Things To Do on an eBike in Boone County
Boone County's riding is built around the town of Harrison, where a paved creekside path and a college bike trail make easy outings for a visitor with an eBike.
The county has one listing, and this guide has three sourced routes, and the short list is marked for an owner decision, not filled out. Shop details are on the eBike shops in Harrison page.
Where to ride in Boone County
The ground is gently rolling Ozark plateau with a creek running through town. The paved paths are easy, and the college trail adds berms and turns.
Boone County riding country: Ozark plateau and creek paths near Harrison.
Lengths come from the city, the tourism bureau, and the college, and the first two use different units. No source we read states an eBike rule for these paths.
1. Crooked Creek Walking Trail
This paved loop starts from the Creekside lot on South Pine Street and follows the creek through the city park system. The city treats it as a walking trail, and it is the easiest eBike outing in the county.
Distance: 5 kilometers, about 3.1 miles; start: Creekside parking lot, 515 South Pine Street, Harrison; surface: Paved loop.
eBike access: The city page has no eBike policy, so state law applies and you should read posted signs. Etiquette and planning: It is a walking trail, so pass pedestrians slowly and announce yourself. Managing source: City of Harrison Parks and Recreation.
2. Lake Harrison Walking Trail
The tourism bureau says this modern paved trail follows Crooked Creek, Lake Harrison, and the weir dam, and passes a children's park and a soccer complex. It says the trail is good for walking, jogging, and biking.
Distance: 3 miles; start: Just south of the Harrison Arkansas National Historic District; surface: Paved trail.
eBike access: The tourism page names biking and does not state an eBike rule. Etiquette and planning: Expect families near the children's park, so keep your speed low. Managing source: Harrison Convention and Visitors Bureau.
3. UA Northark bicycle trail
The 2.5-mile trail is certified by the National Interscholastic Cycling Association and can host races. It uses wide, bermed turns that weave through the college's disc golf course.
Distance: 2.5 miles; start: UA Northark South Campus, 1515 Pioneer Drive, Harrison; surface: Natural-surface bermed trail.
eBike access: The college page is silent on eBikes, so ask the campus before riding a motor on the trail. Etiquette and planning: Disc golfers use the same grounds, so watch for players on the course. Managing source: UA Northark Adventures.
Planning a Boone County ride
Lake Harrison and the Harrison National Historic District are close together, so a ride can double as a walk through the downtown. Start with the Crooked Creek loop for an easy first ride, then add the Lake Harrison path if you want more distance. Both are paved and flat enough for any class.
Ride the college trail on a weekday, when fewer students and disc golfers are out.
For Buffalo National River, plan a road ride and not a trail ride. The Park Service mountain biking notice says the river has no mountain-bike trails.
The city's recreation page lists the Creekside parking lot as the start, and the tourism bureau ties the Lake Harrison Walking Trail to Crooked Creek, Lake Harrison, and the Anstaff Bank Soccer Complex. Buffalo National River and the Boone County line are a short drive away for a road ride.
Half-day and full-day eBike plans
Short loop: Ride the Crooked Creek loop in the early morning.
Afternoon outing: Pair the Lake Harrison path with the children's park stop.
Skills session: Take a Class 1 bike to the UA Northark trail if the campus allows it.
What not to ride
Buffalo National River trails: Bicycles and eBikes are not allowed on them.
The disc golf course: Players have the right of way on the wooded fairways.
Midday summer rides: Ozark summers are hot, so ride early.
When to ride Boone County
Cooler weather arrives in spring and fall, while a Boone summer brings heat, humidity, and afternoon storms.
Shop hubs
The directory lists one town, Harrison. Its page has phone numbers, street addresses, and claim links.
Rental and tour operators
No rental or tour operator appears in this county's directory. Phone the business on the Boone County eBike shops before you count on renting.
Arkansas eBike rules snapshot
Arkansas defines an electric bicycle in Arkansas Code § 27-51-1702, as enacted by Act 956 of 2017, as a bicycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. It sorts them into three classes. Class 1 assists only while you pedal and stops assisting at 20 mph. Class 2 may move the bike on its own and cannot assist at 20 mph. Class 3 assists only while you pedal and stops assisting at 28 mph.
Under § 27-51-1703 an electric bicycle gets the rights and duties of a bicycle, is not a motor vehicle, and is not subject to the title's insurance, licensing, registration, operator's license, or certificate-of-title rules. Under § 27-51-1705, a Class 1 or Class 2 bike may use a bicycle path or multi-use path where bicycles are permitted, but the local authority in charge of the path may prohibit them. A Class 3 may not use a bicycle path or multi-use path unless it is within or adjacent to a highway or roadway, or the local authority permits it.
Under § 27-51-1706, nobody under 16 may operate a Class 3 eBike, though a child under 16 may ride as a passenger on a Class 3 built to carry one. Any operator or passenger under 21 on a Class 3 must wear a helmet that meets 16 CFR part 1203, and a Class 3 must have a speedometer that shows miles per hour. The statute sets no helmet duty for Class 1 or Class 2, so read our Arkansas eBike laws guide, then the sign at the trailhead, because city and park rules can go further.
Section 27-51-1704 adds equipment duties for anyone buying or renting. An eBike must meet the federal bicycle standard at 16 CFR part 1512, and since January 1, 2018, manufacturers and distributors must permanently label each bike with its class, top assisted speed, and motor wattage. Nobody may tamper with a bike to change its class unless the label is replaced to match. A Class 2 motor must disengage when the brakes are applied, and Class 1 and Class 3 motors must stop assisting when the rider stops pedaling.
Arkansas State Parks has its own rule, 22 CAR § 50-122. It allows Class 1 eBikes on state park trails designated for bicycles, allows Class 1, 2, and 3 on state park roads, and prohibits Class 2 and Class 3 on mountain-bike and multi-use bicycle trails.
The Buffalo National River compendium sets a 15 mph limit on trails where bikes are allowed, and it allows Class 1 and Class 2 eBikes on administrative roads unless posted Do Not Enter, and it allows Class 3 only on roads open to all motor vehicles. We found no Harrison eBike rule for the city trails.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I ride an eBike in Boone County?
The paved Crooked Creek loop is the easiest, and the UA Northark trail is the most technical.
How long is the college bike trail?
The college lists it at 2.5 miles.
Is there a shop in Harrison?
The directory lists Psych Bike as a bicycle shop.
Does Buffalo National River allow eBikes?
Only on roads, not on trails, and only certain classes.
How far is Buffalo National River from Harrison?
UA Northark describes the river as a short drive from its Harrison campuses, and the college partners with Buffalo National River staff on classes and camps.
Is the UA Northark trail open to the public?
The college promotes the trail to visitors from all over, and says it is certified by the National Interscholastic Cycling Association.
Who must wear an eBike helmet?
A Class 3 operator or passenger under 21 must wear a helmet under § 27-51-1706. Read the trailhead sign for local rules. See the Arkansas eBike laws guide.
All shops in Boone County
The Boone County eBike shops page lists all 1 listing in 1 city.