Class 3 bikes

Fortunately I read this forum before we traveled to ride the Mickelson Trial as it was on our bucket list. However our Class 3 bikes are not permitted! Couldn't a posted speed limit (20 mph) taken care of this issue?
We now have canceled our hotel in Lead for 3 nights ($488.), our hotel in Hill City ($173), our shuttle service ($225), our camp site in Custer State park ($105), Badlands ($45) not to mention the fuel, food and miscellaneous expenses in SD. Thank you for posting this about the restriction on the trail so we didn't spend the estimated $1,500 plus in SD.

As far as I remember, there aren't posted speed limit signs on the trail now.

I think it's like the posted speed limits on the Interstate Highways. As many people ignore the limits as obey them. I know between Sioux Falls and Rapid City, I-90 is like a racetrack much of the time. And that's with the current 80 mph speed limit!

I don't think adding signs would slow down e-bikes on the trail or take care of the issue.

For a few days, you could rent Class 1 e-bikes and have a wonderful bucket list ride. It wouldn't cost that much extra than what you were already spending. I know it's probably more complicated than that for you, but it is an option. Lots of other things to see in South Dakota while you are there, too.

Good luck.

I totally agree with the principle of restricting throttles on non-mortorized trails. I find myself being a “throttle nazi” on public multi-use trails. Specially when e-bikes are used as an electric motorcycle. I ,myself, own a class 2 bike and use the throttle extremely rare (mostly to get my momentum going from a stop on a hill or in an “awckward” pedal position.
My question is: can I disconnect my throttle and leave the control at home. Thus, essentially making my bike a class 1 e-bike. I’d appreciate any input on this matter as we are planning a trip to the “Mickelson area”from Montana in Sept.

My god some of these comments make e-bikers look like the spawn of hell. I can be just as safe on a class 3 e-bike than most people on a normal bike. And what's wrong with fat tires on bikes, it improves traction. If you want danger try riding the Mick on thin gravel tires.They probably don't even enforce the ban on class three's. Do they have some people riding the trail to pass out tickets? If they stopped me I'd give them a piece of my mind and tear the fricken ticket up. Just let people ride their bikes, and just close the trail down if it's gonna be this much of an issue. There are plenty of other places to ride. SCREW EM'

Replying to Lee: I really don't know the answer to your interesting question. I would think you would be okay, but you might want to check with someone at the SD Parks and Recreation.

Replying to Dick Shitler: WOW, you are just the kind of human being the laws are made to protect SANE people from. Guys like you on the trail are how others get hurt...and it's obvious from your attitude that you could not care less if you did hurt someone.

FAT tires on 70# bikes (which many e-bikes do weigh) going up to 28mph (the Class 3 limit) is a serious danger. I really don't care what you think you know. It's simple physics.

You might tear up your ticket, but that won't mean you won't have to pay it. And if you hurt someone riding your ILLEGAL Class 3 bike on the trail, I hope you have a very good lawyer, because I will personally guarantee that you will need one.

By the way, I've ridden the trail more than once on thin gravel tires without a problem. Maybe some training wheels would help you out on whatever class bike you ride. Just a suggestion.

Honestly, you sound just like the 2 e-bikers who ran over me, knew I was hurt, and didn't even stop to help. They just kept going knowing that they had caused a major accident and injury. If guys like you never rode the trail, it would make the trail a safer, better ride for people who care for more than just themselves.

The South Dakota Game Fish and Parks manage the Mickelson Trail. I called and asked about disconnecting a throttle on class 2 bike to make it acceptable for the trail. They have not called me back for two days now. Sorry but no answer. If I hear from them I will post it. What I can tell you about the trail is that it is great, but if that is the only place you ride in the Black Hills you are missing out on the best bike riding anywhere.