E-Bike Public Land Rules: Where You Can Ride Legally

Where Can You Legally Ride an E-Bike on Public Lands?

As electric bikes continue to gain popularity, more riders are hitting the trails on public lands. But as e-bike adoption grows, so do the questions about where you can actually ride one legally. Whether you're pushing the limits on a high-powered beast like the Dirt Goat 96V or commuting with the Power Goat V3, understanding e-bike access laws is essential to avoid tickets, trail closures, or frustrating setbacks.

In this guide, we'll break down where you can legally ride an e-bike in 2025, from national forests and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands to state parks and local trails. We'll also provide tips for riding responsibly and choosing the right GOAT Power Bike for your next off-road adventure.

1. U.S. National Forests

The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) classifies all electric bikes as "motorized vehicles", even those with only pedal assist (Class 1). That means you can't assume that a trail open to mountain bikes is also open to your e-bike.

Where you can ride:

E-bikes are permitted only on designated motorized trails, forest roads, or areas specifically marked as e-bike-friendly.
Most hiking and non-motorized biking trails are off-limits to e-bikes.

How to check:

Look up your local Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) from the USFS site.
Contact the ranger station in your forest district.

Recommended GOAT Bike:

Dirt Goat 96V - Built for backcountry exploration and steep fire roads, this model is ideal for legal OHV trails in forest lands.

2. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land

BLM lands are some of the most accessible for e-bike riders, especially since the 2020 rule changes that gave local managers more flexibility in opening trails to electric bikes.

What the policy says:

Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes may be allowed on non-motorized trails, but access is determined by each field office.
Most open OHV areas under BLM jurisdiction welcome high-power e-bikes.

How to check:

Visit the BLM Recreation Map and use filters to find trails by e-bike permissions.
Contact the local field office before heading out.

Recommended GOAT Bike:

Billy Goat V3 - For riders seeking all-terrain performance in desert and mountainous BLM regions.

3. National Parks

The National Park Service (NPS) has updated its policies to allow certain e-bikes on park roads and trails, with some important limitations.

Rules to know:

Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes are allowed only on roads and bike paths where traditional bicycles are permitted.
Most hiking-only trails do not allow e-bikes.
In many cases, throttle-only riding is restricted; pedal-assist is required.

How to check:

Visit the official website of the park you plan to visit.
Look for a page titled "Bicycling" or "Trail Use."

Pro Tip: Always ride respectfully in national parks. Stay off fragile areas and never try to ride where signs prohibit e-bikes.

4. State Parks and Local Trails

State parks and regional trail systems often have the most inconsistent rules, so it's especially important to do your homework before riding.

What to expect:

Some states have embraced e-bikes and allow all classes on multi-use trails.
Others restrict access to Class 1 pedal-assist only.
A few states have banned e-bikes on dirt trails entirely.

Examples:

California: Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed on multi-use trails in many state parks, but Class 3 and above may be restricted.
Colorado: E-bike access depends on trail designations and local land managers.

How to check:

Use Trailforks or AllTrails apps with filters for e-bike accessibility.
Search your state parks website or call the park office.

Recommended GOAT Bike:

Motor Goat V3 - A powerful yet versatile option for city paths and Class 1/2-accessible trails.

5. Know Your E-Bike Class (And Why It Matters)

E-bike classification plays a huge role in determining what trails you can access. Here's a refresher:

Class 1: Pedal-assist only, up to 20 MPH
Class 2: Pedal-assist + throttle, up to 20 MPH
Class 3: Pedal-assist only, up to 28 MPH
Unclassified/High Power: Bikes over 750W, like most GOAT models, are typically not allowed on non-motorized trails

If you're riding a GOAT Power Bike with a 3,000W or 15,000W motor, it will almost always fall outside standard classifications and be considered a motor vehicle. That means:

You should stick to OHV trails, motorized fire roads, and public lands that explicitly allow high-powered electric vehicles.

6. Trail Etiquette for E-Bike Riders

Even when riding on approved trails, it’s important to ride responsibly:

Always yield to hikers and equestrians
Slow down around blind corners and shared trail sections
Respect posted speed limits and signage
Don’t tear up trails - avoid mud, soft terrain, or fragile surfaces
Stay on designated paths

Being courteous helps protect access for all e-bike riders and ensures land managers continue to open new trails for future use.

7. Plan Before You Ride

Before heading out, take these quick steps:

✅ Check the latest rules for your riding area
✅ Pack your helmet, tire repair kit, water, and extra layers
✅ Make sure your e-bike is fully charged and trail-ready
✅ Download maps or trail apps with GPS tracking

Also check out our Accessories Collection to gear up for safer, smoother rides.

Final Thoughts: Ride Smart, Ride Legal, Ride GOAT

Public lands offer some of the best e-bike riding in the country, if you know the rules. By staying informed and sticking to permitted trails, you can enjoy the power and range of your GOAT bike without risking a fine or damaging natural spaces.

Whether you're climbing mountain fire roads, coasting along desert singletrack, or commuting through your state park, there’s a GOAT bike built for your next ride: