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Senate allows Class 1 e-bikes on Mickelson Trail, limits higher-speed models
Summary
Senate Bill 79 passed on final consideration to permit Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes on the Mickelson Trail while excluding Class 2 and Class 3 machines; supporters cited safety and enforceability, opponents raised access concerns for seniors, veterans and disabled users.
Pierre — The South Dakota Senate approved Senate Bill 79 on final consideration to permit Class 1 electric bicycles — pedal-assist bikes whose motors assist only while pedaling and up to 20 mph — on the Mickelson Trail, while excluding throttle-driven Class 2 and higher-speed Class 3 e-bikes.
Sponsor Senator Howard framed the bill as a safety compromise that preserves the trail's nonmotorized character while allowing lower-speed assisted bikes for seniors and others who need help with pedaling. "This bill essentially will allow class 1 ebikes on the Mickelson," Howard said on the floor, adding that Class 2 and Class 3 machines raise safety concerns because of higher speeds and throttle control.
Howard described both…
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