News Release

Electric Bicycles at Mount Rainier National Park

Date: September 30, 2019
Contact: Curt Dimmick, 360-569-6612

Ashford, WA - In line with the National Park Service’s new electric bicycle (e-bike) policy and a Department of the Interior Secretary’s Order, Mount Rainier National Park will expand recreational opportunities and accessibility through the use of e-bikes.

E-bikes are low-speed electric bicycles with power assistance. The operator of an e-bike may only use the motor to assist pedal propulsion. The motor may not be used to propel an e-bike without the rider also pedaling, except in locations open to public motor vehicle traffic. Motor bikes with a throttle are not considered e-bikes. All bicyclists must obey speed limits and any other state traffic laws.

“Mount Rainier National Park is pleased to allow visitors this additional option to enjoy their national park,” stated Acting Superintendent Tracy Swartout. E-bikes are now allowed everywhere traditional bicycles are allowed in Mount Rainier National Park. This includes all park roads currently open to motor vehicles.  E-bikes possessing a motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p) on which the motor only assists with pedal propulsion are permitted on roads and trails that are currently open only to bicycles, including the Westside Road to Klapache Point and the Carbon River Road from the Carbon River Entrance to Ipsut Creek Campground.

E-bikes in excess of 750 watts (1 h.p.) are considered motor vehicles under this policy and are only permitted on park roads open to vehicles. Similar to traditional bicycles, e-bikes are not allowed in designated wilderness or areas managed as wilderness. Public land managers retain the right to limit, restrict, or impose conditions of bicycle use and e-bike use in the future in order to ensure visitor safety and resource protection.

Read more about biking in Mount Rainier National Park. Safety information and Frequently Asked Questions can be found on the Electric Bicycles in National Parks website. 

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