OLYMPIA — As the use of electric-assist bicycles, or e-bikes, continues to surge, lawmakers and wildlife officials are studying their impacts on outland trails to determine where they should be allowed.

The Washington Department Fish and Wildlife and Department of Natural Resources have conducted a survey looking at the use of e-bikes on natural surface trails.

Heide Anderson from Fish and Wildlife says they had 7,000 respondents to their survey, and at least 120 people at each of their public meetings. Legislation that was passed last year directed wildlife officials to get input from several groups, including tribal leaders and the disabled community.

The survey wrapped up Friday, and now wildlife officials have until the end of September to get a report to lawmakers.

Officials hope the study will give clear rules and regulations on when and where e-bikes can be used, but they also say the main goal is to get more people outside.