Between $2,500 and $3,000 hits the sweet spot for entry- to mid-tier electric mountain bikes. That price range opens up the range of e-MTBs from top brands like Trek, Giant, Specialized, and others with innovative designs and quality parts. Models that fall into that price range are typically hardtail mountain e-bikes or pre-owned full-suspension models.
Spending less than $2,000 means the e-bike will likely come with a rear hub motor, less premium mid-drive unit, or an external battery. Riders can browse the best mountain bikes for under $2,000 designed for recreational riding and lighter mountain biking.
Are Electric Mountain Bikes Legal on Trails?
Written by: Rémy Rossi | July 20, 2025 | Time to read 6 min
Trail access laws vary, and riding illegally is not a good look. Follow e-MTB rules to have a great ride, respecting nature and your fellow trail users.
More about the Author: Remy Rossi
Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.
Outdoor enthusiasts know that it's crucial to respect Mother Nature, but e-Bikers must also obey “The Man” to ensure they’re not breaking any rules set by the government. Most electric bikes are allowed on streets and multi-use paths, but once things go off-road, the regulations around e-Bikes get tighter to conserve natural spaces.
That’s why you have to do your research to find out if electric mountain bikes are legal on trails. Here’s a breakdown of where e-MTBs are allowed— but it’s always best to check with your local jurisdiction and trailhead for the most accurate information.
That’s why you have to do your research to find out if electric mountain bikes are legal on trails. Here’s a breakdown of where e-MTBs are allowed— but it’s always best to check with your local jurisdiction and trailhead for the most accurate information.
Table of Contents
Why are electric mountain bikes prohibited on certain trails?
It’s up to the local jurisdiction to set rules regarding the use of e-Bike on trails, but most limitations are imposed to protect the natural area and the safety of riders. It’s an e-Bike myth that electric mountain bikes inherently damage trails more than acoustic MTBs, but secondary effects of e-MTB use can lead to increased trail wear.
Trails can get eroded due to the higher traffic when e-Bikes are allowed and the fact that riders can travel farther distances in less time with motor assistance, especially uphill. E-Bikes may also encourage less experienced or strong riders to hit the trails, and they may not treat the trail properly or take the wrong lines, increasing trail wear. And despite what e-Bike opponents may say, the added weight and power of e-MTBs is irrelevant— rider weight would have the same effect, and we aren’t regulating that out on the trails.
It can also be dangerous to have electric mountain bikes and standard bikes on the same trails due to the potential difference in speed, mainly when climbing. And it just depends on how the local jurisdiction wants to manage its own trail network, whether it wants to invite e-Bikes or create separate routes. Typically, there’s an approval process or public forum on this, so you can get involved.
Trails can get eroded due to the higher traffic when e-Bikes are allowed and the fact that riders can travel farther distances in less time with motor assistance, especially uphill. E-Bikes may also encourage less experienced or strong riders to hit the trails, and they may not treat the trail properly or take the wrong lines, increasing trail wear. And despite what e-Bike opponents may say, the added weight and power of e-MTBs is irrelevant— rider weight would have the same effect, and we aren’t regulating that out on the trails.
It can also be dangerous to have electric mountain bikes and standard bikes on the same trails due to the potential difference in speed, mainly when climbing. And it just depends on how the local jurisdiction wants to manage its own trail network, whether it wants to invite e-Bikes or create separate routes. Typically, there’s an approval process or public forum on this, so you can get involved.
Rules based on e-Bike class
Nearly all local, state, and federal jurisdictions have adopted the three-class system for electric bikes, helping standardize and simplify the rules for where you can ride.
- Class 1: Pedal assist up to 20 mph
- Class 2: Pedal assist and throttle up to 20 mph
- Class 3: Pedal assist up to 28 mph, no throttle
Most electric mountain bikes are Class 1 e-Bikes, meaning they are pedal-assist only and have a maximum speed of 20 mph. These traits are the closest to standard bicycles while still providing plenty of boost uphill. Many trails that allow Class 1 e-Bikes strictly prohibit Class 2 e-Bikes with a throttle and faster Class 3 e-Bikes.
