[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 212 (Monday, November 2, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 69223-69235]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-22107]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 27

[Docket No. FWS-HQ-NWRS-2019-0109; FXRS12630900000-201-FF09R81000]
RIN 1018-BE68


National Wildlife Refuge System; Use of Electric Bicycles

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, issue regulations 
pertaining to the use of electric bicycles (otherwise known as ``e-
bikes''). These regulations have the potential to facilitate increased 
recreational opportunities for all Americans, especially for people 
with physical limitations. This rule will provide guidance and controls 
for the use of e-bikes in the National Wildlife Refuge System.

DATES: This rule is effective December 2, 2020.

ADDRESSES: The comments received on the proposed rule and the economic 
and threshold analysis prepared to inform the rule are available at the 
Federal e-rulemaking portal: http://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. 
FWS-HQ-NWRS-2019-0109.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 
    Maggie O'Connell, National Wildlife Refuge System--Branch Chief for 
Visitor Services, 703-358-1883, [email protected].
    Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may 
call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8330, 24 hours a day, 
7 days a week, to leave a message or question with the above 
individual. You will receive a reply during normal business hours.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as 
amended

[[Page 69224]]

by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 
(Administration Act) (16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee), governs the 
administration and public use of national wildlife refuges, and the 
Refuge Recreation Act of 1962 (16 U.S.C. 460k-460k-4) governs the 
administration and public use of national wildlife refuges and national 
fish hatcheries.
    National wildlife refuges are considered closed to the public until 
and unless the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary), acting through 
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, opens the area for use. 50 CFR 
25.21. The Secretary may open refuge areas to any use, including public 
recreation, upon a determination that the use is compatible with the 
purposes of the refuge and the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) 
mission. 16 U.S.C. 668dd(d). The mission of the NWRS is: ``To 
administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, 
management, and where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife, 
and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the 
benefit of present and future generations of Americans.'' 16 U.S.C. 
668dd(a)(2). Administration of the NWRS must also be in accordance with 
all applicable laws, and consistent with the principles of sound fish 
and wildlife management and administration.
    The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) administers the NWRS via 
regulations contained in title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations 
(CFR). These regulations, found at 50 CFR, chapter I, subchapter C, 
serve to protect the natural and cultural resources of refuges, and to 
protect visitors and property within those lands, by governing public 
use of the NWRS.
    National wildlife refuges offer many outdoor recreation activities 
such as wildlife observation, fishing, and hunting, and nearly 200 
national wildlife refuges allow bicycling on designated roads and 
trails. FWS regulations generally prohibit visitors from using 
motorized vehicles on refuges other than on designated routes of 
travel. See 50 CFR 27.31(a).
    Traditional bicycles are allowed on some designated routes of 
travel and parking areas open to public motor vehicles. On refuges 
where the refuge manager has determined that such use is an appropriate 
and compatible use, bicycles are also allowed on certain roads, access 
trails, and other trails that are closed to public motor vehicle use 
but that may be open to motor vehicle use by the FWS for administrative 
purposes.
    FWS policy set forth in the FWS Manual outlines a robust process 
for determining appropriate use and compatibility, which each refuge 
manager must follow when making refuge-specific decisions for allowing 
a proposed public use, such as e-biking. See 603 FW 2. This process 
must be followed even if other similar uses are already allowed.

This Rulemaking Action

    FWS published a proposed rule on April 7, 2020 (85 FR 19418), 
pertaining to the use of low-speed e-bikes on NWRS lands in accordance 
with Secretary's Order 3376, which directed Department of the Interior 
(DOI) bureaus to propose regulations allowing e-bikes where other types 
of bicycles are allowed, consistent with other laws and regulations. 
The proposed rule put forward new regulations to be added to 50 CFR 
part 27, which pertains to prohibited acts on refuge lands. The current 
regulations in Sec.  27.31 generally prohibit use of any motorized or 
other vehicles, including those used on air, water, ice, or snow, on 
national wildlife refuges except on designated routes of travel, as 
indicated by the appropriate traffic control signs or signals and in 
designated areas posted or delineated on maps by the refuge manager.
    The proposed rule specified that the operator of an e-bike may use 
the small electric motor (not more than 1 horsepower) only to assist 
pedal propulsion. In other words, the proposed rule indicated that the 
motor may not be used to propel an e-bike without the rider also 
pedaling. However, based on comments received on the proposed rule, FWS 
has modified the final rule language to specify that e-bike operators 
may not propel an e-bike using the motor exclusively for extended 
periods of time. See the proposed rule (85 FR 19418, April 7, 2020) for 
further information on the purpose and provisions of the proposed 
regulations.
    Promulgation of this rule supersedes FWS Director's Order 222, 
which was established to implement Secretary's Order 3376.

Comments Received

    The proposed rule opened a public comment period, which ended June 
8, 2020. We accepted comments on the proposed rule through the mail, by 
hand delivery, and through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at 
www.regulations.gov. By the close of the comment period, we received 
just over 16,000 comments from thousands of individuals and 
approximately 62 organizations.
    Most (approximately 97%) of the comments we received were form 
comments, submitted by unique individuals but including very similar or 
identical content. Commenters expressing general support for the 
proposed rule most frequently cited the following reasons:
     E-bike use on NWRS lands will allow people to access lands 
and participate in bicycling when they otherwise could not due to age 
or physical limitations.
     The proposed rule will enable e-bike users more access to 
roads and trails, nature, and the outdoors.
     E-bike use can improve health through exercise and 
physical exertion.
     E-bikes cause no more damage to trails than traditional 
bicycles.
     The use of e-bikes reduces pollution compared to the use 
of other vehicles, and e-bikes are not noisy.
    While some commenters stated general support for or opposition to 
the rule in whole or in part, the majority of commenters included at 
least one, and often multiple, unique and specific remarks about the 
proposed rule. In other words, a single commenter often provided more 
than one reason that supported or opposed the proposed rule. Many of 
the comments we received referenced a general topic, and we have 
grouped similar comments together in some instances, particularly if 
the response is the same for each of the comments. For example, we 
received multiple comments that suggested only certain classes of e-
bikes should be allowed on nonmotorized trails. Some commenters stated 
that only Class 1 e-bikes should be allowed, while Class 2 and Class 3 
e-bikes should be prohibited. Other commenters requested different 
combinations of e-bike classes be allowed or prohibited on national 
wildlife refuges. We grouped these class-related comments together. We 
also grouped other related comments, such as those addressing 
enforcement or visitor safety issues when our response for each would 
be the same. Summaries of the pertinent issues raised in the comments 
and FWS responses are provided below:
    Comment (1): We received comments from several individuals and 
organizations that were dissatisfied with some aspect of the public 
review process associated with this rulemaking. Specifically, 
commenters stated that the length of the public review period was not 
sufficient due to the coronavirus pandemic, that the pandemic created 
obstacles to public participation, and that it prevented public 
meetings. Some commenters stated that due to the pandemic, the 
rulemaking should be postponed.

[[Page 69225]]

    Our Response: The comment period began on Tuesday, April 7, 2020, 
and ended on Monday, June 8, 2020, for a total open period of 62 days, 
which is 2 days longer than the standard timeframe for proposed rules 
issued by the Department of the Interior. The 60-day public comment 
period is the opportunity for participation in the rulemaking process. 
During this time period, the public was invited to submit comments via 
mail or hand delivery or via the Federal eRulemaking portal (http://www.regulations.gov/). We received more than 16,000 comments during the 
public comment period. The large number of comments received suggests 
that the 60-day public review period was sufficient for providing 
public comment. Therefore, the FWS met the Administrative Procedure Act 
(APA; 5 U.S.C. 553) requirement for notice and comment. Public meetings 
are not required for informal rulemakings under the APA. Moreover, the 
public will have more opportunities to comment because refuge managers 
must provide an opportunity for public review and comment during the 
compatibility determination process. See 603 FW 2.11(I), 2.12(9).
    Comment (2): We received comments stating the proposed rule 
violates the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 by 
interfering with other priority uses and prevents the FWS from managing 
for conservation over all other competing uses in the NWRS.
    Our Response: This rule does not mandate the use of e-bikes at any 
national wildlife refuge. The rule defines permitted types of e-bikes 
and establishes a general framework that can be used by a refuge 
manager to allow e-bikes on designated roads and trails where 
traditional bicycles are already allowed. The National Wildlife Refuge 
System Improvement Act of 1997 states that ``the Secretary shall not 
initiate or permit a new use of a refuge or expand, renew, or extend an 
existing use of a refuge, unless the Secretary has determined that the 
use is a compatible use and that the use is not inconsistent with 
public safety.'' In determining if e-biking is appropriate and 
compatible, the refuge managers use their sound professional judgment 
to consider wildlife and habitat impacts, health and safety, potential 
conflicting uses, and available resources to manage the use. The 
National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 provides 
guidelines for how managers may or may not implement new uses on 
refuges, and this rule does not violate the Act.
    Comment (3): We received several comments stating that the FWS does 
not need rulemaking to allow e-bike use at national wildlife refuges 
because refuge managers can allow e-bikes under existing regulations.
    Our Response: Although refuge managers can allow e-bikes under 
existing regulations, Secretary's Order 3376 was issued to clarify, 
simplify, and unify regulation of e-bikes on Federal lands managed by 
DOI, and it directed the FWS to develop the proposed rule. Prior to 
this final rule, e-bikes were not defined and e-bike use was not 
described in any FWS regulations. The rule defines the type and classes 
of e-bikes that a refuge manager may allow and provides a consistent 
management framework for the use of e-bikes in the NWRS. This rule does 
not authorize e-bike use; rather, such authorization would be based on 
subsequent evaluation and determination at the site-specific level. It 
provides the public with information about e-biking regulations and 
provides guidance to refuge managers to manage e-bike use at refuges.
    Comment (4): We received comments about the ability of individual 
refuge managers to make decisions on e-bike use at a specific national 
wildlife refuge. Some commenters stated that refuge managers should be 
able to determine if e-bike use is a compatible use on a refuge. Other 
commenters stated that refuge managers should not have the authority to 
determine if e-bikes are compatible, and that this decision should be 
made for all refuges at a national level. One commenter stated that the 
FWS should conduct a general compatibility analysis first. Some 
commenters requested that the rule text should be rewritten to include 
a uniform set of guidelines, parameters, and criteria for refuge 
managers to use when determining if and how e-bike use is allowed.
    Our Response: Established laws, regulations, and policies enable 
the FWS and the refuge manager to determine if a public use is allowed 
on a site-specific basis, as summarized below. The Administration Act 
stipulates that certain wildlife-dependent and other recreational uses, 
such as traditional bicycle and e-bike use, if found to be appropriate 
and compatible, are legitimate public uses of a refuge. FWS policy 
outlines a robust process for determining appropriate use and 
compatibility, which each refuge manager must follow when making 
refuge-specific decisions for a public use such as e-biking. The FWS 
has adopted policies and regulations implementing the requirements of 
the Administration Act that refuge managers comply with when 
considering appropriate and compatible uses on individual refuges.
    According to FWS policy (603 FW 1.11), refuge managers base the 
finding of appropriateness on the following 10 criteria:
     We have jurisdiction over the use.
     The use is legal.
     The use is consistent with Executive Orders and Department 
and Service policies.
     The use is consistent with public safety.
     The use is consistent with refuge goals and objectives in 
an approved management plan.
     The use has not been rejected previously, unless 
circumstance or conditions have changed or it was not considered in a 
refuge planning process.
     The use is manageable within available budget and staff.
     The use will be manageable in the future within existing 
resources.
     The use contributes to the public's understanding and 
appreciation of the refuge's natural or cultural resources or is 
beneficial to the refuge's natural and cultural resources.
     The use can be accommodated without impairing existing 
wildlife-dependent recreation uses.
    If the refuge manager finds e-bike use to be appropriate under the 
criteria above, the refuge manager must then determine whether e-bike 
use is ``compatible'' with the established purpose(s) of the refuge and 
the mission of the NWRS, as required by the Administration Act. Each 
refuge is established with unique refuge purposes, and, as such, the 
Administration Act requires each refuge to evaluate compatibility on a 
refuge-specific level. A compatible use is ``[a] proposed or existing 
wildlife-dependent recreational use or any other use of a national 
wildlife refuge that, based on sound professional judgment, will not 
materially interfere with or detract from the fulfillment of the 
National Wildlife Refuge System mission or the purposes of the national 
wildlife refuge.'' 603 FW 2.6(B). The refuge manager must issue a 
compatibility determination, which is ``a written determination signed 
and dated by the refuge manager and Regional Chief signifying that a 
proposed or existing use of a national wildlife refuge is a compatible 
use or is not a compatible use.'' 603 FW 2.6(A). The compatibility 
determination process includes a requirement for public notification 
and comment on the proposed use. 603 FW 2.11(I), 2.12(9). The refuge 
manager is required to consider the anticipated impacts that a

[[Page 69226]]

new use such as e-bikes would have on public safety, refuge resources, 
other uses, and other users. See the complete policy for determining 
compatibility of proposed and existing uses of national wildlife 
refuges for more information. 603 FW 2.
    In addition, opening a refuge to specific public uses requires 
compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 
4321 et seq.). Depending on the site and type of use, additional 
documentation may be required, such as an evaluation under section 7 of 
the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) or section 106 of 
the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.). There 
are more than 565 national wildlife refuges, and the established 
purposes, habitats, public uses, and many other conditions at 
individual national wildlife refuges can differ greatly. Local refuge 
managers may limit, restrict, or impose conditions on e-bike use where 
necessary to manage visitor-use conflicts and ensure visitor safety and 
resource protection.
    Compatibility determinations are not final, as they require 
periodic reevaluation. Except for uses specifically authorized for a 
period longer than 10 years (such as rights-of-way), we will reevaluate 
compatibility determinations for all existing uses other than wildlife-
dependent recreational uses when conditions under which the use is 
permitted change significantly, or if there is significant new 
information regarding the effects of the use, or at least every 10 
years, whichever is earlier. 603 FW 2.11(H)(2). Moreover, a refuge 
manager may always reevaluate the compatibility of a use at any time. 
See 50 CFR 25.21(g). When we reevaluate a use for compatibility, we 
will take a fresh look at the use and prepare a new compatibility 
determination following the procedure outlined in 50 CFR 26.41 and 603 
FW 2.
    Comment (5): Several commenters stated the rule is inconsistent 
with the NWRS mission and the principles of sound fish and wildlife 
management. Some commenters stated that the rule does not appear to be 
compatible with the purposes of many national wildlife refuges.
    Our Response: This rule does not mandate the use of e-bikes in the 
NWRS, and the rule itself is not inconsistent with the Refuge System 
mission and principles of sound fish and wildlife management. The 
Administration Act authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to allow 
the use of refuges for any use, including public recreation, if such 
use is compatible with the major purposes for which the refuge was 
established, among other considerations. 16 U.S.C. 668dd(d). Refuge 
managers are responsible for determining whether e-bike use is a 
compatible use for each refuge on a case-by-case basis. When completing 
compatibility determinations, refuge managers use ``sound professional 
judgment'' to determine if a use will materially interfere with or 
detract from the fulfillment of the NWRS mission or the purpose(s) of 
the refuge. ``Sound professional judgment'' is defined as: ``A finding, 
determination, or decision that is consistent with principles of sound 
fish and wildlife management and administration, available science and 
resources, and adherence to the requirements of the National Wildlife 
Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee), and 
other applicable laws. Included in this finding, determination, or 
decision is a refuge manager's field experience and knowledge of the 
particular refuge's resources.'' 603 FW 2.6(U). If the refuge manager 
determines e-bike use to be an appropriate and compatible use, e-biking 
will be managed using principles of sound fish and wildlife management. 
For example, wildlife disturbance that is very limited in scope or 
duration may not result in interference with fulfilling the NWRS 
mission or refuge purposes. However, even unintentional minor 
harassment or disturbance during critical biological times, in critical 
locations, or repeated over time may exceed the compatibility threshold 
(603 FW 2.11(B)). If a refuge manager determines that e-bike use is not 
compatible on a particular refuge or in a part of a refuge, then the 
refuge manager shall prohibit the use of e-bikes on that refuge/in that 
area. Therefore, this rule is consistent with the NWRS mission.
    Comment (6): One commenter requested that the rule should clarify 
e-bike use on national wildlife refuges in Alaska and change the rule 
text to align with the directives in Secretary's Order 3376. The 
commenter stated that the FWS should delete 50 CFR 27.31(m) as written 
in the proposed rule and add language in 50 CFR 25.12 to define e-bikes 
and exempt them from the definitions of off-road and motorized 
vehicles. In addition, the commenter stated that the proposed rule 
failed to adequately describe how the National Wildlife Refuge System 
Administration Act affects the management of e-bikes in Alaska and does 
not acknowledge that bicycle use in Alaska is managed according to 43 
CFR 36.11.
    Our Response: The FWS decided to add the definition of e-bikes to 
50 CFR 27.31 because that section specifically deals with use of 
vehicles on national wildlife refuges. The FWS does not define motor 
vehicles or off-road vehicles in 50 CFR 25.12, and the regulation is 
more appropriate in 50 CFR 27.31. The Alaska National Interest Lands 
Conservation Act (ANILCA), Public Law 96-487, 94 Stat. 23-71, 
authorizes the use of nonmotorized surface transportation methods for 
traditional activities and for travel to and from villages and home 
sites within the NWRS in Alaska. 16 U.S.C. 3170(a). This allowance for 
special access applies in Alaska notwithstanding any other law and does 
not limit nonmotorized transportation to designated roads or trails. 
The Department of the Interior has interpreted this statutory allowance 
to include the use of traditional bicycles. E-bikes do not fall under 
this allowance because they have an electric motor and therefore are 
not ``nonmotorized.''
    Notwithstanding the statutory allowance for traditional bicycles in 
Alaska, FWS is not willing to create different rules for e-bikes in 
Alaska than it does for e-bikes everywhere else within the NWRS. The 
stated purpose of Secretary's Order 3376 is to simplify and unify the 
regulations of e-bikes on lands managed by the Department of the 
Interior. The FWS shares this goal of a consistent management framework 
within the NWRS. Outside of Alaska, these regulations allow the use of 
bicycles on designated roads and trails only. Dispersed, overland use 
is not allowed. In order to manage e-bikes in a similar manner to 
traditional bicycles, the rule allows e-bikes only on roads and trails 
otherwise open to bicycle use and designated by the refuge manager. 
Although the special allowance in Alaska for traditional bicycles is 
not limited to roads and trails, the FWS declines to extend this 
special allowance for e-bikes in Alaska.
    Comment (7): Some commenters stated they opposed the rule because 
there are already sufficient e-biking opportunities at national 
wildlife refuges and on DOI lands on roads or trails open to motorized 
vehicle users. One commenter stated that the proposed rule should 
require refuge managers to determine if e-bikes are compatible on roads 
and trails that already allow e-bikes and if they are compatible on new 
roads and trails.
    Our Response: As stated in Secretary's Order 3376, the purpose of 
this rulemaking is to facilitate increased access to federally owned 
lands by e-bike riders and ensure consistency among Department of the 
Interior lands. The final rule directs refuge managers, if they find e-
bike use is an appropriate

