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 879 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 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 879 trail segments (3,239 mi), Class 2 on 879, and Class 3 on 879 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

879

Class 1 segments

3,239 mi

879

Class 2 segments

879

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 class	Definition	Trail segments with access	Miles
Class 1 designated	Pedal-assist only, motor cuts out at 20 mph, no throttle.	879	3,239 mi
Class 2 designated	Throttle-assist up to 20 mph (can propel without pedaling).	879	3,239 mi
Class 3 designated	Pedal-assist up to 28 mph, no throttle.	879	3,239 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
Custer Gallatin National Forest	381	381	381	552
Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest	323	323	323	497
Lolo National Forest	77	77	77	119
Flathead National Forest	67	67	67	27
Kootenai National Forest	30	30	30	37
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest	1	1	1	4

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 879 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 879 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

Montana mountain biking