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Rules for Electric Bikes, Motorbikes, Motorcycles, and More!

Park Rules

Follow these rules to help make our paths and parks safe and enjoyable for everyone:

The following are prohibited beyond the parking lot in our parks and pathways.

  • Off-highway vehicles like ATVs, UTVs, OHVs, golf carts
  • Motorized vehicles like cars, trucks, motorcycles, motorbikes, mopeds
  • Motorized or electric devices in restricted areas like playgrounds, splash pads, tennis courts, picnic areas, benches, fountains, or other park features not designed for motorized vehicles.

E-bikes and electric scooters are allowed on paved surfaces in parks that are designed for pedestrian or multi-purpose uses and on City pathways, provided riders obey posted rules and ride at a speed that is reasonable under the conditions.

Slide 1 of 6: E-Bikes and e-scooters are allowed on park paths if riders follow rules and ride safely. Electric Bike Graphic
Slide 2 of 6: Pathway users must travel at safe and reasonable speeds for all conditions. Electric Bike Graphic showing motion
Slide 3 of 6: Bike must yield to pedestrians. Always give walkers the right of way. Walker and Bicycle rider on path graphic.
Slide 4 of 6: Step off the path when resting or chatting
Slide 5 of 6: Let others know when you're passing. Say "On your left" or ring a bell. Graphic showing bicycle rider saying on your left with a bell icon.
Slide 6 of 6: No Golf Carts, no ATVs, no Motorbikes

What Kind of Bike Do You Have?

Before hitting the road, park, sidewalk, or path, it’s important to know what kind of bike you have and where you are allowed to operate it. Where you can operate your electric motorcycle, motorbike, or e-bike depends on a few factors like whether it has factory installed pedals or not.

It is important that you understand the rules so you can ride safely and legally in Meridian.

Is it an E-Bike?

If your bike has a motor and pedals installed by the manufacturer, it is considered an Electric Assisted Bicycle (e-bike).

Although E-bikes are allowed on Meridian parks, pathways, and sidewalks, just like traditional bicycles. Riders should always:

  • Ride at a speed reasonable for the conditions and reduce speed when in high traffic or congested areas.
  • Ride on the righthand side of the pathway.
  • Yield to pedestrians, provide audible signals when passing, and give pedestrians plenty of space and the right of way.
  • Obey posted signage and rules for parks and park amenities. E-Bikes are not allowed in skate parks or the Discovery Park bike track.

Is it a Motorbike/motorcycle?

If your bike is motorized (whether gas- or electric-powered) and does not have pedals, it is considered a motorbike or motorcycle and classified as a motorcycle.

Motorbikes/motorcycles are NOT permitted beyond the parking lot on park property or on sidewalks, paths, or other park amenities.

Motorbikes/motorcycles may be driven on public roads only if:

  • The rider is licensed.
  • The vehicle is properly titled and registered.
  • It meets federal motor vehicle safety standards (e.g., lights, horn, and brakes).
  • Operators and passengers under 18 must wear helmets.
  • It includes noise suppression and exhaust systems.
  • Operators follow the rules of the road for motor vehicles.
  • Motorbikes are not allowed on pathways or in parks.
  • Motorbikes are not allowed on sidewalks.

Tip: Before buying an electric motorbike/motorcycle or motorized bike, make sure you understand the legal requirements, where you can ride it, and who can operate it.

Watch for signs and posted rules

Please obey all traffic laws and ride safely. Meridian is adding clearer signage in parks and along pathways to help riders understand where different devices can and cannot be used.

FAQ

Yes, as long as it has manufacturer-installed pedals. E-bikes are allowed on park pathways and sidewalks, but not in skate parks or the bike track at Discovery Park.

An e-bike has pedals and an electric motor that assist the bicycle rider. A Motorbike or motorcycle does not have pedals and must follow motor vehicle laws. Motorbikes or motorcycles are only allowed on roadways and in parking lots, and prohibited on sidewalks, pathways, or inside parks.

Motorbikes and motorcycles may only be used on public roadways, if they are licensed, registered, and meet state requirements. They are not permitted beyond the parking lot on park property or on sidewalks, paths, or other park amenities.

Rules vary depending on the type of device and its available speed. Check City Code and State regulations for guidance.