[[Page 69227]]

and compatible use, to provide e-bike operators (using the permitted 
classes in the manner described) with the same rights, privileges, and 
responsibilities as nonmotorized bicycle operators on roads and trails.
    FWS policy outlines a robust process for determining appropriate 
use and compatibility that refuge managers follow when making refuge-
specific decisions for a public use such as e-biking. E-biking will be 
a new use on designated routes of travel and nonmotorized roads and 
trails. Therefore, refuge managers must determine if e-bike use is an 
appropriate and compatible use on refuges on a case-by-case basis, 
regardless of whether other types of bicycles or motor vehicles are 
allowed.
    Comment (8): We received comments opposing the proposed rule 
because of potential impacts to threatened and endangered species. One 
commenter stated that the rule violates the Endangered Species Act 
(ESA).
    Our Response: The rule is administrative and procedural in nature. 
The rule itself will have no impact on threatened or endangered 
species. Opening a refuge to specific public uses requires compliance 
with NEPA. Depending on the site and type of use, additional 
documentation may be required, such as an evaluation under section 7 of 
the ESA or section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. 
Future implementation will be subject to the NEPA process on a case-by-
case basis in conjunction with the compatibility-determination process. 
A use cannot be found appropriate and compatible if it is not legal, 
which includes consideration of the ESA. Applying the appropriate use 
and compatibility determination processes in conjunction with the NEPA 
process at a site-specific level will allow the refuge manager to 
evaluate detailed information on the potential impacts of e-bike use to 
wildlife, including threatened or endangered species, for a particular 
national wildlife refuge.
    Comment (9): We received comments requesting the FWS to limit or 
restrict e-bike use in the NWRS based on e-bike class type. Some 
commenters stated that only certain e-bike classes should be allowed on 
roads and trails where traditional bicycles are allowed.
    Our Response: It is not appropriate for the FWS to categorically 
limit or restrict certain e-bike classes throughout the NWRS for 
several reasons. For example, refuge purpose(s) vary widely between 
individual units in the NWRS, which we must take into account when 
determining if a proposed use is compatible. We must base compatibility 
determinations on a refuge-specific analysis of reasonably anticipated 
impacts of a particular use on refuge resources. If a refuge manager 
determines that one class of e-bike may cause unacceptable impacts to 
natural resources or the visitor experience, they may not allow that 
class on certain roads or trails. Furthermore, FWS policy in 603 FW 2 
requires that we must manage conflicting uses among users of the refuge 
and analyze the costs for administering and managing a public use. This 
requires a site-specific evaluation, and NWRS-wide restrictions based 
on e-bike class or other factors is not possible. While the final rule 
provides definitions of a low-speed e-bike and includes three different 
classes, this rule enables the refuge manager to determine whether all 
or certain e-bike classes will be allowed or prohibited on all or 
certain roads or trails where other types of bicycles are allowed. For 
example, if the refuge manager determines that public safety impacts of 
one or more e-bike classes is unacceptable, this rule and the 
Administration Act allow the manager to limit or restrict certain 
classes on a site-specific basis.
    Comment (10): Many commenters requested that the FWS should limit 
or restrict where e-bikes may be used on a national wildlife refuge. 
Many commenters stated that e-bikes should be allowed only where motor 
vehicles are allowed. Some commenters stated that e-bikes should be 
allowed wherever traditional bicycles are allowed. Some commenters 
stated that some trails were not appropriate for e-bike use due to 
design or topography issues.
    Our Response: The rule has been established to facilitate increased 
public access on national wildlife refuges and clarify e-bike use for 
visitors. Allowing e-bikes on nonmotorized, natural surface, nonpaved, 
multiuse, or other types of roads or trails is subject to the 
discretion of the refuge manager, who is required to consider the 
anticipated impacts that a new use such as e-bikes would have on refuge 
resources and visitor experience. For the same reasons mentioned in our 
response to Comment (9), it is not appropriate for the FWS to 
categorically limit or restrict where e-bikes are allowed on specific 
national wildlife refuges or generally in the NWRS. While the final 
rule provides the same rights, privileges, and duties to a person 
operating an e-bike as the operator of a nonmotorized bicycle on roads 
and trails, the refuge manager can determine if and where e-bike use 
will be allowed. If the refuge manager determines that e-bike use will 
significantly impact public safety on a certain nonmotorized trail 
where other types of bicycles are allowed, this rule and the 
Administration Act permit the manager to limit or restrict where all or 
certain e-bike classes may be allowed on a site-specific basis.
    Comment (11): Some commenters stated that the rule or preamble 
should clarify whether a refuge manager needs to determine if e-bike 
use is compatible on roads or trails where motor vehicles are allowed. 
In addition, some commenters stated that the rule should clarify what 
the rights and duties are for e-bike users on roads or trails where 
motor vehicles are allowed.
    Our Response: This rule does not mandate the use of e-bikes in any 
national wildlife refuge or FWS-managed area. The rule stipulates that 
a refuge manager must determine if e-biking is compatible on roads or 
trails. FWS policy (603 FW 2) also states that the refuge manager will 
not initiate or permit a new use or expand, renew, or extend an 
existing use of a national wildlife refuge unless the refuge manager 
has determined that the use is a compatible use. This includes areas 
where motor vehicles or other types of bicycles are already allowed. 
The FWS has clarified this issue in the Supplementary Information 
section of this final rule.
    The rights, privileges, and duties of e-bike users are described in 
the rule and in 50 CFR, chapter I, subchapter C. Paragraph (m) in the 
rule stipulates that if e-biking is allowed on certain roads and 
trails, ``any person using an e-bike where the motor is not used 
exclusively to propel the rider for an extended period of time, shall 
be afforded all the rights and privileges, and be subject to all of the 
duties, of the operators of nonmotorized bicycles on roads and 
trails.'' In addition to paragraph (m), e-bike and other bicycle users 
will be subject to the policy and provisions regarding vehicles found 
in 50 CFR 27.31.
    Comment (12): Some commenters stated that the FWS should manage e-
bikes separately from traditional bicycles. Some commenters stated that 
we should distinguish e-bikes from electric mountain bicycles and 
manage them independently.
    Our Response: One purpose of this rule is to create a consistent 
management framework for the use of e-bikes in the NWRS. This rule 
allows the refuge manager to determine how best to manage public uses 
on a case-by-case basis while following established regulations and 
policy, as detailed in our response to Comment (4). When determining 
compatibility and how to best manage e-bike use, the refuge

[[Page 69228]]

