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 New Mexico forest trails?

Rarely. Class 2 access is recorded on only 325 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 New Mexico National Forests?

On National Forest land in New Mexico, e-bikes are treated as motor vehicles. USFS travel-management data records Class 1 e-bike access on 325 trail segments (758 mi), Class 2 on 325, and Class 3 on 325 across 5 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

325

Class 1 segments

758 mi

325

Class 2 segments

325

Class 3 segments

E-bike access by class across New Mexico

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 New Mexico 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.	325	758 mi
Class 2 designated	Throttle-assist up to 20 mph (can propel without pedaling).	325	758 mi
Class 3 designated	Pedal-assist up to 28 mph, no throttle.	325	758 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
Cibola National Forest	109	109	109	102
Gila National Forest	78	78	78	129
Lincoln National Forest	61	61	61	17
Santa Fe National Forest	54	54	54	33
Carson National Forest	23	23	23	51

Frequently asked questions

Are e-bikes allowed in New Mexico 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 New Mexico, USFS data records Class 1 access on 325 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 New Mexico forest trails?: Rarely. Class 2 access is recorded on only 325 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

New Mexico mountain biking