Reply to Electric Bikes

Some of my older friends and I are looking at buying E bikes. We’re thinking it would be a great way to get some exercise that we would not otherwise have. I have read conflicting information regarding then being allowed on the Katy Trail. Can anyone please clarify if they are or are not allowed for us?

Some older friends and I are looking at buying E bikes as a way to start getting some exercise. I have read conflicting information regarding if they are allowed on the Katy Trail. Can someone please confirm if they are or are not allowed on the Katy Trail?

They are called FAQs because they are, well, Frequently Asked Questions:

Are electric bikes allowed on the Katy Trail?
Yes, e-bikes are allowed on the Katy Trail, but motorized devices are not. According to Missouri State Parks guidelines: All motorized equipment is prohibited except official and emergency vehicles. Electrically assisted pedal-powered bicycles and tricycles (maximum speed of 20 mph) as well as electrically powered-mobility devices for persons with disabilities such as motorized wheelchairs and scooters are allowed.

Thank you- I had seen the answer in the FAQ section but still need need further clarification as I didn't ask in a specific enough manner. Just learning about ebikes, I apologize.

Regarding electric bikes on the trail... are class 2 ebikes (top speed is 20 mph) with a throttle allowed on the trail OR are they considered motorized? Thank you.

I would think that acceptable ebikes for the Katy are ones that max out at 20 mph on full throttle and/or pedal assist. This would seem to include most Class 2 ebikes. It is my understanding that some ebikes can go over 20 mph with pedal assist, they would be unacceptable.

Gary quoted directly from the Missouri State Park Katy Trail General page and it is pretty clear. (https://mostateparks.com/page/57944/general-information) Electrically Assisted refers to bikes that only go if you are peddling. If you can go without peddling (throttle) then it is not assisting, thereby not legal unless you are disabled.

He did say they wanted to get some exercise, which implies pedal assist.
Of course, most e-bikes with throttles can also be used in pedal assist mode, wink wink nod nod.
One consideration is how much effort is needed to pedal without any assist (remove battery). That will give you an idea of what to expect when the bike runs out of juice. :-)

Except that it is not clear.... There are ebikes without a throttle that go up to 20 mph. There are ebikes that go up to 20 mph WITH a throttle. So, yes, 20 mph is very clear.

Can ebikes that only go up to 20 mph equipped with a throttle be used? I have seen conflicting information on this online. Bike shop salespeople have given conflicting information. I had read what was online but it is not clearly spelled out. Maybe another way I should ask is, 'does having a throttle on an ebike that only goes up to 20 mph classify it was a motorized device?'

We are trying to avoid making a really expensive mistake.

Thank you.

Keep asking, perhaps you’ll get the answer you want.

Maybe contact Missouri State Parks and ask them what they allow?

I can just imagine a park ranger coming up to an 80 year old on an ebike, "I see you have a throttle, we are going to have to arrest you and make up the charges later."

Missouri is the Show Me State. Here is the information (rules) as quoted (cut/paste) from the Katy Trail State Park webpage. I will even back up what I say with a link. Also, food for thought.....the technology for small electric scooters, skateboards, bikes, etc has exploded in recent years. The one wheel skateboard thing looks like a BLAST by the way. Perhaps the state park rules are falling somewhat behind the technology and will eventually need to be updated or clarified. They do specify 20 mph limit, but some you will "what about?" this to death.

PERMITTED USES
Katy Trail State Park has been designed specifically for walking and bicycling. The majority of the trail is accessible to persons with disabilities. All motorized equipment is prohibited except official and emergency vehicles. Electrically assisted pedal-powered bicycles and tricycles (maximum speed of 20 mph) are allowed. Also allowed are electrically powered mobility devices for persons with disabilities, such as Segways and electric golf carts. Gas-powered vehicles, including ATVs and ORVs, are not allowed. No hunting or discharging of firearms is allowed. All state park rules apply and are posted at trailheads. The trail is open only from sunrise to sunset. Horses are permitted from Clinton to the state fairgrounds in Sedalia and from Tebbetts to Portland. Equestrian parking is located at the Henry County Fairgrounds in Clinton and the Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia as well as the following trailheads: Calhoun, Windsor, Green Ridge and Mokane.

https://mostateparks.com/page/57944/general-information#uses

It doesn’t say anything about electrically assisted horses……..

Hey Jim, I believe an extensive study was done in 2014 regarding the feasibility of permitting the use of electric assisted horses on the trail. It concluded when it was determined that no matter how many quarters were fed into the machines, they never moved from point of origin on the trail. People reported it was a pleasing experience rocking back and forth atop the steed but they were hoping for being able to experience the change in scenery as their bicyclist counterparts.

Perhaps as the technology advances they will devise a way for movement to be incorporated into the design while maintaining the required 20mph limit of course.

https://mobikefed.org/2021/05/bill-legalizing-ebikes-missouri-pass-both-houses-headed-governor-signature