Senate allows Class 1 e-bikes on Mickelson Trail, limits higher-speed models

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 safety incidents and demographic reasons for the measure, citing a recent fatality involving a Class 3 e-bike and accounts of trail users being run off the trail. She said a class-based restriction is easier for trail patrol to enforce than a speed limit because state statute already requires manufacturers or distributors to affix a sticker showing an e-bike's class, motor wattage and maximum pedal assist. "We already have it in state statute that anyone who distributes or manufactures ebikes in the state must affix a sticker to the ebike that has the class, the wattage of the motor, and the max pedal assist of the of that," Howard said.

Opponents in floor debate urged concern for seniors, disabled users and veterans who rely on throttle assist or higher-power e-bikes to access the trail. Senator Roll said many objections raised in committee were matters of bike etiquette and expressed concern that a class restriction could limit access for veterans and disabled users; he also noted that motorized wheelchairs remain allowed under statute. Senator Roll said he would oppose the bill on those grounds.

Supporters including Senator Divert, Senator Blanc and Senator Jensen defended the compromise as consistent with other long multiuse trails and said a class restriction better matches enforcement capacity and safety needs.

On the roll call the Senate recorded 33 yeas and 2 nays; the bill was declared passed.

Why it matters: The Mickelson Trail is a largely nonmotorized rail-trail through the Black Hills and is heavily used by hikers, cyclists, equestrians and tourists. The bill establishes a statewide legal delineation for e-bike classes on this prominent multiuse trail and addresses enforcement practicality and user safety.

Action and next steps: Senate Bill 79 passed final consideration in the Senate, 33-2. The transcript does not show subsequent procedural steps such as enrollment or transmission to the House or the governor.

Ending note: Floor record shows a compromise between access advocates and safety proponents; the transcript records committee-level opposition from AARP and a failed committee amendment to address disabled or veteran access.