Forest Service Proposes Wider Class 1 E-Bike Access

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Forest Service is proposing to allow Class 1 electric bicycles on national forest trails already open to conventional bicycles, a change that could expand riding options on nonmotorized trails in the northern Sierra.

Class 1 e-bikes provide motor assistance only while the rider pedals, with assistance cutting off at 20 miles per hour. The definition used in the proposal limits motor power to less than 750 watts.

Under the Forest Service’s current policy, e-bikes are treated as motor vehicles. Allowing them onto a nonmotorized trail requires a designation process with environmental analysis, public involvement, and a local decision. The proposed exemption would remove that designation requirement for Class 1 bikes on trails where bicycles are allowed. Forest-plan direction, seasonal limits, closure orders, and site-specific restrictions would still apply.

Near Quincy, the exemption could open South Park’s Cascade and Spanish Traverse trails to Class 1 riders, allowing them to extend rides from Mount Hough into trails currently closed to e-bikes. E-bikes are already allowed on Mount Hough’s motorized trails and on motorized routes above Downieville, including Butcher Ranch.

The exemption is part of a wider overhaul of the national Travel Management Rule. The Department of Agriculture is preparing an environmental impact statement that will consider keeping the current e-bike requirements as an alternative.

The department’s tentative schedule calls for a proposed rule and draft environmental impact statement in spring 2027, followed by a final rule and decision in early 2028.