The New Zealand government has put forward a proposal that Electric bikes can be used within New Zealand National Parks.
The Department of Conservation plans to construct three new bike ways, including some for electric bikes, in the Tongariro National Park.
The move is in response to the popularity of the electric bikes.
However, Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand president Peter Wilson has said that electric bikes ruined the peacefulness of national parks.
“National parks are places of natural quiet and scenic beauty,” he said. “They are not really places for motor-powered recreation.”
He said those in need of pedal power assistance, such as the elderly, could use other public reserves for recreation.
The Department of Conservation is taking submissions until the end of May and the outcome of the proposal will be known in a year.
