USFS travel-management data · Updated June 2026
E-Bike Trail Rules on National Forest Land
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.
Class 1
Pedal-assist only, motor cuts out at 20 mph, no throttle.
Class 2
Throttle-assist up to 20 mph (can propel without pedaling).
Class 3
Pedal-assist up to 28 mph, no throttle.
E-bike rules by state
9,301 trail segments record Class 1 e-bike access across the 8 states covered.
Colorado1,493 Class 1 · 3,611 mi
7 national forests
Utah1,842 Class 1 · 2,530 mi
5 national forests
Arizona186 Class 1 · 501 mi
6 national forests
California2,279 Class 1 · 2,290 mi
18 national forests
Oregon1,848 Class 1 · 1,795 mi
12 national forests
Washington114 Class 1 · 330 mi
5 national forests
Montana1,491 Class 1 · 2,623 mi
7 national forests
North Carolina48 Class 1 · 76.1 mi
1 national forests
Frequently asked questions
- Are e-bikes allowed on national forest trails?
- 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. So an e-bike is not automatically allowed everywhere a conventional mountain bike is.
- What are Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes?
- Class 1: Pedal-assist only, motor cuts out at 20 mph, no throttle. Class 2: Throttle-assist up to 20 mph (can propel without pedaling). Class 3: Pedal-assist up to 28 mph, no throttle.
- Is a Class 1 e-bike treated like a regular mountain bike?
- Not on Forest Service land. Even pedal-assist Class 1 e-bikes are classified as motor vehicles, so access depends on whether the trail carries an e-bike or motorized designation — not on whether conventional bikes are allowed.