Pat from Spearfish on 8/29/2026 5:04:06 PM:
I have spoken to the people in the South Dakota Game Fish and Parks who oversee the Mickelson trail about E-bikes. The interpretation of the State law is that any e-bike that functions as a class 1 bike may use the trail. What does this mean? Class 1 and class 2 bikes that have the throttle disconnected may use the trail. Class 3 bikes are prohibited unless the throttle was disconnected and the speed was limited to 20mph. Disconnected means that it cannot not be engage without the bike fully stopped. If the throttle can be reengage while still riding this may not count as disconnected.
I know this will make some people happy and others mad, but it’s just the facts. I put 140 miles on the trail in the past two weeks and the only safety issue i had involved a leashed dog who's owner permitted to nip at my feet. Courtesy is the key to any trail use.
The trail is not supervised, the state does not have the budget for that. But you are liable for your actions and any harm you cause.
Please be courteous, please remember others on the trail. Buy a pass (it costs more to park your car at any sports venue than the pass costs. In the words of Aretha Franklin, RESPECT.