Electric Bike Trails In Nevada: What's Allowed?

Nevada has a unique approach to electric bikes, which are neither legally classed as mopeds nor bicycles. The state defines e-bikes as electric-assisted bicycles, so long as the e-bike’s motor is under 750w, has a maximum speed of 20mph, and has operable pedals. While some US states have banned e-bikes from trails, Nevada has passed legislation to allow them on trails and pedestrian walkways built with certain federal money. However, local governments may restrict e-bike use on specific paths or trails, so it's always best to check with local rules and regulations before riding in a new area.

E-bike laws in Nevada

Nevada defines e-bikes as "electric-assisted bicycles, so long as the e-bike's motor is under 750w, has a maximum speed of 20mph, and has operable pedals". Class 1 and 2 e-bikes fall under this definition and are allowed on multi-use paths and bike lanes where bicycles are also permitted. Local governments may restrict e-bike use on specific paths or trails, so it's always best to check with local rules and regulations before riding in a new area. For information on e-bike access on specific trails, it's advisable to contact the local land management agency responsible for the trail.

E-bikes are allowed on the Flume Trail and the Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) between Hobart Road and the park boundary north of Tunnel Creek Road. E-bikes are not allowed on the TRT from Mount Rose to Tunnel Creek or on Chimney Beach Trail because these trails are on USFS land designated for non-motorised use. At Lake Mead National Recreation Area, e-bikes are allowed everywhere traditional bicycles are allowed, which means roads and trails where motorized vehicles are permitted. In Nevada, this means only Lake Mead and sections of the Pony Express National Historic Trail, Old Spanish National Historic Trail and California National Historic Trail allow e-bikes.

On roadways, e-bikes must follow all traffic rules such as signalling turns and staying to the right of the roadway except when turning left. They must have working brakes and at night, have a headlight, plus red reflectors on the back and both sides. Riding an e-bike under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal.

E-bike access on specific trails

E-bikes are allowed on the Flume Trail and the Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) between Hobart Road and the park boundary north of Tunnel Creek Road. However, e-bikes are not permitted on the TRT from Mount Rose to Tunnel Creek or on Chimney Beach Trail as these trails are on USFS land designated for non-motorised use.

E-bikes are allowed at Lake Mead National Recreation Area, where traditional bicycles are permitted, including roads and trails where motorized vehicles are permitted. This also includes sections of the Pony Express National Historic Trail, Old Spanish National Historic Trail and California National Historic Trail.

Local governments may restrict e-bike use on specific paths or trails, so it is always best to check with local rules and regulations before riding in a new area. To find out if a specific trail allows e-bike access, it is advisable to contact the local land management agency responsible for the trail.

E-bike restrictions on USFS land

E-bikes are allowed on some trails in Nevada, but there are some restrictions on USFS land. For example, e-bikes are not allowed on the Tahoe Rim Trail from Mount Rose to Tunnel Creek or on the Chimney Beach Trail because these trails are on USFS land designated for non-motorised use.

Nevada defines e-bikes as "electric-assisted bicycles, so long as the e-bike's motor is under 750w, has a maximum speed of 20mph, and has operable pedals". Class 1 and 2 e-bikes fall under this definition and are allowed on multi-use paths and bike lanes where bicycles are also permitted.

Local governments may restrict e-bike use on specific paths or trails, so it's always best to check with local rules and regulations before riding in a new area. For information on e-bike access on specific trails, it's advisable to contact the local land management agency responsible for the trail.

At Lake Mead National Recreation Area, e-bikes are allowed everywhere traditional bicycles are allowed, which means roads and trails where motorized vehicles are permitted. In addition, only Lake Mead and sections of the Pony Express National Historic Trail, Old Spanish National Historic Trail and California National Historic Trail allow e-bikes.

E-bike access in National Parks

E-bikes are allowed on some trails in Nevada, but not all. In 2019, a resolution allowed e-bikes in all National Parks, but some parks had to study the impact of e-bikes on specific trails and ecosystems first. As a result, only 385 National Parks have completed their evaluations and adjusted their policies to allow e-bikes. In Nevada, this means that only Lake Mead and sections of the Pony Express National Historic Trail, Old Spanish National Historic Trail and California National Historic Trail allow e-bikes. However, this is not due to restrictions against e-biking; the majority of Nevada National Parks are not practical for biking of any sort due to their landscape.

E-bikes are allowed on the Flume Trail and the Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) between Hobart Road and the park boundary north of Tunnel Creek Road. They are not allowed on the TRT from Mount Rose to Tunnel Creek or on Chimney Beach Trail because these trails are on USFS land designated for non-motorised use.

Local governments may restrict e-bike use on specific paths or trails, so it is always best to check with local rules and regulations before riding in a new area. For information on e-bike access on specific trails, it is advisable to contact the local land management agency responsible for the trail.

Nevada defines e-bikes as “electric-assisted bicycles, so long as the e-bike’s motor is under 750w, has a maximum speed of 20mph, and has operable pedals”. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes fall under this definition and are allowed on multi-use paths and bike lanes where bicycles are also permitted.

E-bike safety and regulations

Electric bikes are allowed on some trails in Nevada, but it's important to check local rules and regulations before riding in a new area. Nevada defines e-bikes as "electric-assisted bicycles" with a motor under 750w, a maximum speed of 20mph, and operable pedals. This definition includes Class 1 and 2 e-bikes, which are permitted on multi-use paths and bike lanes where traditional bicycles are allowed.

At Lake Mead National Recreation Area, e-bikes are allowed on roads and trails that permit motorized vehicles. Additionally, the Flume Trail and the Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) between Hobart Road and the park boundary north of Tunnel Creek Road are open to e-bikes. However, the TRT from Mount Rose to Tunnel Creek and the Chimney Beach Trail are off-limits to e-bikes as these trails are on USFS land designated for non-motorized use.

Local governments in Nevada may restrict e-bike use on specific paths or trails, so it's essential to check with the local land management agency responsible for a trail before riding. While a 2019 resolution allowed e-bikes in all National Parks, some parks are still studying the impacts of e-bikes or crafting their regulations. In Nevada, this means that only Lake Mead and sections of the Pony Express National Historic Trail, Old Spanish National Historic Trail, and California National Historic Trail currently allow e-bikes.

Regarding safety, Nevada does not require helmet use for e-bike riders, but it is essential to follow traffic rules, such as signalling turns and staying to the right of the roadway. E-bikes must have working brakes, and at night, they need a headlight and red reflectors on the back and sides. Riding an e-bike under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal.

Frequently asked questions