USFS National Forest System Trails · Updated June 2026
Are E-Bikes Allowed on Trails in New Mexico?
On National Forest System land in New Mexico, e-bikes are motor vehicles and may be ridden only where designated. USFS data records Class 1 e-bike access on 325 trail segments (758 mi) across the state's 5 national forests.
325
Class 1 segments
758 mi
325
Class 2 segments
325
Class 3 segments
5
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.
New Mexico national forests by Class 1 e-bike access
| National forest | Bike miles | Class 1 e-bike segments |
|---|---|---|
| Cibola National Forest | 190 mi | 109 |
| Gila National Forest | 579 mi | 78 |
| Lincoln National Forest | 37.2 mi | 61 |
| Santa Fe National Forest | 133 mi | 54 |
| Carson National Forest | 324 mi | 23 |
Frequently asked questions
- How many miles of national-forest mountain bike trail are in New Mexico?
- About 1,263 mi of bike-designated trail across 5 national forests, from USFS travel-management data.
- Which national forest has the most mountain biking in New Mexico?
- Cibola National Forest, with about 190 mi of bike-designated trail.
- Are e-bikes treated as bikes in New Mexico national forests?
- No. On National Forest System land an e-bike is a motor vehicle, allowed only where designated. New Mexico records Class 1 access on 325 segments.