manager may consider e-biking as an individual use, a specific use 
program, or part of a group of related uses. However, whenever 
practicable, the refuge manager should concurrently consider related 
uses or uses that are likely to have similar effects and associated 
facilities, structures, and improvements, in order to facilitate 
analysis of cumulative effects and to provide opportunity for effective 
public review and comment.
    Whether a refuge manager considers e-biking and traditional 
bicycling as individual uses, a specific use program, or in conjunction 
with a group of related uses, the compatibility process enables the 
refuge manager to determine the allowance of e-bike use on a site-
specific basis. E-bike use will be determined to be a compatible use if 
it does not materially interfere with or detract from the fulfillment 
of the NWRS mission and/or the purposes of the refuge. Otherwise, e-
bike use will be determined to be not compatible. 603 FW 2.12(10). 
Through this process, the refuge manager can determine specifically if 
and how e-bike use will be allowed.
    Comment (13): Some commenters expressed concern that refuge 
managers could apply the proposed rule inconsistently, which will lead 
to public confusion in the NWRS or across the landscape. Some 
commenters stated that the rule text should include parameters for e-
bike use at national wildlife refuges that refuge managers can use to 
make their decisions.
    Our Response: This rule establishes a definition for e-bikes and 
creates a management framework with parameters for the use of e-bikes 
in the NWRS. There are more than 565 national wildlife refuges, and the 
established purposes, habitats, public use, and many other conditions 
at individual national wildlife refuges can differ greatly. This rule 
and the Administration Act allow local refuge managers to limit, 
restrict, or impose conditions on e-bike use where necessary to manage 
visitor-use conflicts and ensure visitor safety and resource 
protection. While the FWS agrees that this process and subsequent 
allowance of e-bike use on a case-by-case basis may be confusing for 
visitors, refuge managers must perform these rigorous evaluations in 
order to make appropriate public-use decisions at the sites they 
manage. We encourage the public to access the official website before 
visiting a particular national wildlife refuge to determine if and how 
e-bike or other public uses are allowed, and to call the refuge for 
specific information not covered on the website.
    Comment (14): Some commenters requested that we should clarify, 
change, or eliminate proposed rule text requiring users to pedal while 
using the motor to propel an e-bike, because that requirement would be 
impractical and difficult to enforce.
    Our Response: The FWS agrees that the language in the proposed rule 
preamble (``that the motor may not be used to propel an e-bike without 
the rider also pedaling'') is impractical and does not align with the 
proposed rule language in paragraph (m) (``any person using the 
motorized features of an e-bike as an assist to human propulsion''). We 
agree there are times during typical use when an e-bike operator may 
not be pedaling, and the FWS has changed the language in the final rule 
accordingly. The language in paragraph (m) of the final rule states 
that ``any person using an e-bike in a manner where the motor is not 
used exclusively to propel the rider for an extended period of time 
shall be afforded all the rights and privileges, and be subject to all 
of the duties, of the operators of nonmotorized bicycles on roads and 
trails.'' While the new language applies to all e-bike users and 
clarifies that riders can alternately pedal and coast without pedaling 
during operation, this change affects Class 2 e-bike operators in 
particular because Class 2 e-bikes have a throttle in addition to 
pedals, which makes it easier for Class 2 e-bike operators to use the 
motor exclusively for extended periods of time.
    FWS law enforcement officers will use observation, situational 
analysis, and professional judgment to determine if a violation of the 
regulations related to the ``use of an e-bike for an extended period of 
time using the motor exclusively'' occurs. The change to the final rule 
enables law enforcement officers to enforce the limitations on how 
Class 2 e-bikes may be used in a reasonable manner that ensures 
protection of public health, safety, resources, and uses of the public 
lands.
    Comment (15): We received comments requesting an addition to the 
rule text requiring that e-bikes be equipped with a seat or saddle to 
separate them from other types of electric mobility devices.
    Our Response: The definition provided in the rule, including the 
requirement for fully operable pedals, motor type, motor power 
specifications, and permitted number of wheels, is sufficient to allow 
use of e-bikes and does not apply to other electric mobility devices 
and other electric vehicles such as scooters or skateboards. No changes 
were made to the definitions of e-bikes as the result of this comment.
    Comment (16): We received comments that the number of wheels on an 
e-bike should determine if an e-bike is permitted on certain trails. 
One commenter stated that the vehicle axle-width should determine trail 
access and if the vehicle has less than three wheels, it should qualify 
for single-track access. Another commenter recommended establishing a 
threshold of 15 inches as the bike's effective combined tread width to 
prevent wide three-wheeled e-bike users to access single-track trails. 
Some commenters stated that trail width should determine which type of 
e-bike use is allowed.
    Our Response: The rule and the Administration Act require that 
refuge managers evaluate and determine a proposed use, such as e-
biking, at a site-specific level. For example, if a single-track 
bicycle trail is too narrow to accommodate the width of three-wheeled 
e-bikes without causing unacceptable erosion or other impacts to 
natural resources, the refuge manager must prohibit those types of e-
bikes on that trail. It is not appropriate for the FWS to categorically 
allow or prohibit the types or classes of e-bikes, or the types of 
roads or trails, for e-bike use in the NWRS because there are more than 
565 national wildlife refuges, and the established purposes, habitats, 
public uses, topography, infrastructure, and many other conditions at 
individual national wildlife refuges can differ greatly. This rule and 
the Administration Act allow local refuge managers to limit, restrict, 
or impose conditions on e-bike use where necessary to manage visitor-
use conflicts and ensure visitor safety and resource protection.
    Comment (17): Many commenters stated concern about future high-
speed e-bike use on national wildlife refuges, or concern about how the 
FWS will manage or enforce the rule regarding future technologies, 
design standards, features, and capabilities for Class 1, Class 2, and 
Class 3, and other types or classes of e-bikes.
    Our Response: The FWS acknowledges that advances in technology and 
future e-bike specifications may result in some e-bike models, types, 
classes, or other specifications falling outside the definition of e-
bikes established in the final rule. As one commenter noted, e-bike 
technology is in the early stages of development. The FWS is unable to 
predict the performance capabilities for e-bikes in the future and 
appreciates that the technology used in e-bikes is likely to continue 
to evolve at a rapid pace. However, the FWS concludes that the 
definition of e-bikes and three

[[Page 69229]]

classes in the final rule, in combination with a refuge manager's 
ability to determine if e-bikes are compatible, are sufficient to 
manage national wildlife refuges appropriately in the future.
    Comment (18): Some commenters stated that the economic consequences 
of the displacement of traditional trail users must be addressed in the 
final rule. Some commenters stated that the proposed rule lacks a 
``risk and needs assessment'' and that lack must be addressed in the 
final rule.
    Our Response: The FWS prepared an economic and threshold analysis 
for the proposed rule, which concluded that the rule itself would not 
adversely affect, in a material way, the economy, a sector of the 
economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public 
health or safety, or State, local, or Tribal governments or 
communities. However, the economic and threshold analysis and proposed 
rule discussed the potential for an increase in conflicts between trail 
users following site-specific implementation of the rule, as well as an 
increase in the risk of injury or need for rescue. Since we know 
current traditional bicycling comprises only two percent of the average 
annual recreational visits, we estimate that increasing opportunities 
for e-bikes would most likely correspond with a small percentage of 
visits and a similar small percentage of displacement for traditional 
trail users. Given differences in current use across sites, potential 
e-bike use, and visitor preferences, it is not feasible to estimate the 
net effect of e-bike use on other trail users across all FWS roads and 
trails at this time. This rule and the Administration Act allow local 
refuge managers to limit, restrict, or impose conditions on e-bike use 
where necessary to manage visitor-use conflicts and ensure visitor 
safety and resource protection. This will allow the FWS to evaluate the 
effects of e-bike use at a site-specific level, where more detailed 
information on potential effects is available.
    Comment (19): We received comments stating that e-bikes are 
motorized vehicles and should not be allowed in, or adjacent to, 
designated wilderness areas in the NWRS. Some commenters stated that 
the rule text should include that e-bikes are prohibited in designated 
wilderness areas.
    Our Response: As with traditional bicycles, e-bikes are not allowed 
in designated wilderness areas and may not be appropriate for back-
country trails. We do not agree to change the rule text as the 
Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1133(c)) and National Wildlife Refuge System 
Wilderness Stewardship Policy (610 FW 1) already prohibit public use of 
motor vehicles, motorized equipment, and mechanical transport in 
wilderness areas designated by Congress. When a refuge manager makes a 
compatibility determination, he/she must consider applicable laws, 
including those related to designated wilderness areas. Therefore, 
bicycles and e-bikes are already prohibited in all designated 
wilderness areas on national wildlife refuges, and a refuge manager 
cannot deem e-bike use as an appropriate use in designated wilderness 
areas.
    Comment (20): Several commenters questioned how the FWS's 
definition of ``electric bicycle'' in the rule would affect how e-bikes 
are treated under other laws that do not adopt the same definition or 
management framework. One comment stated that the final rule text 
should state that e-bikes are not allowed on National Scenic Trails 
that exist within units of the NWRS per the provisions of the National 
Trails System Act. One comment stated that e-bikes should be prohibited 
on the Appalachian Trail where other bicycles are prohibited. One 
comment stated that FWS should prohibit e-bikes on trails funded by the 
Recreational Trails Program, which are for nonmotorized use only.
    Our Response: The FWS's definition of ``electric bicycles'' applies 
to management of electric bicycles within the NWRS under the framework 
established by this rule. It does not modify or affect other Federal 
laws and regulations in circumstances where they apply to the use of 
electric bicycles within the NWRS. For example, if a trail within the 
NWRS is constructed or maintained using funding sources which may 
prohibit or be inconsistent with e-bike use, such as the Recreational 
Trails Program and other Federal funding sources authorized by Title 
23, Chapter 2 of the United States Code, then the refuge manager would 
not have the authority to designate e-bikes for use on that trail in a 
manner that conflicts with the other, applicable Federal law. 
Similarly, the FWS and refuge managers will manage the National Scenic 
Trails, including the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, that exist 
within the NWRS in accordance with the National Trails System Act.
    Comment (21): Several commenters stated that the FWS must adhere to 
all existing State and Federal conservation easements and resource-
management plans when determining if e-bike use should be allowed.
    Our Response: E-biking implementation will be consistent with 
governing laws and regulations, including existing State and Federal 
conservation easements and other existing legal agreements. While 
easements do not usually include public use, refuge managers will have 
to take easements with public use, if any, into account when planning 
and making compatibility determinations. Under the Administration Act 
and FWS policy (602 FW 3), the NWRS manages national wildlife refuges 
according to an approved Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP), which 
describes the desired future conditions of the refuge and provides 
long-range guidance and management direction to achieve refuge 
purposes, including management guidance and direction on public uses. 
Any changes to public use on refuges need to be consistent with the 
refuge's CCP.
    Comment (22): We received a comment stating that the rule should 
require that e-bikes operated within the NWRS be certified by an 
accredited, independent third-party certification body that examines 
electrical systems to achieve electrical and fire safety certification. 
Several commenters stated that e-bike batteries could overheat, burn, 
and cause fire danger.
    Our Response: The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) 
is responsible for evaluating and making recommendations about 
electrical safety standards for consumer products manufactured and sold 
in the United States. E-bike manufacturers are required to comply with 
mandatory standards set by the CPSC. Product certification and safety 
requirements are not established or mandated by the FWS. A refuge 
manager may make a determination at any time to manage an existing 
public use with regard to public safety, resource protection, and 
visitor protections.
    Comment (23): Some commenters stated that the FWS must maintain a 
sign standard and post areas, trails, and roads open to e-bikes with 
signs that clearly indicate allowed uses and types or classes of e-
bikes.
    Our Response: The FWS will work with the other land-management 
agencies within the Department of the Interior to design and post 
signs, to the extent possible. The goal of this effort is to create a 
consistent approach for signs when possible indicating where e-bikes 
are allowed on national wildlife refuges and other public lands managed 
by the Department of the Interior. As with all existing and new public 
uses allowed on a national wildlife refuge, refuge managers have the 
discretion to establish any safety, communication, outreach, and 
education measures deemed necessary to ensure that e-bikes

