E-bikes as an environmentally beneficial way to ride. Whether eletric bikes are allowed in national forests has become a concern for some outdoor enthusiasts. However, whether or not they are allowed in national forests is dependent on each country's policies and specific management regulations.
In the United States, the National Forest Service (USFS) currently considers e-bikes to be motorized vehicles, so they are only allowed on roads and specific areas where motorized vehicles are allowed, and not on non-motorized roads or hiking trails.
However, in some areas, the policy may be more lenient and allow e-bikes to access specific mountain bike trails or multi-use trails. Therefore, it is a good idea to check out the regulations of your local national forest before planning a ride to ensure that you can enjoy your ride legally and safely.
Federal Guidelines for Electric Bicycle Use on National Forests
National forests are managed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Forest Service is responsible for managing millions of acres of public land, which include a vast network of trails. Historically, these trails have been designated for specific uses such as hiking, horseback riding, and traditional mountain biking.