Carroll County, MD Mobility & Curb Rules: E-Bike Classes (2026)

036, part of Chapter 94's vehicle-operation rules, defines a self-propelled vehicle as any human-powered vehicle, including bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, in-line skates, and scooters. Subsection (B) confines bicycle riding in a park to a paved vehicular road or path designated for that purpose unless the Manager designates otherwise, and it lets anyone wheel, push, or carry a self-propelled vehicle by hand across grassy areas, wooded trails, or paved pedestrian paths. The 2023 amendment, Ord. 2023-05, passed 7-20-2023, added a specific carve-out for electric bicycles: Class 1 e-bikes, defined in the ordinance as low speed pedal-assisted electric bicycles, are permitted to ride on certain trails the county designates, a privilege the base rule does not extend to ordinary bicycles off the paved road network.

The code does not mention Class 2 (throttle-assisted) or Class 3 (higher-speed pedal-assist) e-bikes anywhere in Chapter 94, so those classes remain subject to the general rule confining powered and human-powered cycles to paved roads and paths unless a rider walks the bike by hand. Subsection (C) separately bars leaving any self-propelled vehicle, e-bike included, lying on the ground, pavement, or leaned against a tree where it could trip or injure another park visitor. The Department of Recreation and Parks' Manager decides which specific trails carry the Class 1 e-bike designation and can adjust or expand that list.