[[Page 69230]]

are used in a manner that maintains a safe and enjoyable experience for 
all visitors.
    Comment (24): Some commenters stated that the FWS has not 
sufficiently analyzed the economic implications of the rule. Other 
commenters stated that the FWS does not have the financial resources or 
employees to adequately manage e-bike use. Commenters stated that the 
proposed rule and e-bike use on nonmotorized trails would result in 
increased operations costs associated with: Trail maintenance; trail 
monitoring and repairs; cultural resources damage; additional search-
and-rescue operations; sign acquisition and installation; personal 
injury and liability claims; law-enforcement efforts; fish, wildlife, 
and plant management and administration; and other management and 
monitoring activities.
    Our Response: As with many public uses in the NWRS, there are 
financial and staffing costs to operate public-use programs. This rule 
does not mandate the use of e-bikes anywhere in the NWRS. To help avoid 
situations where refuge managers do not have the resources to properly 
manage e-bikes, this rule and the Administration Act give refuge 
managers the discretion to allow e-bike use where it is an appropriate 
and compatible use (see our response to Comment (4)). When determining 
if a new or existing public use is compatible, FWS regulations require 
refuge managers to evaluate reasonably anticipated impacts of a 
particular use on refuge resources, and if ``adequate resources 
(including financial, personnel, facilities, and other infrastructure) 
exist or can be provided by the FWS or a partner to properly develop, 
operate, and maintain the use in a way that will not materially 
interfere with or detract from fulfillment of the refuge purpose(s) and 
the NWRS mission.'' 603 FW 2.12(A)(7). This process enables the refuge 
manager to determine the allowance of e-bike use on a site-specific 
basis--the refuge manager may determine that it is a compatible use, or 
that it is not a compatible use. The refuge manager should not allow e-
bikes if there would be insufficient funds or personnel to properly 
manage this use. The refuge manager will consider potential user 
conflicts and other public health and safety concerns in accordance 
with NEPA and other applicable laws as part of a site-specific 
analysis. Liability, if any, in the event that accidents or injuries 
were to occur as a result of or in conjunction with e-bike use would be 
determined in accordance with applicable laws, which may include the 
Federal Tort Claims Act.
    Comment (25): Some commenters stated the rule disregards research 
demonstrating adverse impacts from e-bikes and has not analyzed e-bike 
compatibility.
    Our Response: This rule does not mandate e-bike use throughout the 
NWRS. This rule and the Administration Act give refuge managers the 
discretion to allow e-biking if it is found to be an appropriate and 
compatible use. The FWS will consider the suitability of e-bike use on 
specific roads and trails through subsequent analysis consistent with 
the requirements of NEPA and other applicable laws. Potential impacts 
for a proposed use are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and not as 
part of this rulemaking process.
    Refuge managers base compatibility determinations on a refuge-
specific analysis of reasonably anticipated impacts of e-biking on 
refuge resources. The refuge manager should base the analysis on 
readily available information, including local experience and 
understanding of the refuge and other information provided by the 
State, Tribes, proponent(s) or opponent(s) of e-biking, or through the 
compatibility-determination public review and comment period. 603 FW 
2.11(E). The FWS received the studies and reports that were submitted 
as part of the comments on the proposed rule. All relevant studies and 
reports will be considered by the refuge manager in the compatibility-
determination process.
    Comment (26): Some commenters asserted that the rule cannot be 
categorically excluded under 43 CFR 46.210(i) because it is not ``of an 
administrative, financial, legal, technical, or procedural nature.''
    Our Response: This rule is administrative and procedural in nature 
and satisfies the first prong of the categorical exclusion at 43 CFR 
46.210(i). The rule is not self-executing and does not authorize the 
use of any e-bikes. The rule merely establishes a definition of e-bikes 
and creates a process for refuge managers to consider whether to 
authorize e-bike use on public lands. Under that process, refuge 
managers will evaluate whether to allow for e-bike use on roads and 
trails, in consideration of specific criteria. The rule maintains the 
public's ability to participate in any such FWS decision-making process 
while preserving refuge managers' discretion to approve or deny e-bike 
use on roads and trails--and to impose limitations or restrictions on 
authorized e-bike use to minimize impacts on resources and conflicts 
with other recreational uses. Because the future decision-making 
processes through which refuge managers could allow e-bikes must comply 
with NEPA and other laws providing for public participation, the public 
will continue to have an opportunity to provide input. Moreover, 
because the rule provides refuge managers with complete discretion to 
determine whether e-bikes--or only certain classes of e-bikes--are 
appropriate on a specific road or trail, it preserves the FWS's ability 
to minimize the impacts that e-bikes could have on resources or other 
users of the public lands. The rule, because it is administrative and 
procedural in nature and would not result in any on-the-ground changes 
or other environmental effects, therefore satisfies the first prong of 
the categorical exclusion at 43 CFR 46.210(i).
    Comment (27): Some commenters requested an environmental analysis, 
environmental impact statement (EIS), or programmatic EIS to analyze 
the rulemaking and e-bike impacts. These commenters stated that the 
rule cannot be categorically excluded under 43 CFR 46.210(i) because 
the environmental effects are not ``too broad, speculative, or 
conjectural to lend themselves to meaningful analysis.''
    Our Response: This rule is administrative and procedural in nature 
and satisfies the second prong of the categorical exclusion at 43 CFR 
46.210(i). There are more than 565 national wildlife refuges, and the 
established purposes, wildlife and plants, habitats, public uses, 
number of visitors, and many other conditions at individual national 
wildlife refuges can differ greatly, making nationwide NEPA analysis 
for the rule infeasible. This rule and the Administration Act give 
refuge managers the discretion to allow e-bike use where it is an 
appropriate and compatible use. We will address potential environmental 
impacts and social issues at the site-specific level. The FWS will 
consider the suitability of e-bike use on specific roads and trails 
through subsequent analysis consistent with the requirements of NEPA 
and other applicable laws. The environmental effects will vary from 
refuge to refuge, and, as such, are too broad, speculative, or 
conjectural at this stage to lend themselves to meaningful analysis. 
The FWS concludes that site-specific NEPA analysis is required in order 
to obtain meaningful analysis regarding environmental effects.
    Comment (28): Some commenters stated that the FWS must analyze the 
impacts the rule would have on the landscape, natural resources, and 
other visitors. One commenter stated that the FWS must analyze such 
impacts before

[[Page 69231]]