Federal agencies have updated their e-Bike rules
The US has a lot of government and federally managed land, and that means a lot of bike trails and protected nature reserves. The federal agencies like the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Forest Service used to be quite tight-fisted when it came to e-Bikes, but there are now channels to approve trails for e-Bike use.
The agencies have reclassified electric bikes as their own category, apart from standard motor vehicles like cars and OHVs, adopting the three-class system. And while e-Bikes are still subject to more rules than non-motorized bikes, there’s a growing network of e-Bike-approved trails in these beautiful natural areas.
The agencies have reclassified electric bikes as their own category, apart from standard motor vehicles like cars and OHVs, adopting the three-class system. And while e-Bikes are still subject to more rules than non-motorized bikes, there’s a growing network of e-Bike-approved trails in these beautiful natural areas.
Electric mountain bike use in national parks
Under the purview of the US National Park Service, e-MTBs are generally allowed on roads and trails where standard bicycles are permitted, though they are excluded from wilderness areas. However, wherever you’re in a national park, check with the local jurisdiction and regional trail network for the most accurate rules.
E-Bikes on BLM-managed public lands
E-Bikes are already allowed on trails open to off-highway vehicles (OHVs) and are subject to the same rules. The Bureau of Land Management allows electric bikes on some non-motorized roads and trails, but not all trails are open to electric mountain bikes. You should contact the local BLM office for specific regulations.
Are e-MTBs allowed in national forests and grasslands?
Run by the US Forest Service, Class 1, 2, and 3 e-Bikes are allowed on motorized trails and roads on national forests and grasslands, totaling over 60,000 miles, which is more than any other federal land management agency.
Several year-round resorts have special permits that allow e-Bike use within their boundaries, too. And there are some approved non-motorized trails where you can ride an electric bike. There’s an official process where local Forest Service officials can consider opening up new trails to electric bikes.
Check the e-Bike rules on state and local lands
When it comes to riding in your backyard— or exploring new trails on a bike trip— stick to the local rules. E-Bike regulations have good signage and are clearly marked at trailheads, so you’ll know exactly what’s allowed and what’s not. Plus, the rules are probably posted online.
Some trails will be marked as “non-motorized,” which prohibits all electric bikes, even if they are pedal-assist-only. Or there will be signs allowing Class 1 e-Bikes only, for example.
Always follow trail etiquette
Beyond simply following the rules, embrace good biking habits and follow proper e-MTB trail etiquette for a safer and more enjoyable ride for everyone.
Before riding your e-MTB on a trail, be sure to:
- Check the specific rules for the area you plan to ride.
- Research or contact the relevant land management agency for clarification.
- Follow any posted signage and trail restrictions.
- Ride responsibly, safely, and politely
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should you spend on an electric mountain bike?
How much should you spend on an electric mountain bike?
Between $2,500 and $3,000 hits the sweet spot for entry- to mid-tier electric mountain bikes. That price range opens up the range of e-MTBs from top brands like Trek, Giant, Specialized, and others with innovative designs and quality parts. Models that fall into that price range are typically hardtail mountain e-bikes or pre-owned full-suspension models.
Spending less than $2,000 means the e-bike will likely come with a rear hub motor, less premium mid-drive unit, or an external battery. Riders can browse the best mountain bikes for under $2,000 designed for recreational riding and lighter mountain biking.
Where can I find trails that allow electric mountain bikes?
Apps such as Trailforks have an e-MTB filter to find routes that allow electric mountain bikes. E-Bike owners can filter the Trailforks map on the website or app to show trails where e-MTBs are permitted.
Key Takeaways
- E-MTB legality depends on location and bike class: Class 1 e-MTBs are often allowed on trails, but rules vary by federal, state, and local jurisdiction.
- Federal agencies are updating access: The NPS, BLM, and USFS are opening up more trails, but restrictions still apply, especially in wilderness areas.
- Trail etiquette and research are key: Always check signs, local rules, and use tools like Trailforks to avoid fines and protect the trails you ride.
