EMTBs May Now Enter the Kingdom

After consulting with private landowners, Class 1 eMTBs are now allowed on Vermont’s acclaimed Kingdom Trail System, the Kingdom Trails Association says.

Motorized bikes had previously not been allowed on Kingdom Trails, a system of more than 100 miles of trails in northeast Vermont, including 53 miles of adaptive MTB trails. The 501(c)3 Kingdom Trails Association works with private landowners to keep the trails accessible and open for Kingdom Trail Association members.

Membership and day passes are available to the general public. An adult day pass is $20, and an individual annual pass is $125. Fees and donations support trail maintenance and other overhead for the non-profit organization.

After consulting with landowners, industry experts, and association members, all parties agreed to allow Class 1 eMTBs on almost all of the trails, the Kingdom Trails Association said in a press release. "The change will open Kingdom Trails to riders with physical limitations, those recovering from injuries, older adults looking to continue riding, and families and friends with mixed fitness levels who want to ride together."

"This policy change is exciting as it creates a more inclusive trail system," said Abby Long, Executive Director of Kingdom Trails. "Understanding how Class 1 eMTBs improve access for many people was a significant part of our decision process. It feels good to know this will welcome more people to our amazing trails and NEK [Northeast Kingdom] region."

Class 1 eMTBs are e-bikes that are pedal-assist only, with no throttle and a maximum assisted speed of 20 m.p.h. with a 750-watt or less motor. About 85-percent of the trails are now open to eMTBers and will be marked with signage and online.

"We see it as a positive as it means more people will be able to enjoy the trails,” said Geoff Whitchurch, Kingdom Trails Director of Trails. “There has been concern that eMTBs cause excessive trail damage, but there simply isn't evidence to support that concern. In fact, our Trail Crew has received support from Cannondale with several eMTBs that enable our team to access maintenance projects without using ATVs—which is much better for the trails."

Cannondale has donated several Moterra-line eMTBs to the association for trail maintenance and other trail access. Trail conditions and eMTB use will be monitored this season to ensure that all stakeholders are satisfied with the change, the association said.

Cannondale says the trend of eMTBs has seen steady growth over the last decade, with cycling trade groups indicating that eMTBs now comprise 15-20 percent of mountain bikes sold each year. This is up from less than 5 percent just five years ago.

"As we see eMTB sales continue to grow in North America, we believe it's important to support sustainable and responsible trail networks like Kingdom Trails, who are dedicated to creating a world-class riding experience that's accessible and safe for everyone," said Nick Hage, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Cannondale in North America.