The Current State of Electric Mountain Bike Trail Access in the US

We speak with Racel Fussell at People for Bikes about where e-bike trail access rules stand now, and how and where eMTBs might fit in the future.

By Jeff Barber
January 31, 2022 Last Updated: January 31, 2022

14 comments

Singletracks may receive compensation for purchases made through any affiliate links in this article.

Rachel Fussell is the electric mountain bike Policy and Program Manager at People for Bikes. The group’s stated mission is to change the world through bikes by focusing on empowering cities, creating connections, and supporting the bike industry.

In this episode we ask:

What are the current regulations at the federal, state, and local level regarding eMTB trail access?
What types of conflicts exist where electric mountain bikes and regular mountain bikes share the trail?
Does basic trail etiquette cover eMTBs, or do we need to update and/or add new rules of the trail?
Where and how are e-bikes gaining additional trail access?
What do land managers generally think about e-bikes on trails? What are their concerns?
How big of a role do studies and unbiased reports play into eMTB advocacy? Do opinions play into the discussion as well?
Is there a risk that advocating for e-bike access could hurt traditional mountain bike trail access?
What do you think about registration programs for e-bikes that are needs-based?
Aside from PFB, who else is advocating for eMTBs? Do we need separate eMTB advocacy groups, or is this something that can fit into existing groups like IMBA and local clubs?
Why should other mountain bikers care about e-bike access?

Learn more about People for Bikes and eMTB policy at: peopleforbikes.org/topics/electric-bikes

This episode of the Singletracks podcast is sponsored by Explore Brevard.

Professional mountain biker Adam Craig says it’s one of the top three places in the universe he’s ever ridden. Where is this magical mountain biking nirvana? It’s none other than Brevard, North Carolina, home to Pisgah National Forest and DuPont Recreational Forest. The area boasts over 300 miles of peerless singletrack, not to mention hundreds of miles of gravel roads, creating a near endless array of routes, terrains, and challenges to explore. Four vibrant bike shops will get you sorted, whether you need gear, service, or a top notch rental. Top it off with an array of craft breweries, cafes and gathering spots that have earned Brevard the title as one of the best small towns in America in 2021. It all adds up to a premier mountain biking destination you’ll want to experience for yourself. Find out more at ExploreBrevard.com.

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14 Comments

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Tank10 2013
Feb 1, 2022

Mostly the distain 4 e bikes boils down to this. It's crushing the egos of people out there doing cross-country climbing. I own an e-bike and an acoustic bike and going downhill is the same. In regards to hikers being afraid of people going downhill you really should put a bell on your bike a cowbell. A lot of hikers really appreciate being able to hear the Riders come down the hill. It helps everybody involved I think.
The e-bike in my opinion in most cases is more stable because the weight of the bike keeps it stuck to the ground. A lot of times it's a big learning curve for people on e-bikes. The learning curve is people think they're just going to run over stuff and just smash right through things when they find out that e-bikes require a lot of body English get through technical sections because of the weight of the bike. On the downhill I think generally in most cases they're safer because they just stick to the trail they're very stable for the most part. As far as any Trail damage I don't see any difference as far as Trail damage. I ride a lot of trails in California and I don't see any more damage then any other time with any other bikes. The biggest damage is the damage to people's egos mostly. E-bikes keep a lot of people riding. I almost had to give up mountain biking due to some medical issues that I had from being in the military. But e-bikes have really changed that for me and help keep me in the game. We don't need more rules or laws or regulations. Also you can think Donald Trump to opening up access two trails to class 1 e-bikes. He signed that into an executive order.

1 reply

hdqboss 2021
Jan 31, 2022

Very interesting and informative podcast on eMTBs.

mjal Arizona // 2022
Feb 3, 2022

i was listening with my wife who is not a mtber and she said to me, i didnt know you can modify your bike to go 60mph (not possible.) You need to watch what you say around people with no experience with e bikes, they will believe anything they hear and repeat it to others.

Jackemeyer Arizona // 2015
Feb 11, 2022

Dear Jeff,
I think the interview would best be titled, Why class I eMTB should be permitted on hiking trails; a perspective. This is not simply an informative discussion; rather your questions and her answers are designed to persuade.
Overall, I am glad you had the interview as I did not realize eMTBs were (potentially) on trails; however, to become informed, one must also seek the arguments (and evidence basis) for why motorized vehicles should not be permitted on hiking trails. Do you have any references for the opposing arguments?
Thanks,
Jack

0 reply

springelgato California // 2018
Feb 3, 2022

Lot of topics covered here. I'm in my 70's, and have been riding for decades. I ride my stumpjumper and my Emtb depending on the way I feel on a particular day. Trail etiquette is, in my opinion, the most important solution to most of the issues we are addressing. Emtb's going uphill should be patient when they wish to pass someone. There should be no expectation that the rider ahead should pull over before it is practical...the same situation you have when 2 riders of analog bikes of different abilities come across each other going uphill.
I also get passed by younger and better riders on analog bikes even when I am on my Emtb. This is because I ride typically on low power mode. Makes for a better workout. And, yes, I have also been swarmed my groups of rental Emtb riders who seem to just want to race each other. Not sure what we can do about that except have a conversation with them about etiquette (or the rental shop should ). I don't believe penalizing all Emtbikers is the solution.
Some claim weight is a factor in trail abuse. My wife is 106 lbs with a 48lbe Emtb.. I am 160lbs with a 27 lb stumpjumper. Who would be the guilty party if weight was the issue?
I certainly welcome more studies on speed variations of Emtbs and analog bikes. Iw as surprised to hear in the podcast that Emtb uphill speeds were 8-13mph. I don't believe I have ever gone 13mph uphill even on a fire road when riding my Turbo Levo. But that's jst me .. Ride safe all of you Be nice

