California Opens 100+ of Miles of Trails to E-Bike Users, Utah to Follow Suit

February 25, 2026

The United States Forest Service has approved Class 1 pedal-assisted e-bikes on over 100 miles of trails in California’s Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU), marking a significant expansion of access. This change, part of the Basin Wide Trails Analysis project, opens 112 miles of existing trails and 26 miles of new ones, making about 50% of LTBMU trails available to these e-bikes while restricting Class 2 and 3 throttle e-bikes to motorcycle trails only.

The decision shifts e-bikes from being classified solely as motorized vehicles, previously limiting them to roads open to motorcycles and ATVs. Local officials, including LTBMU’s Ashley Sibr, note that the project creates loops and neighborhood connections for e-bikers while preserving non-motorized areas, addressing prior trespassing issues by concentrating use.

Outfitters support the move for broader access, though some locals oppose it due to potential trail wear and crowds. The USFS views it as balanced trail management to benefit all users.

Utah’s Bureau of Land Management will allow e-bikes on about 200 miles of non-motorized mountain bike trails in Moab starting March 2026, following a year-long debate.

Moab Cyclery’s Will Harrison reports steady customer growth and sees the change as positive for trail resources, despite concerns over increased tension and maintenance needs from higher traffic.

E-bike approvals reflect a national trend enhancing outdoor access but raising ecological and crowding concerns. The article briefly mentions unrelated Moab trail records by MTB athlete Hannah Otto. Gear Junkie