Webinar – E-bikes, E-motos and Safety: What Belongs on Trails?

WEBINAR
May 15, 2026

This webinar explains the growing challenges and policy responses surrounding micromobility, especially the confusion between e-bikes and faster, more powerful e-motos. Speakers emphasize that safety, clear definitions, and proper regulation are essential to maintaining accessible and inclusive multi-use trails. They outline federal, state, and local efforts—along with industry-led solutions—to clarify rules, improve enforcement, and educate the public.

Takeaway 1: Clarify device definitions to reduce confusion and improve safety

• Differentiate clearly between e-bikes (limited speed/power, pedal-based) and e-motos (higher speed, throttle-driven, often motorcycle-like).
• Establish consistent standards such as the three-class e-bike system to guide regulation and trail access decisions.
• Correct misleading labeling by addressing deceptive marketing practices that present high-powered devices as e-bikes.

Takeaway 2: Strengthen policies and regulations across federal, state, and local levels

• Adopt comprehensive legislation that defines device categories, sets safety standards, and aligns with existing motor vehicle laws.
• Leverage enforcement tools such as licensing, registration, and consumer protection laws to regulate manufacturers and online sellers.
• Support federal action like the Safe Speeds Act to create national classification, labeling, and safety guidance for emerging devices.

Takeaway 3: Expand education, enforcement, and public awareness efforts

• Implement education programs in schools and communities to teach safe riding practices and device distinctions.
• Improve data collection by training law enforcement to accurately identify device types in crash reports and incidents.
• Raise public awareness through outreach, media engagement, and training resources to promote safe and lawful micromobility use.

RTC’s TrailNation Collaborative, Trail Development and Policy teams produce a free webinar series designed to help trail professionals build, grow, manage, maintain, promote or otherwise support trails and trail networks. Sign up here to get webinar alerts. 

Have a comment or question on our webinar series? Contact us below with topic or speaker ideas. We appreciate your feedback! Email us.

• Tags: Active Transportation Biking E-Bikes ebike Motorized Use Policy Policy Policy/Advocacy

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