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 1,513 trail segments (2,361 mi), Class 2 on 1,512, and Class 3 on 1,512 across 18 national forests. Everywhere else, an e-bike is allowed only where motor-vehicle use is allowed.
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 class | Definition | Trail segments with access | Miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 designated | Pedal-assist only, motor cuts out at 20 mph, no throttle. | 1,513 | 2,361 mi |
| Class 2 designated | Throttle-assist up to 20 mph (can propel without pedaling). | 1,512 | 2,352 mi |
| Class 3 designated | Pedal-assist up to 28 mph, no throttle. | 1,512 | 2,352 mi |
By national forest
Open a forest for its trail-by-trail e-bike breakdown and season windows.
| National forest | Class 1 | Class 2 | Class 3 | Bike trails |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inyo National Forest | 307 | 307 | 307 | 10 |
| Sierra National Forest | 253 | 253 | 253 | 0 |
| Tahoe National Forest | 207 | 206 | 206 | 38 |
| Stanislaus National Forest | 158 | 158 | 158 | 239 |
| Six Rivers National Forest | 135 | 135 | 135 | 7 |
| Lassen National Forest | 113 | 113 | 113 | 14 |
| Sequoia National Forest | 89 | 89 | 89 | 9 |
| Eldorado National Forest | 82 | 82 | 82 | 95 |
| Los Padres National Forest | 78 | 78 | 78 | 56 |
| Cleveland National Forest | 37 | 37 | 37 | 30 |
| Shasta-Trinity National Forest | 29 | 29 | 29 | 61 |
| Angeles National Forest | 24 | 24 | 24 | 12 |
| Modoc National Forest | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
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 1,513 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 1,512 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