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Electric Bicycles (e-bikes)
What is an e-bike?
FSM 7705 – Definitions:
Electric Bicycle (E-Bike): Also referred to as an electric mountain bike (eMTB), a type of motor vehicle with two wheels attached to a frame, one behind the other, equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts that meets the requirements of one of the following three classes:
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Class 1 E-Bike. An e-bike equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
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Class 2 E-Bike. An e-bike equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the e-bike and that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
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Class 3 E-Bike. An e-bike equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour.
What is Forest Service (FS) policy regarding riding an e-bike on a National Forest System Road (NFSR)?
By definition (FSM 7705) an e-bike is a type of motor vehicle and the use is governed by the Travel Management Rule (36 CFR 212, Subpart B) and related Forest Service Manuals (FSM 7700 and 7710). Generally, if the road is open to a motor vehicle, it is open to an e-bike.
Are e-bikes allowed on Roads Open to Highway-Legal Motor Vehicles Only?
Highway-Legal Vehicles are any motor vehicle that is licensed or certified under State law for general operation on all public roads in the State. Operators of highway-legal vehicles are subject to state traffic law, including requirements for operator licensing (FSM 7705). Local units should check their relevant State laws to determine if e-bikes are an appropriate Mode of Travel (MOT) on Roads Open to Highway-Legal Motor Vehicles Only.
Are e-bikes allowed on routes open to motorized vehicles?
Yes, e-bikes are generally considered to be allowed on any road or trail that is open to other motor vehicles.
Are e-bikes allowed on non-motorized trails?
No, e-bikes are defined as a motorized vehicle and trails that are not currently open to motorized vehicles will need to undergo travel planning before allowing e-bikes.
If planning is conducted utilizing the processes in FSM 7710 and a decision is made to allow e- bikes on a non-motorized trail, that trail will then be designated as a motorized trail. E-bike Mode(s) of Travel must then be added to the ATM module of NRM, and the trail will be displayed on the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM).
Are e-bikes allowed on NFS Roads closed to motor vehicles (‘closedroads’)?
No, e-bikes are not allowed on closed roads. If planning is conducted utilizing the processes in FSM 7710 and a decision is made to allow e-bikes on a road closed to motorized travel, business rules direct that a coincident motorized trail be created over that road, and add e-bike MOT to the ATM. The route will then be displayed on the MVUM as a motorized trail. Alternatively, the closed road could be converted to a motorized trail.
Does a Mixed Motorized Use Analysis need to be conducted before adding e-bikes to an NFS Road?
Motorized mixed use occurs when an National Forest System road is designated for use by both highway-legal and non-highway-legal motor vehicles (FSM 7705).
Decisions on motorized mixed use, like other travel management decisions, are the responsibility of the Responsible Official. The role of the qualified engineer is to analyze information on the road and road use and to recommend mitigation of safety risks (FSM 7715.77 (5)).
See FSM 7715.77 for more information on the process.