Jim Klaas Oregon // 2015
Feb 1, 2022

I think eMTBs will be a problem. I am starting to see them on our local trails and two things I see becoming a problem are: 1. On **long** “ single track” steep uphill climbs I have to pull over more and more and let them go by. 2.I am also starting to see groups of rental eMTBs that spread out but are still hard to keep ahead of on long climbs. On tricky sections I see bad behavior of some eMTBs that can power through where analog bikes are using more technique. 3. I’ve also seen eMTBs going up flow downhill runs bc even though it is downhill with pedal assist they can. I’m not against eMTBs but it will change the trail systems.

-2 reply

MaBaker Ontario // 2013
Feb 3, 2022

I ride an eMTB and your point one is valid. I think this is something that needs to be added to the etiquette for emtb. I bike with my entire family - 3 generations and they are all good mountain bikers but when it comes to the really tough hills only my son-in-law can stay with me. So what I do is either go first or last so I am not putting any pressure on my kids/grandkids. On another note - I am 74 and because of many injuries over the years I would not be able to share this time with my family without my eMTB. I also get passed far more than I pass - I still cannot stay with the younger riders so I pull over a lot:)

3 reply

Matt Miller Colorado // 2012
Feb 1, 2022

The getting passed by e-bikers is a funny one, I feel. I don't own an e-bike, but have been riding one for a few months, and naturally passing more analog riders. The funny thing being, that motorless mountain bikers potentially feel like hikers when the speed differential is imposed on them. It's nothing etiquette can't help, though etiquette isn't exclusive to any one user group.

2 reply

AUTHOR

Jeff Barber Georgia // 1998
Feb 1, 2022

eMTB rentals do seem like they could be troublesome since many of those riders are likely inexperienced. It also sounds like in your area a discussion of e-specific etiquette would be helpful.

Good point, the trails where I ride were built for sweat biking by bikers and most of them would be lousy hiking trails, especially the downhill trails. I would say a lot of the trails I am riding I am traversing steep hills while climbing 1000-2000 feet. The trails are narrow and no room to pass and a lot of the time not a lot of room to move over or get off the trail. I am like most other mt bikers, when I hear somebody in the distance coming up behind me, I double my effort to stay ahead. It is a game. I really don't mind eMTBs and in the beginning I was seeing guys that had to be in their 70's or more way up in the trail system with big smiles on their faces. More power to them and I hope that is me when I am 70+ years old. More recently I am seeing rentals and groups of eMTB buzzing around and just flying by analog bikers trying to get up difficult sections. Some even yelling to get out of the way. The other thing I am beginning to see are eMotorcycles. Once again I have no problem with eMotorcycles and a lot of our trails are multi-use and often there are sections of the trail we share. When I hear a gas motorcycle coming down the trail, I get off the trail and I am pretty sure 99% of the riders never know I was ever there. With electric motorcycles you can't hear them coming and I am sure in the near future there will be head on collisions with eMotorcycles and eMTBs. I believe all the benefits of eMTBs and eBikes in general, I have ridden them and think they are amazing but I also think there will have to be changes made to the trails. Who is going to police what type of ebike is on the trail? If an iPhone's battery can start a fire, I suspect an eBike's battery can as well. At the end of the day it just comes down to numbers. If you live someplace with lots of tourists and there are ebike rentals, there is bound to be a problem.

JP Nuts Washington // 2018
Feb 1, 2022

I listened to the podcast. Rachel said ebikes are allowed in all BLM land. I checked Moab ,Utah BLM which stated ebikes are allowed on motorized but not heart propelled trails. While she was technically correct as they are allowed on motorized trails her everywhere is incorrect .
Restrict ebikes to motorized trails, don't allow them on present heart propelled trails. Define users whose whole source of locomotion comes from their heart as heart propelled.

-12 reply

I can tell you love mountain biking the question is how long do you want to enjoy it??? You do know that age and body can be limiting. I suspect you will change your tune when you are in your 70's and 80's and want to do the trails you have been doing all your life.

Yeah that's an old way of thinking. Your heart is still propelling the bike it's just not doing it at the rate you were doing it with your legs alone.

4 reply

Sorry if it wasn't clear from our conversation, and I may have mispoken myself. To clarify, individual land managers within the BLM can decide to allow e-bike use on non-motorized trails, though they do not have to as there is no blanket authorization. I believe Rachel actually mentioned Moab as an example of a place where the local BLM unit does not allow e-bikes on non-motorized trails, but I could be mistaken.

Here is the rule directly from the BLM:
https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/e-bikes

The key part:

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.

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