VIEWPOINT | Don't let e-bikes 'kill the goose that laid the golden egg'

Guest column by Taffy Howard

“A Piece of Heaven.”

That’s how the PBS documentary describes the non-motorized, multi-use Mickelson Trail running 109 miles from Deadwood to Edgemont. Dedicated in 1991 and completed in 1998, it was designed for walking, jogging, horseback riding and regular biking in the summers and snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in the winter. Going from around 5,000 annual users to between 65,000-70,000, the trail has exploded in popularity, being named in 2013 as one of the top 10 rails to trails in the world.  

NEWS: State no closer to allowing unlimited use of e-bikes on famous Black Hills trail

First sold commercially in 1997, e-bikes were never allowed on the Mickelson until a couple years ago when, without any public comment period, the new Game, Fish & Parks secretary changed the usage of the trail and allowed Class 1 and 3 e-bikes.  

Then this year, GF&P brought Senate Bill 56, a bill to allow all classes of e-bikes. Thankfully, it was amended in Senate Ag to only Class 1s and easily passed the Senate. GF&P refused to accept this though and asked House Ag to table it. They stated they plan to “study” the issue and come back again next year essentially with the same bill. One GF&P employee stated they have a group of “e-bikers breathing down their neck.” E-bikers do not have preference over all the other users though, the Mickelson is not a bike path, intended only for bikers. 

E-bikes though have increased exponentially on the trail as rental shops have popped up everywhere renting them. Thankfully, the rental shop and tour company owners I spoke to say they are only renting Class 1s and not the faster and more dangerous Class 3s. Why? Primarily for safety on the trail. 

Class 1 e-bikes are called “low-speed pedelecs” or low-speed pedal electric vehicles. The motor assists the rider pedaling until a speed of 20 mph is reached and the motor stops assisting. Class 2 e-bikes can be completely throttle-driven, with the motor reaching speeds up to 20 mph, sustained.  Class 3 e-bikes are back to being pedal-assist, but the motor will assist up to 28 mph.  Class 3s are called “speed pedelecs,” and are typically sold as “an urban commuter” bike or a “zippy errand runner.” They are not typically sold for riding multi-use trails like the Mickelson.