LANSING, MI - Electric-assisted bicycles, more commonly known as e-bikes, are now allowed on certain Michigan nature trails and roadways under new legislation signed into law by Gov. Rick Snyder on Tuesday.

The legislation was co-sponsored by state Rep. Holly Hughes, R-Montague. The new law allows riders to operate specific classes of e-bikes on highways open for bikes and on paved trails. Hughes introduced the legislation in June along with state Rep. Klint Kesto, R-Commerce Township.

Hughes introduced the three-bill package in hopes of producing more riders, providing additional modes of transportation to work -- including those who can't legally drive a car -- and giving riders a boost when riding challenging trails.

Snyder said the law will open the world of biking to Michigan residents and tourists who might not otherwise be able to ride.

"Michigan's trails and natural resources bring together Michiganders and visitors from around the world, and these bills help bicyclists experience the beauty of Pure Michigan in a new, exciting way," Snyder said.

The bill packaged included:

HB 4781, which allows electric bikes on certain trails

HB 4782, which amends the Michigan Vehicle Code to provide definitions and regulation of e-bikes

HB 4783, which exempts e-bikes from no-fault insurance requirements

E-bikes are sold in several types, including mountain bikes, road bikes and hybrids. The bicycles also come with a battery pack that takes four hours to charge and can last as long as 50 to 100 miles, depending on how fast riders pedal.

Depending on the type, the bikes will tell riders how far they can travel before needing a recharge.

The bikes are also made to be operable even if the battery dies, albeit pedaling them can be much harder physically, said Michael Reuter, president of American Cycle and Fitness, one of Michigan's largest independent bicycle retailers.

E-bikes often cost between $600-$2,500, and come equipped with an assist button that helps give riders more speed to climb large hills and assist with pedaling when fatigued.

First-class e-bikes travel less than 20 mph, whereas third-class models are capable of traveling up to 28 mph.

Under the new legislation, first-class e-bikes are allowed for trail riding. Class two and three bikes are allowed on roads and not trails due to safety concerns and potentially confusing them with mopeds.

The law also sets uniform standards for e-bike use across the state, but local governments will still need to decide whether to allow the bikes on their trails.

Muskegon City Manager Frank Peterson said he was unaware of the legislation and has not looked into allowing or disallowing e-bikes.

He did say, however, that it could be beneficial for Muskegon-area bikers or residents who don't own their own vehicles.

"I think it will be great for people in Muskegon to use them on our trails, or to get to places like Whitehall or where else they want to go," Peterson said. "From a staff standpoint, we all kind of said the same thing. If there's a uniform standard, I don't see a problem with it, especially if people can travel safer."