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Power-driven mobility devices on parks lands

wheelchair wheels in campground

Power-driven mobility devices on parks lands

To keep our parks safe and enjoyable for everyone, the DNR welcomes many electric or power-driven mobility devices on DNR-administered parks and recreation lands, including.

Wheelchairs (motorized or manual)

  • Allowed in any area open to pedestrians.
  • Must be operated at walking speed.

Other power-driven mobility devices (or OPDMDs)
Using a power-driven device other than a wheelchair? Check the chart below for what's allowed and follow these guidelines:

  • Only individuals with mobility impairments may use an OPDMD, unless you need a companion to ride with you.
  • Allowed in any area open to pedestrians.
  • A class 1 e-bike (pedal-assisted, up to 20 miles per hour) may be used as an OPDMD in areas open to bicycles at speeds similar to other bicycles.
  • A class 2 e-bike (throttle- and pedal-assisted, up to 20 miles per hour) may be used as an OPDMD in areas open to bicycles at speeds similar to other bicycles with a DNR-issued permit.
  • Other than e-bikes on DNR-managed trails open to bicycles, OPMDS must be operated at walking speed.
  • Adjust your speed based on trail conditions, crowds and weather.
  • You cannot use gas-powered OPDMDs indoors.
  • You operate mobility devices at your own risk. Please use good judgment.

  • What are other power-driven mobility devices?

    OPDMDs are any mobility device powered by batteries, fuel or other engines – whether or not designed primarily for use by individuals with mobility disabilities – used by individuals with mobility disabilities for the purpose of locomotion.

  • Allowable OPDMDs based on assessment criteria

    Type, dimension & weight dimension criteria Terrain Examples Permitted areas Justification
    Device does not exceed 26" in width, 26" in length and weighs less than 250 lbs; non gas-powered Designed for use on interior walkways Segway Indoors i. Interior walkways vary in width; size and weight limits allows for safe passage.
    ii. Interior walkways can be congested with pedestrian traffic.
    iii. Gas-powered engines create a health-risk indoors.
    iv. Speed limited to walking speed for the safety of other pedestrians.
    v. No risk to environment or natural resources indoors.
    Device does not exceed 36" in width, 48" in length and weighs less than 500lbs. Designed for use on soft, uneven, steeply graded or rocky surfaces. - Segway
    - Electric scooter     		- Natural tread trails
    - Dispersed recreational use
    - Forest road

    		i. PRD trails vary in width; size allows for safe two-way passage.
    ii. PRD trails can be congested with pedestrian traffic; size limitations in place for safety.
    iii. Trails may have varying slope and surface conditions.
    iv. Speed limited to walking speed for the safety of other pedestrians.
    v. Size and weight limitations in place to protect natural tread.
    Device does not exceed 48" in width, 95" in length and weighs less than 1500 lbs. Designed for use on exterior walkways or routes. - Segway
    - Electric scooter
    -Electric golf cart    		 - Linear trails
    - Campground roads
    - Exterior pedestrian routes at facilities    		 i. PRD trails vary in width; size allows for safe two-way passage.
    ii. PRD trails can be congested with pedestrian traffic; size limitations in place for safety.
    iii. Trails may have varying slope and surface conditions.
    iv. Speed limited to walking speed for the safety of other pedestrians.
    v. Size and weight limitations in place to protect infrastructure.