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 Colorado forest trails?

Rarely. Class 2 access is recorded on only 983 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.

USFS travel-management data · Updated June 2026

Are E-Bikes Allowed in Colorado National Forests?

On National Forest land in Colorado, e-bikes are treated as motor vehicles. USFS travel-management data records Class 1 e-bike access on 989 trail segments (4,135 mi), Class 2 on 983, and Class 3 on 983 across 7 national forests. Everywhere else, an e-bike is allowed only where motor-vehicle use is allowed.

Reviewed by CanIBikeHere Editorial Team · Updated Jun 28, 2026

National forests

989

Class 1 segments

4,135 mi

983

Class 2 segments

983

Class 3 segments

E-bike access by class across Colorado

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 Colorado national forests, from USFS travel-management data
E-bike class	Definition	Trail segments with access	Miles
Class 1 designated	Pedal-assist only, motor cuts out at 20 mph, no throttle.	989	4,135 mi
Class 2 designated	Throttle-assist up to 20 mph (can propel without pedaling).	983	4,125 mi
Class 3 designated	Pedal-assist up to 28 mph, no throttle.	983	4,125 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
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests	319	319	319	473
Pike and San Isabel National Forests	182	182	182	136
Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest	145	145	145	48
San Juan National Forest	131	131	131	61
White River National Forest	100	94	94	365
Rio Grande National Forest	59	59	59	0
Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests	53	53	53	285

Frequently asked questions

Are e-bikes allowed in Colorado 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 Colorado, USFS data records Class 1 access on 989 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 Colorado forest trails?: Rarely. Class 2 access is recorded on only 983 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.

E-bike rules in other states

Michigan

3,221 Class 1 segments

Idaho

2,080 Class 1 segments

Nevada

1,810 Class 1 segments

Oregon

1,756 Class 1 segments

California

1,513 Class 1 segments

Utah

1,191 Class 1 segments

Colorado mountain biking