opening up all nonmotorized trails to motors.
    Our Response: This rule does not mandate the use of e-bikes at any 
national wildlife refuge. The rule is administrative and procedural in 
nature and the rule itself will have no impacts on safety, the visitor 
experience, or refuge natural and cultural resources. The rule defines 
permitted types of e-bikes and establishes a general framework that can 
be used by a refuge manager to allow e-bikes on designated roads and 
trails. E-bike implementation decisions for each national wildlife 
refuge must be based on local conditions, potential impacts, resource 
data, and relevant studies. The rule and the Administration Act enable 
the refuge manager to determine if e-biking is an appropriate and 
compatible use on a site-specific basis, and the rule does not mandate 
opening all nonmotorized trails to motors.
    Applying the NEPA process at a site-specific level allows the FWS 
to evaluate the potential effects of e-bike use for a particular 
national wildlife refuge and to consult with the appropriate Federal, 
State, and local resources agencies regarding potential resource 
impacts. For example, regarding potential wildlife impacts, it would be 
shortsighted for a rule of this nature to prescribe disturbance 
thresholds for wildlife at all national wildlife refuges, as local 
conditions vary significantly at the more than 565 units in the NWRS 
throughout the country. Analyzing e-bike use on a case-by-case basis 
allows for site and specific species information concerning disturbance 
thresholds to be incorporated into that decision process. Furthermore, 
as mentioned in our response to Comment (4), the refuge manager can 
reevaluate the compatibility of a use at any time if conditions change 
or new information becomes available.
    Comment (29): One commenter stated that impacts must be analyzed in 
the rulemaking process and the rule cannot be categorically excluded 
under 43 CFR 46.210(i). Some commenters stated that extraordinary 
circumstances under 43 CFR 46.215 are applicable to this rulemaking, 
making it ineligible for a categorical exclusion.
    Our Response: As noted in the NEPA section in the preamble to this 
rule, we determined that this rule falls under the class of actions 
listed in 43 CFR 46.210(i). A refuge manager will determine if e-biking 
is a compatible use before allowing it on a national wildlife refuge. 
This determination must be made on a case-by-case basis. E-bike use on 
a refuge will not be allowed, per the rule, without a compatible-use 
determination and appropriate NEPA analysis specific to the particular 
refuge. Potential impacts are not ripe for analysis until or unless the 
use of e-bikes is proposed on one of the more than 565 national 
wildlife refuges where the specific context is known and the intensity 
of impacts can be evaluated. The FWS has also determined that the rule 
does not involve any of the extraordinary circumstances listed in 43 
CFR 46.215 that would require further analysis under NEPA, as outlined 
individually below. Commenters cited the following extraordinary 
circumstances under 43 CFR 46.215:
    (a) Significant impacts on public health and safety.
    Comment (29)(a): Commenters state that they provide documentation 
of significant safety impacts of e-bikes within their comment, 
including citations to numerous supporting studies.
    Our Response: The FWS acknowledges there are potential safety 
concerns with e-bike use or any proposed use. The refuge manager will 
analyze public health and safety impacts on a site-specific basis as 
required when determining compatibility for e-bike use. Potential 
safety issues regarding e-bike use on specific roads and trails will be 
considered by the refuge manager when making the determination as to 
whether e-bikes will be allowed on those trails. In analyzing the 
potential impacts of e-biking, refuge managers will use and cite 
available sources of information from available research and studies. 
Therefore, public health and safety will not be affected by the rule.
    (b) Significant impacts on natural resources and unique geographic 
characteristics, refuge and recreation lands, migratory birds, and 
other resources.
    Comment (29)(b): Commenters state that the rule will have 
significant impacts on national wildlife refuge resources cited in 43 
CFR 46.215(b).
    Our Response: The rule does not change current allowed refuge uses 
and therefore has no significant impacts to vulnerable categories 
identified in 43 CFR 46.215(b). If e-bike use is proposed in one of 
these vulnerable categories on a national wildlife refuge, then the 
significance of impacts would be a factor in determining the level of 
NEPA analysis required for the proposed use.
    (c) Highly controversial environmental effects or unresolved 
conflicts concerning alternative uses of available resources.
    Comment (29)(c): Commenters stated that the comments submitted by 
key stakeholders who expressed passionate, substantial, and varied 
viewpoints in support of or in opposition to the rule fit the 
definition of highly controversial in 43 CFR 46.215(c).
    Our Response: The language in 43 CFR 46.215(c) pertains to whether 
the environmental effects are highly controversial (i.e., there is 
significant scientific disagreement about whether a specific action 
will impact the environment, and how), as opposed to whether a general 
topic, such as e-bike use on public lands, is controversial. Paragraph 
(c) does not apply to this rule because the rule does not have any 
direct impacts but may apply to future site-specific determinations a 
refuge manager may make when determining if e-bike use is compatible on 
roads or trails.
    (d) Highly uncertain and potentially significant environmental 
effects or involve unique and unknown environmental risk.
    Comment (29)(d): Commenters state that the categorical exclusion 
should not apply due to unique risks that e-bikes present, as a result 
of fast speeds and as the first and only motorized use in back-country 
areas.
    Our Response: The rule does not determine where e-bikes will be 
used. The potential impacts of e-bike use are dependent on where such 
use is proposed. Any environmental effects associated with future 
decisions will be subject to the NEPA process, and potential impacts 
will be analyzed at the refuge-specific level. In response to speed 
concerns for e-bike use, a refuge manager may ``describe any 
stipulations (terms or conditions) necessary to ensure compatibility.'' 
603 FW 2.11. Stipulations may include limiting speed or locations so 
that the use could be safely conducted.
    (e) Establish a precedent for future action or represent a decision 
in principle about future actions with potentially significant 
environmental effects.
    Comment (29)(e): Commenters stated that the rule establishes a 
precedent for future actions and opens the floodgates for numerous 
similar technological impacts.
    Our Response: The rule is necessary in order to allow effective 
management of this evolving technology and address the rapidly 
expanding use of e-bikes on public land. As discussed in our response 
to Comment (15), the FWS concludes that the definition provided in the 
rule, including the requirement for fully operable pedals, motor type, 
motor power specifications, and permitted number of wheels, is 
sufficient to allow use of e-bikes and does not apply to similar 
technological

[[Page 69232]]

impacts, other electric mobility devices, and other electric vehicles 
or uses such as scooters or skateboards.
    (f) Direct relationship to other actions with individually 
insignificant but cumulatively significant environmental effects.
    Comment (29)(f): Commenters state that cumulative impacts of 
hundreds of units approving e-bikes will be significant when considered 
nationwide.
    Our Response: The categorical exclusion for the rule change makes 
no assertion as to the level of NEPA analysis required for any proposed 
use area for e-bikes. A proposed use area for e-bikes is independent of 
any other proposed use area. The level of NEPA analysis required would 
be determined by the nature of the proposed action.
    (g) Significant impacts on properties listed, or eligible for 
listing, on the National Register of Historic Places.
    Comment (29)(g): Commenters stated that many FWS units contain 
current or potentially listed historic places and some were established 
specifically to protect such places, so in light of their special 
national importance, the rule for system-wide approval is improper.
    Our Response: The rule does not change current uses; therefore, the 
rule change does not impact historic properties. If e-bike use is 
proposed on roads or trails, then potential impacts on historic 
properties would be a factor in determining the level of NEPA analysis 
required for the proposed use.
    (h) Significant impacts on species listed, or proposed to be 
listed, on the List of Endangered or Threatened Species, or have 
significant impacts on designated critical habitat.
    Comment (29)(h): The proposed rule violates the Endangered Species 
Act.
    Our Response: The rule is administrative and procedural in nature. 
The rule itself will have no impact on threatened or endangered 
species. We address this comment specifically in our response to 
Comment (8).
    Comment (30): Commenters stated that a categorical exclusion cannot 
be applied to justify post-hoc decision-making since Secretary's Order 
3376 directed that ``e-bikes shall be allowed where other types of 
bicycles are allowed.'' The commenters stated that to apply a 
categorical exclusion to justify post-hoc decision-making is arbitrary 
and capricious and directs predetermined outcomes.
    Our Response: The rule does not mandate that e-bike use is allowed 
in the NWRS, and the FWS is not applying a categorical exclusion to 
allow predetermined outcomes. The rule and the Administration Act give 
refuge managers the discretion to allow e-bike use if and where it is 
an appropriate and compatible use (see our response to Comment (4)). 
Secretary's Order 3376 and the rule do not require refuge managers to 
always allow e-bike use. Since the NEPA determinations must be made at 
a site-specific level, the invocation of the categorical exclusion is 
contemporaneous with the decision-making, not post hoc.
    Comment (31): Many commenters expressed concern about enforcement 
of the rule or potential actions and impacts that could occur if e-bike 
users are allowed where traditional bicycles are allowed, especially on 
nonmotorized trails. Some commenters stated that the rule may 
facilitate illegal trail creation or trail access by e-bike users or 
other vehicle users, and that such illegal use would be difficult to 
enforce. Some commenters stated that e-bikes could be modified to 
exceed allowable horsepower and speed limits, which would be difficult 
to detect and enforce. Commenters also stated that it would be 
difficult to distinguish some e-bikes from traditional bicycles, or 
between classes of e-bikes defined in the final rule. Commenters 
emphasized that these enforcement challenges would be exacerbated by 
potential violations occurring at high speeds and in remote locations.
    Our Response: The FWS acknowledges that implementation of the rule 
may pose certain enforcement challenges. However, those challenges are 
not unique. They regularly arise in the context of enforcing laws that 
govern recreational use of public lands. With their experience 
enforcing other regulations that condition how the public recreates on 
public lands, law enforcement officers have the expertise necessary to 
properly exercise their discretion to enforce the rule that ensures 
protection of public health, safety, and resources and users of the 
public lands. Moreover, the enforcement challenges posed by this 
requirement are warranted given the requirement's potential benefits to 
affected public land resources and users. For example, determining when 
a potential violation of the requirement that Class 2 e-bikes be used 
in a manner where the motor is not used exclusively to propel the rider 
for an extended period of time will involve the use of specialized 
skill, training, and judgment by law enforcement officers. With respect 
to differentiating among traditional bicycles and e-bikes, and among 
classes of e-bikes, the FWS notes that most States require e-bikes to 
have a label that displays the class, top assisted speed, and power 
outlet of the electric motor. Some e-bikes can be differentiated from 
traditional bicycles by simple observation. In other cases, the FWS 
expects that its law enforcement officers will involve the use of their 
specialized skills, training, and judgment to enforce this requirement, 
even if the e-bike is not labeled, through observation of riding 
behaviors, questioning, or other means of investigation. FWS law 
enforcement officers are tasked on a daily basis with enforcing speed 
limits and equipment and operational requirements for the use of motor 
vehicles used within the NWRS.
    Comment (32): We received many comments opposing the proposed rule 
due to concerns about the potential impacts e-bikes would have on 
natural resources, safety, and the visitor experience. Several 
commenters stated that e-bikes would cause greater cumulative impacts 
to the natural environment than are caused by traditional bicycles due 
to their ability to travel longer distances into more remote areas. 
Many commenters noted the potential for disturbing wildlife, plants, 
and their habitats, watersheds, ecosystems, grooving and erosion of 
ground surfaces, degradation of sensitive plant habitats, and negative 
impacts on geological features and cultural and archeological sites. 
Other commenters stated that e-bikes would create safety risks if 
riders travel farther, into more remote areas, and through more 
challenging terrain than would be possible with traditional bicycles. 
Safety concerns were also raised about the speed of e-bikes, in 
particular on narrow and winding trails with limited sight lines, and 
the increased potential for accidents and conflicts with other trail 
users, such as hikers and horseback riders. According to some 
commenters, adding e-bikes to shared trails would cause overcrowding 
and marginalize other forms of recreation.
    Our Response: This rule does not mandate the use of e-bikes in the 
NWRS. The rule is administrative and procedural in nature and the rule 
itself will have no impacts on safety, the visitor experience, or 
national wildlife refuge natural and cultural resources. This rule 
establishes a general framework that can be used by refuge managers if 
they allow e-bikes on certain roads and trails where traditional 
bicycles are already allowed. As discussed in the response to Comment 
(4) above, the allowance of e-bikes on roads or trails is subject to 
the discretion of the refuge manager who must complete a rigorous 
compatibility-determination process to consider the impacts that e-bike 
use would have,

