Electric Bike Trail Use: Legal Or Not?

Electric bikes are becoming increasingly popular, with sales soaring as traditional pedal bicycle sales plummet. But are they legal on trails? In the US, electric bicycles are now permitted to ride in all national parks on any trails open to pedal bicycles. This reclassifies electric bicycles as non-motorised bicycles on national park land, removing them from the category of dirt bikes, motorcycles and other gas-powered vehicles. However, there are different classes of e-bikes, and while all three classes are allowed on trails in national parks, Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed to use the throttle control.

Electric bikes are now allowed in all national parks

The new decree came in the form of an order signed under the Trump Administration by Interior Secretary David Bernhardt. It reclassifies electric bicycles as "non-motorised bicycles" on national park land, removing them from the category of dirt bikes, motorcycles and other gas-powered single or dual-track vehicles.

The move comes at a time when electric bicycles are becoming increasingly affordable and thus more popular, with many models starting at just $500-$600. This is in contrast to plummeting sales of pedal bicycles.

BLM District and Field Managers are encouraged to consider authorising e-bike use in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, including the e-bike rule. Trail etiquette is the same for e-bikes as it is for traditional bikes.

There are three classes of e-bike

In 2019, the Trump Administration reclassified electric bicycles as "non-motorized bicycles" on national park land, meaning that all three classes of e-bike are now allowed on trails in national parks. However, Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed to use the throttle control and must be pedalled like standard Class 1 e-bikes.

Trail etiquette for e-bikes

In 2019, the Trump Administration reclassified electric bicycles as "non-motorized bicycles" on national park land, meaning that all three classes of e-bikes are now allowed on cycling trails in national parks. However, Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed to use the throttle control and must be pedalled like standard Class 1 e-bikes.

When riding an e-bike on a trail, the same trail etiquette practices apply as for traditional bikes. These practices are based on the general concept of consideration of other trail users, and protection of the trail and surrounding natural resources.

E-bike sales are soaring

Previously, electric bicycles were often forbidden from cycling trails in national parks, though Class 1 e-bikes were allowed in some areas. Now, all three classes of e-bike are allowed to ride on cycling trails in national parks, though Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed to use the throttle control. These e-bikes must be pedalled like standard Class 1 e-bikes while on national park trails.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) also has the authority to identify which non-motorised trails could be used for e-bike use on BLM-managed lands. Trail etiquette for e-bikes is the same as for traditional bikes and is based on a general concept of consideration of other trail users and protection of the trail and surrounding natural resources.

While some people may be opposed to the idea of e-bikes on trails, many responsible riders just need a little help going up hills and would never ride on a trail that is too difficult for them.

E-bike use on BLM-managed lands

Electric bikes are now permitted to ride in all national parks on any trails open to pedal bicycles. This includes all three classes of e-bikes, although Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed to use the throttle control and must be pedalled like standard Class 1 e-bikes.

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