U.S. Forest Service Proposed E-Bike Access Rule

The agency has proposed allowing Class 1 electric bicycles on national forest trails.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in National Parks

Bold vector editorial illustration of an electric mountain bike leaning against a forest trail post, representing new national forest access rules. — The U.S. Forest Service has proposed a new rule that would permit Class 1 electric bicycles on trails currently restricted to conventional bikes. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should Class 1 electric bicycles be allowed on more non-motorized local forest trails?

The U.S. Forest Service has proposed a new rule that would allow Class 1 electric bicycles on trails currently open to conventional bicycles. This change would shift current federal policy, which currently categorizes all e-bikes as motor vehicles.

Why it matters

The proposal aims to streamline access for e-bike users by removing the current requirement that each individual trail must undergo a specific designation process for e-bike use.

Class 1 e-bikes provide motor assistance only while pedaling and cut off at 20 miles per hour. The proposed regulations limit motor power to less than 750 watts for eligible bicycles.

The players

U.S. Forest Service

An agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that administers the nation's 154 national forests and 20 national grasslands.

Department of Agriculture

The federal executive department responsible for developing and executing laws related to farming, forestry, rural economic development, and food.

The details

The Department of Agriculture is drafting an environmental impact statement to support this broader Travel Management Rule overhaul. The agency aims to remove the mandate requiring a designation process for Class 1 bikes on nonmotorized trails, though e-bikes are already permitted on motorized routes near Downieville and Mount Hough.

The Department of Agriculture plans to release a proposed rule in spring 2027.
Officials expect to issue a final rule and decision in early 2028.

Roadmap

The proposal marks a shift in how federal agencies integrate modern recreational technology into legacy trail networks. This move aligns with broader efforts to modernize land-use policies as e-bike popularity continues to grow on public lands.

Cyclists may soon gain expanded access to national forest trails without the need for individual trail designations. This could simplify riding plans for those using Class 1 e-bikes while maintaining speed and power limits on shared-use paths.

The takeaway

Users should continue to monitor specific trail signage, as current rules still classify e-bikes as motor vehicles until the new regulation is finalized. The update reflects a growing effort to standardize multi-use trail access across the national forest system.

What happens next

The Department of Agriculture is scheduled to release the proposed rule and environmental impact statement in spring 2027, followed by a final decision in early 2028.