City Of Oklahoma City: E-Bikes Get The Official OK For OKC Parks Multiuse Trails

Press release from the City of Oklahoma City:

09/13/2021

Electric-assisted bicycles (E-bikes) are officially cleared for use on OKC Parks multi-use and natural trails.

The Oklahoma City Council voted Aug. 31 to amend City ordinances to provide basic regulations for E-bikes on trails.

Before the vote, E-bikes were in a legal gray area between bicycles and motorized vehicles. Relevant sections of the Municipal Code were adopted well before E-bikes gained widespread use, and before a 2019 state law allowed cities to provide basic regulations.

“We know E-bikes have been gaining popularity on our trails, especially among seniors. Many cycling advocates reached out to City leaders requesting the City ordinances be updated to reflect State changes,” said OKC Parks Interim Director Melinda McMillan-Miller. “The new ordinance makes clear which types of E-bikes are safe and legal to use on the different trails, which help keep our trails safe, accessible, and fun for everybody’s enjoyment.”

The new ordinance defines the three classifications of E-bikes and outlines safety protocols for their use. A Class 1 E-bike is allowed on both multi-use and natural trails. Class 2 and 3 E-bikes are only allowed on multi-use trails. All three classifications of E-bikes are allowed on City streets.

Violations of the e-bike ordinances are class “a” offenses, punishable by a fine of up to $500 plus costs and fees.

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Media Contact: Chris Larwig, (405) 297-3912, christopher.larwig@okc.gov

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This press release was produced by the City of Oklahoma City. The views expressed here are the author’s own.