The Kingston Common Council approved a law Tuesday that legalizes riding most e-Bikes on rail trails, in parks and on other pathways around the city. The legislation, which was sought by Mayor Steve Noble, brings the city closer to implementing a “micro-transit” system of shared e-bikes for residents and visitors.

The new law will apply to Class One and Two e-bikes. Class One bikes reach a top speed of 20 mph with an electric motor that only works when the rider is peddling; Class Two bikes also top out at 20 mph but are controlled with a throttle. Class Three bikes have a top speed of 28 mph and are banned on city streets outside of New York City.

Under state law, Class One and Two e-bikes can operate on city streets, but not “pathways” — a category that includes multimodal trails like the Midtown Linear Park and paths in city parks. Alderman Bob Dennison (D-Ward 6) said the new legislation will allow people to more fully utilize Kingston’s growing network of walking and biking trails, including the new Empire State Trail.

“The Empire State Trail that runs through the City of Kingston is used by many people for tourism with e-bikes and by local people with e-bikes,” said Dennison. “So I think it’s important to legitimize the use of this trail.”

The new legislation also lays the groundwork for a proposed network of shared e-bikes similar to New York’s CitiBike system. The system is one of a number of public transportation enhancements called for in the city’s Climate Action Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Noble has said that once the new legislation is in place, he will begin the process of seeking a vendor to provide shared e-bike services in the city.