E-Bikes | Bureau of Land Management
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E-Bikes on BLM-Managed Public Lands
The public lands should be accessible to as many Americans as possible, including people who use e-bikes. E-bikes help make public lands more accessible to more people. An e-bike is a bicycle with a small electric motor of not more than 750 watts (one horsepower) which assists in the operation of the bicycle and reduces the physical exertion demands on the rider. E-bikes may have two or three wheels and must have fully operable pedals.
Where can I ride my E-bike?
BLM-managed public lands offer many opportunities for riding e-bikes, including motorized areas and OHV trails.
Search for an Open OHV area or motorized trail to ride your e-bike.
BLM offices also have the authority to identify which non-motorized trails could be used for e-bike use on BLM-managed lands. BLM District and Field Managers are encouraged to consider authorizing e-bike use in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, including the e-bike rule.
Contact your local BLM office for more information.
To stay up to date with the latest e-bike information as it becomes available on BLM-managed public lands,
contact your local BLM office
, or search our
Visit page
and choose E-Bike Class 1-3 under Activities.
Guidance
In December 2020, the BLM amended its OHV regulations at 43 CFR 8340.0-5 to define e-bikes, which are limited to Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes.
The rule provides that authorized officers may authorize, through subsequent land-use planning or implementation-level decisions, the use of Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes on non-motorized roads and trails.
The rule provides managers the ability to exclude e-bikes that meet certain criteria from the definition of off-road vehicle (otherwise known as an off-highway vehicle (OHV)) at 43 CFR 8340.0-5(a).
The rule, however, does not result in any immediate on-the-ground changes or site-specific allowances for e-bike usage on BLM-administered public lands. In other words, the rule does not, by itself, open any non-motorized trails to e-bike use. Before any on-the-ground changes can occur, an authorized officer must issue a land use planning or implementation-level decision that complies with NEPA and other applicable legal requirements.
E-biking in McInnis Canyons NCA in Grand Junction, Colorado
Trail Etiquette
Trail etiquette is the same for e-bikes as it is for traditional bikes. Trail etiquette practices are based on a general concept of consideration of other trail users, and protection of the trail and surrounding natural resources. Key concepts include:
Following any posted trail rules such as speed limits, directional travel, or yielding suggestions.
Protecting the trail by staying off of the trail during wet or muddy conditions.
Openly communicating with other trail users with typical communication devices such as calm voice and non-obtrusive bells.
Use of helmets and personal audio devices that allow you to hear other trail users and wildlife.
Using passing techniques that are considerate of other trail users and that do not result in trail widening.
Ride in group numbers that do not negatively impact other trail users experience.
Top places to e-bikes ride
People for Bikes Website Rides and Routes
Glade Run Recreation Area, Farmington, New Mexico
Hartman Rocks Recreation Area, Gunnison, Colorado
Slickrock National Recreation Trail, Moab, Utah
Map of Moab e-bike opportunities
E-bike opportunities in OR/WA
Guidance and Policy
Accessibility requests for e-bike use on non-motorized trails (IB 2023-050)
2020 BLM Final E-Bike Rule Federal Register Notice
BLM E-bike Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Links
E-Bike Safety Tips
People For Bikes: DOI E-Bike Policy
E-Bikes in National Parks
The Future of E-Bikes on Public Lands Research Study