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.

Updated October 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

16,428 trail segments record Class 1 e-bike access across the 39 states covered.

Designated for mountain bikesDesignated for Class 1 e-bikes

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.

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