eMTB Policy Review
May 26, 2021
We believe community members, trail users, and most importantly our landowners should be engaged in this decision. The KT Team began with a preliminary discussion with our Board of Directors regarding a proper decision making process. This process was then presented to the Landowner Advisory Committee. Their response was positive, and they were pleased that KT Landowners will be involved and the policy shaped by their feedback. Kingdom Trails has invited all of the KT Landowners to a forum in early June.
As cycling technology and trail utilization trends evolve, we believe it is imperative that KT periodically review and consider policy changes. eMTBs are a prime example. Currently Kingdom Trails’ eMTB policy is stated as “KT does not allow e-bikes on our trail network” as we honor the no motorized vehicle agreement we have made with our Landowners. Please know this continues to be our policy throughout this process.
We understand there are a number of pros and cons that need to be weighed. On the one hand, allowing eMTBs could broaden access for those with physical limitations due to age, illness and disability, supporting our commitment to equity and inclusion. Increased patronage could also directly benefit our community and the region. On the other hand, concerns could arise regarding faster speeds, user conflicts, injuries and liability, land impacts, and overcrowding. We will need to educate ourselves on the different classes of eMTBs, review the decisions and policies of other trail networks, consult organizations such as IMBA, NEMBA, and VMBA, and explore both federal and state policies, along with the detail of our own conservation easements with the Vermont Land Trust and Vermont Housing Conservation Board. However, above all, gauging our landowners' comfortability with eMTBs on their land will be a priority.
We encourage all to share their thoughts and opinions by emailing eMTB@kingdomtrails.org. Your feedback is welcomed and we thank you in advance for participating in this deliberative process with civility, and we especially encourage experience based input. Again, we ask that you email with your feedback, therefore we are turning off our social media comments on this topic as the goal is to receive constructive input directly from our stakeholders for thoughtful consideration and we do not wish to host a platform for negative interactions between people. We anticipate this review and policy update will conclude within the middle of this summer season.
Please remember, regardless of whether or not Kingdom Trails amends our policy, we understand education will be a key component to maintaining respect for our private landowners and encouraging all to Ride with Gratitude.
7/11/26 Community Chat
Canadian Community Month Offers Below Kingdom Trails Kingdom Trails is a world-renowned, community-supported trail network at the heart of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, built through long-standing landowner partnerships and careful stewardship. It remains the central hub of the region’s mountain biking community. As part of Canadian Community Month, Canadian visitors are welcomed with special membership access and benefits designed to make visiting more accessible. Offers: Canadian dollars accepted at par for annual and day memberships purchased in-person at the Kingdom Trails Welcome Center New and current Canadian annual members will receive a complimentary guest day membership to share with a friend or family member, redeemable anytime during the 2026 riding season. Canadians who purchased day memberships earlier this season may upgrade to annual memberships at par, with the amount already paid in USD credited toward the upgrade Please note that the at-par rates will be applied at checkout in USD as a discount according to the current daily exchange rate; the KT Welcome Center is unable to accept Canadian currency at this time.
From the Executive Director: Hi Everyone! Well, July has certainly brought the heat, but luckily here at KT there are plenty of shady trails to choose from. Speaking of trails...we are opening a new one this weekend: "Cheddar Slice" connects the bottom of Butter Tubs to the bottom of the Dashney Loop, creating a roughly 4-mile family-friendly loop and adding another way to connect the Moose Alley and Dashney zones. Connectivity has been a big focus this year, and there is more to come later this season. Thank you to all our generous Landowners, members and supporters. Have a wonderful weekend and a very Happy Fourth of July!! -Georgia Celebrate the Fourth with Us! As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, we invite you to celebrate with us throughout the month of July. If you're riding on Saturday, July 4, be sure to stop by our newly refreshed Welcome Center! We'll be serving complimentary cookies and lemonade throughout the day—a small way of celebrating the holiday and welcoming riders, families, and visitors to Kingdom Trails. Later in the month, join us at Lyndonville's Stars & Stripes Celebration on Saturday, July 18. The celebration begins with the 10:00 a.m. parade, followed by the festival, where you'll find the Kingdom Trails tent. Stop by to say hello, learn about our newest initiatives and chat with our staff about everything happening at Kingdom Trails this summer. The festival runs from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and features food trucks, vendors, children's activities, live music, a Rotary BBQ, axe throwing, and more—making it a fun day for the whole family. We hope you'll stop by, say hello, and celebrate with us! CLICK HERE to read the full newsletter.
