USFS National Forest System Trails · Updated June 2026
Are E-Bikes Allowed on Trails in Michigan?
On National Forest System land in Michigan, e-bikes are motor vehicles and may be ridden only where designated. USFS data records Class 1 e-bike access on 3,221 trail segments (2,332 mi) across the state's 3 national forests.
3,221
Class 1 segments
2,332 mi
3,221
Class 2 segments
3,221
Class 3 segments
3
National forests
On National Forest System land, e-bikes are legally motor vehicles. Under U.S. Forest Service policy (36 CFR 212; FSM 7700), an e-bike of any class may be ridden only on routes that are designated for motor-vehicle use or specifically designated for e-bike use — not on every trail where a conventional (non-motorized) mountain bike is allowed.
Michigan national forests by Class 1 e-bike access
| National forest | Bike miles | Class 1 e-bike segments |
|---|---|---|
| Ottawa National Forest | 115 mi | 3,152 |
| Huron-Manistee National Forest | 56.9 mi | 63 |
| Hiawatha National Forest | 69.1 mi | 6 |
Frequently asked questions
- How many miles of national-forest mountain bike trail are in Michigan?
- About 241 mi of bike-designated trail across 3 national forests, from USFS travel-management data.
- Which national forest has the most mountain biking in Michigan?
- Ottawa National Forest, with about 115 mi of bike-designated trail.
- Are e-bikes treated as bikes in Michigan national forests?
- No. On National Forest System land an e-bike is a motor vehicle, allowed only where designated. Michigan records Class 1 access on 3,221 segments.