Some classes of e-bikes are no longer welcome in off-road parts of wildlife management areas in Utah as announced by officials from the state Division of Wildlife Resources.
The popularity of electronic bicycles is rising both in Utah and nationwide. However, some e-bike riders are being cautioned by state wildlife managers that their bikes are now prohibited in off-road areas of wildlife management areas.
Some E-Bikes are Now "Motorized Vehicles"
According to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Class II and Class III e-bikes are no longer permitted in off-road areas at any of the 193 wildlife and waterfowl management areas (WMAs) in the state. Following the Utah Wildlife Board's approval of a proposal in August for Class II and Class III e-bikes to be reclassified as motorized vehicles, users now have to abide by the same regulations as those that apply to cars, trucks, and off-highway vehicles.
The rule was changed, according to division officials, because some e-bikes have been "ruining" habitat that was intended to safeguard the state's wildlife. They think that the rule modification can lessen habitat destruction.
Capt. Chad Bettridge of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources stated on Thursday that, significant habitat damage is taking place in areas where e-bike use is prevalent. Some properties are being damaged as a result of the increased use of e-bikes, which ultimately makes it more difficult for the Division to manage them for their intended use.
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In the Throttle
Before the rule modification imposed this week, the division had some restrictions. Only Class I e-bikes were permitted in waterfowl management areas on designated roads as well as other authorized areas. According to Bike.com, Class I e-bikes lack a throttle but have a battery in addition to an electric motor that can help a rider reach up to 20 mph while they are pedaling. The new rules this week don't apply to these kinds of e-bikes.
E-bikes in classes II and III have throttle systems. According to Bike.com, Class II e-bikes can help a rider reach 20 mph without using their legs, while Class III e-bikes use their legs to help them reach 28 mph. According to the website, some areas prohibit these bicycles from being used on off-road or mountain bike trails, similar to the restrictions the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has in place in its wildlife management areas.
According to Bettridge, anyone found operating a Class II or Class III e-bike off-road will receive a citation.
He added that these properties were bought for the benefit of wildlife and also wildlife habitats, even though wildlife management areas occasionally offer recreational opportunities. Although these properties are owned by the government, unlike many other states or federally owned ones, they are not multi-use, KSL.com reports.
WMAs
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is a division of the Utah Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The division's mission is to protect wildlife habitat while managing, sustaining, and improving wildlife populations throughout the state of Utah. Additionally, the Division is in charge of state-wide hunting and fishing opportunities.
According to Wildlife Utah, The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources owns and oversees properties known as Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and Waterfowl Management Areas (both WMAs) for objectives, namely protecting vital habitats for wildlife, and assisting in reducing and mitigating wildlife damage to private property.
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