Some electronic bikes may be allowed on the Greenbelt.

The South Portland City Council voted unanimously on a first reading to update the city’s definition of a bicycle to include Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes. Such e-bikes are permitted on paths where traditional bikes are allowed, according to state law. 

Class 1 e-bikes provide motorized assistance only when the rider is pedaling and Class 2 e-bikes propel the rider with a throttle. Both have a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour. Class 3 bikes, which can go up to 28 miles per hour, would still be prohibited on the Greenbelt. 

E-bikes are currently not permitted on the Greenbelt, though the city does not actively patrol the path for enforcement, according to City Manager Scott Morelli. The changes still need a public hearing and second reading. Any change would go into effect 20 days after passage.

The Greenbelt stretches 5.6 miles from the Wainwright Sports Complex near the Scarborough town line to Bug Light Park.

Survey results found that of the 5,015 observed users on the Greenbelt between 2022 and 2024, 7% were using e-bikes, with an average speed of about 10 miles per hour, according to Sydney Raftery, the city’s park ranger. The average speed of pedal bikes was about 9 miles per hour. 

There were 15 recorded instances of e-bikes traveling at excessive speeds, at least 15 miles per hour. There were 44 such instances involving pedal bikes.

Raftery said that all bikes slowed down when pedestrians were present and the path narrowed, and that her department only receives about one complaint per year about e-bikes.

The council considered a similar update to the ordinance three years ago, but Councilor Natalie West pointed out that portions of the Greenbelt were less than 10 feet wide, which does not meet American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials standards. 

Since then, the public works department concluded that some areas are close to minimum width requirements, and determined that the entire Greenbelt should be replaced because of erosion, tree root issues and pavement damage. The total project is estimated to cost $6.5 million, and the city is continuing to apply for grant funding. 

The City Council decided that it did not need to wait to widen the trail to approve e-bikes. 

The bikes encourage greater access to the outdoors and physical activity while promoting alternative modes of transportation that are better for the environment, according to Rosemarie De Angelis, chair of the bike-pedestrian committee. They are especially valuable to aging populations. 

“Who are the people we are trying to encourage to be out and getting exercise?” she said.
“That’s everyone.”