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USFS travel-management data · Updated June 2026

Are E-Bikes Allowed in Montana National Forests?

On National Forest land in Montana, e-bikes are treated as motor vehicles. USFS travel-management data records Class 1 e-bike access on 1,491 trail segments (2,623 mi), Class 2 on 1,491, and Class 3 on 1,491 across 7 national forests. Everywhere else, an e-bike is allowed only where motor-vehicle use is allowed.

7
National forests
1,491
Class 1 segments
2,623 mi
1,491
Class 2 segments
1,491
Class 3 segments

E-bike access by class across Montana

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 Montana 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.1,4912,623 mi
Class 2 designatedThrottle-assist up to 20 mph (can propel without pedaling).1,4912,623 mi
Class 3 designatedPedal-assist up to 28 mph, no throttle.1,4912,623 mi

By national forest

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

National forestClass 1Class 2Class 3Bike trails
Custer Gallatin National Forest6256256251,218
Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest555555555960
Flathead National Forest13013013033
Lolo National Forest101101101122
Kootenai National Forest787878266
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest22212

Frequently asked questions

Are e-bikes allowed in Montana 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 Montana, USFS data records Class 1 access on 1,491 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 Montana forest trails?
Rarely. Class 2 access is recorded on only 1,491 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: Montana mountain-bike trail overview · E-bike rules by state