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USFS travel-management data · Updated June 2026

Are E-Bikes Allowed in California National Forests?

On National Forest land in California, e-bikes are treated as motor vehicles. USFS travel-management data records Class 1 e-bike access on 2,279 trail segments (2,290 mi), Class 2 on 2,278, and Class 3 on 2,278 across 18 national forests. Everywhere else, an e-bike is allowed only where motor-vehicle use is allowed.

18
National forests
2,279
Class 1 segments
2,290 mi
2,278
Class 2 segments
2,278
Class 3 segments

E-bike access by class across California

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.

E-bike access by class in California national forests, from USFS travel-management data
E-bike classDefinitionTrail segments with accessMiles
Class 1 designatedPedal-assist only, motor cuts out at 20 mph, no throttle.2,2792,290 mi
Class 2 designatedThrottle-assist up to 20 mph (can propel without pedaling).2,2782,281 mi
Class 3 designatedPedal-assist up to 28 mph, no throttle.2,2782,281 mi

By national forest

Open a forest for its trail-by-trail e-bike breakdown and season windows.

National forestClass 1Class 2Class 3Bike trails
Inyo National Forest51751751724
Stanislaus National Forest395395395279
Eldorado National Forest262262262341
Sierra National Forest2542542540
Tahoe National Forest24524424449
Lassen National Forest16516516521
Six Rivers National Forest1401401407
Los Padres National Forest10010010075
Sequoia National Forest99999911
Cleveland National Forest38383836
Shasta-Trinity National Forest383838102
Angeles National Forest24242421
Modoc National Forest2222

Frequently asked questions

Are e-bikes allowed in California national forests?
Only where designated. 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. In California, USFS data records Class 1 access on 2,279 trail segments and Class 2/3 on far fewer. Check the specific forest before you ride.
What's the difference between Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes on national forest trails?
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. On Forest Service land all three are motor vehicles regardless of class, so access depends on the trail's motorized designation.
Can I ride a Class 2 (throttle) e-bike on California forest trails?
Rarely. Class 2 access is recorded on only 2,278 segments statewide — most non-motorized singletrack that allows Class 1 still excludes throttle-assist Class 2 and 3 e-bikes. Verify with the managing ranger district.

See also: California mountain-bike trail overview · E-bike rules by state