[[Page 69233]]

including impacts on refuge resources and visitor experience. Refuge 
managers will allow only uses that they determine to be appropriate and 
compatible to the purpose for which the refuge was established and can 
be sustained without causing unacceptable impacts to public safety, 
natural and cultural resources, and other public uses. These required 
evaluations and determinations are not modified or changed by this 
rule.
    E-bike implementation decisions for each national wildlife refuge 
must be based on local conditions, potential impacts, resource data, 
and relevant studies. Applying the NEPA process at a site-specific 
level will allow the FWS to evaluate the potential effects of e-bike 
use for a particular national wildlife refuge and to consult with the 
appropriate Federal, State, and local resource agencies regarding 
potential resource impacts. E-biking or any proposed use could impact 
visitors and resources in similar or different ways at the more than 
565 units in the NWRS. Analyzing and describing the reasonably 
anticipated impacts of e-bike use on a case-by-case basis is an 
important factor that we consider when allowing or not allowing a 
refuge use.
    Comment (33): One commenter stated that the rule would be 
inconsistent with the direction in Executive Order 11644, ``Use of Off-
Road Vehicles on the Public Lands,'' (amended by Executive Order 
11989), noting that there is no exception for low-power vehicles.
    Our Response: Executive Order 11644 was issued by President Nixon 
in 1972 and amended by President Carter in 1977 through Executive Order 
11989. It establishes policies and procedures for managing the use of 
``off-road vehicles'' to protect the resources of the public lands, 
promote safety of all users of the lands, and minimize conflicts among 
those users. The Executive Order defines ``off-road vehicles'' as any 
motorized vehicle designed for or capable of cross-country travel on or 
immediately over land, water, sand, snow, ice, marsh, swampland, or 
other natural terrain. The FWS concludes that e-bikes should not be 
regulated as ``off-road vehicles'' under the Executive Order for the 
reasons discussed below.
    The Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes that are the subject of this rule 
differ significantly in their engineering from the types of motorized 
vehicles that are expressly referenced in Executive Order 11644. Almost 
all of the off-road vehicles listed in the Executive Order: 
``motorcycles, minibikes, trial bikes, snowmobiles, dune-buggies, [and] 
all-terrain vehicles'' use internal combustion engines for power rather 
than an electric motor, and none rely on the rider pedaling the vehicle 
to provide most of the power to the vehicle as this rule requires. 
Moreover, the off- road vehicles to which the Executive Order was 
clearly intended to apply are uniformly larger, louder, and capable of 
achieving greater speeds than Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes. For these 
reasons, e-bikes are inherently different than the types of ``off-road 
vehicles'' listed under the Executive Order. There is no indication in 
any materials contemporaneous to its issuance that suggest that 
Executive Order 11644 was intended to apply to e-bikes. That is not 
surprising, given that the technological advances needed to popularize 
them, such as torque motors and power controls, were not developed 
until the mid-1990s.
    As a result of those engineering differences, e-bikes tend to have 
impacts that are like traditional, nonmotorized bicycles and unlike 
those that result from the larger, more powerful off-road vehicles that 
Executive Order 11644 was intended to mitigate. These differences will 
inherently limit the resource impacts and user conflicts that the 
minimization criteria in Executive Order 11644 was designed to address. 
For example, the off-road vehicles referenced in Executive Order 11644 
are powered by internal combustion engines that generate loud noises 
(i.e., anywhere from 90-110 decibels, depending on the type of vehicle) 
that can carry over long distances. By comparison, the noise associated 
with e-bikes includes the sound of their tires rolling over a road or 
trail and, at most, a low steady whine that may be emitted when the 
electric motor is engaged. While the effects of noise on wildlife 
differ across taxonomic groups and reactions to sound are different for 
every visitor, the impacts on quietude, wildlife behavioral patterns, 
and other recreational uses caused by e-bikes are expected to be 
similar to those caused by traditional, nonmotorized bicycles and 
substantially less than those resulting from typical off-road vehicle 
use. Also, unlike all the vehicles listed in the Executive Order, e-
bikes do not emit exhaust that could impact air quality and the health 
of nearby users.
    A review of available models shows that Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes 
are generally much lighter than even the lightest off-road vehicle 
listed in the Executive Order. A typical e-bike weighs approximately 
45-50 pounds, which is only slightly heavier than a typical 
traditional, nonmotorized bicycle's weight of 30-35 pounds. In 
comparison, minibikes, which are the lightest off-road vehicle listed 
in Executive Order 11644, weigh an average of 115-130 pounds, typical 
trial bikes can weigh 145 pounds, and motorcycles can weigh 
approximately 300-400 pounds. The significantly lower weight of e-
bikes, combined with the lower levels of torque that they are capable 
of generating and lower speeds that they can reach, limits their 
potential to damage soil through compaction and erosion. Finally, 
managing Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes similarly to traditional, 
nonmotorized bicycles and distinguishing them from other motor vehicles 
is consistent with how other Federal agencies regulate e-bikes. Defined 
by Congress in the Consumer Product Safety Act (Pub. L. 107-319, Dec. 
4, 2002; codified at 15 U.S.C. 2085) as low-speed electric bicycles, e-
bikes are not considered to be motor vehicles under 49 U.S.C. 30102 
and, therefore, are not subject to regulation by the National Highway 
Traffic Safety Administration. Instead, e-bikes are regulated similar 
to nonmotorized bicycles and considered consumer products regulated by 
the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Changes From the Proposed Rule

    We received comments that asked us to clarify or eliminate the 
requirement in the proposed rule that a person must be using the 
motorized features of an e-bike as an assist to human propulsion. Many 
commenters stated that this requirement was impractical and 
unenforceable. In response, we are revising the proposed rule as 
follows: (m) If the refuge manager determines that electric bicycle 
(also known as e-bike) use is a compatible use on roads or trails, any 
person using an e-bike in a manner where the motor is not used 
exclusively to propel the rider for an extended period of time, shall 
be afforded all the rights and privileges, and be subject to all of the 
duties, of the operators of nonmotorized bicycles on roads and trails.
    We agree there are times during a ride when an e-bike user may not 
be pedaling, just as there are times when a traditional bicycle user 
may not be pedaling. We agree that the proposed rule language could 
cause difficulty for a person to operate an e-bike in a similar manner 
to traditional bicycles, and that the proposed rule would be difficult 
to enforce.
    The FWS changed the language in the final rule in paragraph (m) to 
better reflect its intent that e-bike motors, via throttle-only 
operation, may be used for limited durations, but should not be used to 
propel the rider for extended periods of time. The new language 
clarifies for users and law enforcement officers that e-bikes can be 
operated in

[[Page 69234]]

a similar manner as traditional bicycles. Law enforcement officers will 
use observation, situational analysis, and professional judgment to 
determine if a potential violation of the regulation occurs.

Compliance With Laws, Executive Orders, and Department Policy

Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Orders 12866 and 13563)

    Executive Order 12866 provides that the Office of Information and 
Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
will review all significant rules. The OIRA has determined that this 
rule is not a significant regulatory action as defined by Executive 
Order 12866.
    Executive Order (E.O.) 13563 reaffirms the principles of E.O. 12866 
while calling for improvements in the nation's regulatory system to 
promote predictability, to reduce uncertainty, and to use the best, 
most innovative, and least burdensome tools for achieving regulatory 
ends. The Executive Order directs agencies to consider regulatory 
approaches that reduce burdens and maintain flexibility and freedom of 
choice for the public where these approaches are relevant, feasible, 
and consistent with regulatory objectives. E.O. 13563 emphasizes 
further that regulations must be based on the best available science 
and that the rulemaking process must allow for public participation and 
an open exchange of ideas. We have developed this rule in a manner 
consistent with these requirements.

