eBike users will be able to take to routes in Grand Teton, Glacier, and Yellowstone national parks where muscle-powered bikes are allowed to pedal/NPS file

In a joint release, Glacier, Grand Teton, and Yellowstone national park officials announced that e-bikes were welcome on paths and trails used by muscle-powered bikes.

"E-bikes are now allowed everywhere traditional bicycles are allowed in Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Glacier. E-bikes are also allowed on the pathways of the National Elk Refuge that connect to Grand Teton National Park," the release issued Thursday said. "Similar to traditional bicycles, e-bikes are not allowed in designated wilderness, in areas managed as wilderness, or on oversnow roads in the winter."

In adherence with new Park Service policy, the three parks noted that "(T)he 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."

One sentence in the release seemed likely to create some confusion, as it stated that motor bikes "with a throttle are not e-bikes;" throttles are available on some e-bikes.

At Yellowstone, where the concessionaire offers bike rentals at Old Faithful, staff couldn't say whether there would be e-bike rentals in the park, though they are appearing across the country.

Superintendents in the parks retain the authority to adjust e-bike rules as needed, said Yellowstone spokesperson Morgan Warthin.

"As with all other use, we'll monitor, document, and evaluate it," she said in an email. "If needed, Yellowstone's superintendent can limit, restrict, or impose conditions of e-bike use to ensure visitor safety and resource protection."

Asked why the park didn't invite public comment on the rule change, Warthin directed the Traveler to the Park Service's Washington, D.C., office, which did not immediately respond to that question Thursday evening.

However, FAQ's on the Park Service's page for Electric Bikes states that:

The policy memorandum provides superintendents with 30 days to implement these management actions and superintendents are encouraged to use this time to engage with stakeholders and visitors so that they understand where e-bikes will be allowed. Superintendents are encouraged to engage with the public prior to implementing the policy memorandum so that superintendents and park staff can better understand potential impacts to resources and visitors, support for, and controversy associated with, allowing e-bikes where traditional bicycles are allowed. The Secretary’s Order also directs the National Park Service to develop a proposed rule to revise regulations associated with bicycle use. Public comment will be sought during that rulemaking process.