If you have been on a trail network anywhere in the country over the part 5 years or so you have certainly noticed the rise in e-bikes. As technology has evolved and advanced you have also most likely noticed the presence of e-moto style bikes, the much faster, heavier, and more powerful sibling of a the low speed e-bicycle. The influx of these vehicles is being shown to be a problem for trail networks across the nation. We have been working with local municipalities for several years to help define what types of e-devices are permitted to be used on the local trail network, as well as increasing educational content about the differences in e-bikes and e-motos as these devices become more accessible.

As of 2026 the City of Fort Wayne has adopted updated ordinances, and we are continuing to work with Allen County and the other municipalities to adopt the same rules so that things can be consistent across the entire trail network. Currently Fort Wayne and Allen County do not have the same rules for what can be used on the trails, the largest difference being the exclusion of class-3 e-bikes in the county. The use of e-moto style bikes is prohibited on all trails in our network, county wide.

Below we will break down these devices and the current rule sets on the trails.