week of October.