11/18/2025
E-bikes and equestrians or pack animals are especially hard on natural surface trails and multi-use paths. Their weight displacement is such that they rut and pock trails when pedestrians, hikers, and skiers do not and this leads to increased soil erosion, stream sedimentation, increased peak flows, and stream channel scour. At a minimum, they could be permitted on Forest Highways that meet standards. However, lower standard access roads, paths, and trails require much more attention to detail. On Vermont Statelands, any e-bike and equestrian use should only be permitted on paths and trails that fully comply with applicable standards including the Vermont Acceptable Management Practices. Few access trails and paths actually do fully comply. It would be advisable to complete pilot tests before approving these proposed changes across the board. The last thing Vermont should do is to increase peak storm flow in our forested headwaters.