Executive Order 13771--Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory 
Costs

    This rule is an Executive Order (E.O.) 13771 (82 FR 9339, February 
3, 2017) deregulatory action. This rule addresses regulatory 
uncertainty regarding the use of e-bikes in the NWRS by defining e-
bikes and clarifying that any person using an e-bike shall be afforded 
all of the rights and privileges, and be subject to all of the duties, 
of the operators of nonmotorized bicycles on roads and trails, when 
such use is deemed appropriate and compatible.
    This rule is not self-executing. The rule, in and of itself, does 
not change existing allowances for e-bike usage on national wildlife 
refuges. It neither allows e-bikes on roads and trails that are 
currently closed to off-road vehicles but open to mechanized, 
nonmotorized bicycle use, nor affects the use of e-bikes and other 
motorized vehicles on roads and trails where off-road vehicle use is 
currently allowed.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (as amended by the Small 
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act [SBREFA] of 1996) (5 
U.S.C. 601 et seq.), whenever a Federal agency is required to publish a 
notice of rulemaking for any proposed or final rule, it must prepare 
and make available for public comment a regulatory flexibility analysis 
that describes the effect of the rule on small entities (i.e., small 
businesses, small organizations, and small government jurisdictions). 
However, no regulatory flexibility analysis is required if the head of 
an agency certifies that the rule will not have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities. Thus, for a 
regulatory flexibility analysis to be required, impacts must exceed a 
threshold for ``significant impact'' and a threshold for a 
``substantial number of small entities.'' See 5 U.S.C. 605(b). SBREFA 
amended the Regulatory Flexibility Act to require Federal agencies to 
provide a statement of the factual basis for certifying that a rule 
will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities.
    The rule is administrative in nature and will not, in and of 
itself, result in any foreseeable impacts because this rule only 
establishes a general framework that can be used by refuge managers if 
they allow e-bikes on certain roads and trails where traditional 
bicycles are already allowed. However, for transparency, we discuss 
current traditional bicycle use on refuges and potential changes in 
recreation use if refuge managers determine that e-bikes are 
appropriate and compatible to the purpose for which the refuge was 
established.
    In 2019, there were approximately 1.4 million bicycle visits on 197 
refuges (34.6 percent of all refuges). Of these 197 refuges, 136 
refuges had fewer than 1,000 bicycle visits. These visits comprised 
approximately 2 percent (=2.34%) of total recreational visits for the 
Refuge System. Under this rule, recreational activities on refuges 
could be expanded by allowing e-bikes where determined appropriate and 
compatible by the refuge manager. As a result, recreational visitation 
at these refuges may change. The extent of any increase would likely be 
dependent upon factors such as whether current bicyclists change from 
using traditional bicycles to e-bikes, whether walking/hiking visits 
change to e-bike visits, or whether other recreational visitors 
decrease visits due to increased conflicts. The impact of these 
potential factors is uncertain. However, we estimate that increasing 
opportunities for e-bikes would correspond with less than 2 percent of 
the average recreational visits due to the small percentage of current 
bicycling visits.
    Small businesses within the retail trade industry (such as hotels, 
gas stations, sporting equipment stores, and similar businesses) may be 
affected by some increased or decreased station visitation due to this 
rule. A large percentage of these retail trade establishments in the 
local communities near national wildlife refuges and national fish 
hatcheries qualify as small businesses. We expect that the incremental 
recreational changes will be scattered, and so we do not expect that 
the rule would have a significant economic effect on a substantial 
number of small entities in any region or nationally.
    Therefore, we certify that this rule will not have a significant 
economic effect on a substantial number of small entities as defined 
under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). A 
regulatory flexibility analysis is not required. Accordingly, a small 
entity compliance guide is not required.

Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA)

    This rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small 
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. This rule:
    a. Will not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or 
more.
    b. Will not cause a major increase in costs or prices for 
consumers, individual industries, Federal, State, or local government 
agencies, or geographic regions.
    c. Will not have significant adverse effects on competition, 
employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of 
U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    This rule will not impose an unfunded mandate on State, local, or 
Tribal governments or the private sector of more than $100 million per 
year. The rule will not have a significant or unique effect on State, 
local, or Tribal governments or the private sector. A statement 
containing the information required by the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act 
(2 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) is not required.

Takings (Executive Order 12630)

    In accordance with Executive Order 12630, this rule does not have 
significant takings implications. This rule would affect only visitors 
at

[[Page 69235]]

national wildlife refuges, which are not private property.

Federalism (Executive Order 13132)

    Under the criteria in section 1 of Executive Order 13132, this rule 
does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a federalism summary impact statement. This rule will 
not have substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship 
between the national government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. 
The FWS will coordinate with State and local governments, as 
appropriate, when making future planning and implementation level 
decisions under this rule regarding the use of e-bikes on public lands. 
A federalism summary impact statement is not required.

Civil Justice Reform (Executive Order 12988)

    In accordance with E.O. 12988, the Department of the Interior has 
determined that this rule will not unduly burden the judicial system 
and that it meets the requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of the 
Order. Specifically, this rule:
    (a) Meets the criteria of section 3(a) requiring that all 
regulations be reviewed to eliminate errors and ambiguity and be 
written to minimize litigation; and
    (b) Meets the criteria of section 3(b)(2) requiring that all 
regulations be written in clear language and contain clear legal 
standards.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This rule does not contain information collection requirements, and 
a submission to OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) is not required. We may not conduct or sponsor and 
you are not required to respond to a collection of information unless 
it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

National Environmental Policy Act

    We are required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; 
42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) to assess the impact of any Federal action 
significantly affecting the quality of the human environment, health, 
and safety. This rule does not constitute a major Federal action 
significantly affecting the quality of the human environment. A 
detailed statement under NEPA is not required because the rule is 
covered by a categorical exclusion. We have determined that this rule 
falls under the class of actions covered by the following Department of 
the Interior categorical exclusion: ``Policies, directives, 
regulations, and guidelines: that are of an administrative, financial, 
legal, technical, or procedural nature; or whose environmental effects 
are too broad, speculative, or conjectural to lend themselves to 
meaningful analysis and will later be subject to the NEPA process, 
either collectively or case-by-case.'' 43 CFR 46.210(i)).
    Under the rule, a refuge manager must first make a determination 
that e-bike use is a compatible use before allowing e-bike use on a 
national wildlife refuge. This determination must be made on a case-by-
case basis. E-bike use on a refuge will not be allowed under the rule 
without a compatible-use determination and appropriate NEPA compliance 
specific to the action with respect to a particular refuge. Potential 
impacts are not ripe for analysis until or unless the use of e-bikes is 
proposed on a specific national wildlife refuge where the context is 
known and the intensity of impacts can be evaluated. The FWS has also 
determined that the rule does not involve any of the extraordinary 
circumstances listed in 43 CFR 46.215 that would require further 
analysis under NEPA.

Government-to-Government Relationship With Tribes

    We have evaluated this rule under the Department's consultation 
policy and under the criteria in Executive Order 13175 and have 
determined that it has no substantial direct effects on federally 
recognized Indian Tribes and that consultation under the Department's 
Tribal consultation policy is not required. This rulemaking is an 
administrative change that directs the FWS to address e-bike use in 
future compatibility determinations. The rule does not change existing 
allowances for e-bike use on FWS-administered public lands. The 
rulemaking does not commit the agency to undertake any specific action, 
and the FWS retains the discretion to authorize e-bike use where 
appropriate. We are committed to consulting with federally recognized 
Indian Tribes when appropriate on a site-specific basis as potential e-
bike use is considered by the FWS.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 27

    Wildlife refuges.

Regulation Promulgation

    In consideration of the foregoing, we hereby amend part 27, 
subchapter C of chapter I, title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations 
as follows:

PART 27--PROHIBITED ACTS

0
1. The authority citation for part 27 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  5 U.S.C. 685, 752, 690d; 16 U.S.C. 460k, 460l-6d, 
664, 668dd, 685, 690d, 715i, 715s, 725; 43 U.S.C. 315a.

Subpart C--Disturbing Violations: With Vehicles

0
2. Amend Sec.  27.31 by redesignating paragraph (m) as paragraph (n) 
and adding a new paragraph (m) to read as follows:


Sec.  27.31  General provisions regarding vehicles.

* * * * *
    (m) If the refuge manager determines that electric bicycle (also 
known as e-bike) use is a compatible use on roads or trails, any person 
using an e-bike where the motor is not used exclusively to propel the 
rider for an extended period of time shall be afforded all of the 
rights and privileges, and be subject to all of the duties, of the 
operators of nonmotorized bicycles on roads and trails. An e-bike is a 
two- or three-wheeled electric bicycle with fully operable pedals and 
an electric motor of not more than 750 watts (1 h.p.) that meets the 
requirements of one of the following three classes:
    (1) Class 1 e-bike shall mean an electric bicycle equipped with a 
motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and 
that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 
20 miles per hour.
    (2) Class 2 e-bike shall mean an electric bicycle equipped with a 
motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is 
not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed 
of 20 miles per hour.
    (3) Class 3 e-bike shall mean an electric bicycle equipped with a 
motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and 
that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 
28 miles per hour.
* * * * *

George Wallace,
Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
[FR Doc. 2020-22107 Filed 10-30-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P