"The key question under consideration was whether we should provide a wider carriageway to allow for cycling and walking within the road corridor, or, separate walking and cycling," said Mr Cameron.
"This decision was based on minimising the environmental impact, improving safety and ensuring the best possible experience for visitors."
The Council was to provide $320,000 of NZTA funding initially earmarked for widening the mountain road toward the project.
The total price of the new tracks was estimated at $4.9 million plus maintenance costs of up to $100,000 a year.
"This partial plan change process is focused on a few policies that if approved would support community aspirations," said Deidre Ewart, DOC's special project manager.
"This planning process includes several critical steps, including the public permission processes."
Read also:
•Additions to cycle trail proposed
Pete Devlin, DOC's Technical Advisor for Recreation, said the change allowing e-bikes was important for people who were unable to walk or ride a regular bicycle.
"It is essential to understand people's views while also appreciating how e-bikes enable more New Zealanders to continue to be active," he said.
"They allow people to enjoy our beautiful country with friends and family who, for a number of reasons, would not be able to."
There were three new paths planned, including the one from Mountain Road to Horopito designed to provide a safe alternative to Ohakune Mountain road.
The planned Turoa-Ohakune track was designed to extend the current Mountains to the Sea trail, and stretch 22km including the existing tracks.
The "missing section" would extend from Horopito to the National Park village and would link to the Mountains to the Sea trail.
Mr Cameron said the new tracks were also "to support the growth in tourism and visitor products and services supporting Ruapehu's growth as a tourism destination."
Submissions close on 29 May.
