A FONSI reaffirms national park superintendents’ authority to allow visitors to use electric bicycles (e-bikes) in national parks on a case-by-case basis / NPS file

While electric bikes in the parks have been a controversial issue almost from the time they arrived on the scene back in 2019, the National Park Service (NPS) on August 23 released a programmatic environmental assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) reaffirming park superintendents’ authority to allow visitors to use electric bicycles (e-bikes) in national parks on a case-by-case basis, consistent with public safety and consideration of natural and cultural resources. 

Last year, the NPS held an open comment period for members of the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies to provide feedback on a programmatic environmental assessment (PEA). The review examined the potential national level impacts of e-bike use in national parks. With today’s FONSI, NPS reaffirms the existing 2020 rule that authorizes superintendents to allow e-bikes, where appropriate, on park roads, parking areas, and administrative roads and trails where traditional bicycles are also allowed. Public lands designated by Congress as “wilderness areas” remain off-limits to both traditional bicycles and e-bikes. 

When determining if and where e-bikes might be allowed in the park, superintendents must take into consideration public health and safety, natural and cultural resource protection, and other management activities and objectives.  

To determine whether e-bikes are allowed in a specific park, visit the park website or contact the park directly. You can find a specific park website and contact information at: Find a Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) .