[TrentCrimmIndependent]

I'm looking at getting a mountain e-bike as there are a couple longer range trails I'm hoping to hike this summer that are best accessed by cycling to the trailheads. Also, just to get back on the bow river paths and rip around on the weekends.

I noticed they opened up e-bikes (or "pedal assisted bikes") to all permitted cycling trails in provincial parks after running a pilot program restricting them to select trails and found that there were no issues with safety or environmental impact (shocking).

The rules for alberta parks are looser. Essentially just have a bike that is pedal assisted/combination bike and not a throttle e-bike.

Banff national park however is stricter, stating a max of 350W power and 32km/h power assist is required to be on their trails.

Looking at bikes and the best reviewed ones I've found at the price point I'm looking for have 500W and 750W motors and assist to about 35km/h. I nearly bought one and then I saw that advisory from Banff.

I refined my search to models within the parks Canada specs but they have worse review scores and don't sound nearly as reliable.

Should I just go ahead with my original purchase and chance it out there? It's only one trail in Banff that i know isn't busy.

Would they actually monitor and look into the specs of my bike? Cause I'd rather not make a bad purchase just to adhere to their (frankly) way too strict rules.