The Hodgemoor Riding Association was made aware in May 2025 of the recent policy decision of Forestry England to permit e-bikes on their land. They say on their web site “Forestry England generally welcomes e-bikes on their designated trails, provided they are road legal and not modified. This means they must comply with the UK’s Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) regulations, including a 250w output, 15.5mph motor cut-off, and pedal-assist only. Electric motorbikes, which are more powerful and lack pedals, are not permitted” and “These must be road legal and not modified. Visitors cannot use e-scooters as they are illegal (except on private land or as part of formal government trial).”
The opinion of any sane-minded user of woodland, whether or not a nature-lover, would be against allowing any two-wheeled visitors going even faster than pedal bikes now or allowing any two-wheeler with a motor. E-bikes are in distinguishable from motorbikes of a similar power, for danger to walker, danger to horses, disruption to wildlife, damage to path surfaces and for riding off the surfaced trails. Hodgemoor is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. In our study document we have given twelve reasons why e-bikes should not be allowed in Hodgemoor Woods and the paper can be downloaded and consulted at e-bikes_study_doc_28jul2025
The issues are complex, especially the distinction in law between ePacs and higher-powered e-bikes, and we would not be able to enter into a meaningful debate in full meeting of the AGM of the Hodgemoor Riding Association on 12 November 2025. However, your committee would like you to approve the provisional approach we propose to make in the paper. We urge those of you who are interested to download and read the paper then to express and difference or new information before 10th November by email marcus@bicknell.com or WhatsApp 07748111444 to the Chairman. This enables the committee to assess any input provided and to summarise that at the AGM. A favorable vote on the principles will be enough for us to take the matter forward as described at the end of the paper.
With thanks for your understanding and looking forward to your input.