It can be quite difficult to understand what the guidelines are for e-bike use on non-motorized trails in Eagle County.
Definitions of e-bikes:
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- Class 1: An electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
- Class 2: An electric bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
- Class 3: An electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour.
In order to keep this as simple as possible, here’s a quick breakdown:
Bureau of Land Management E-bike Policy:
You can read more on their e-bike policy on their website here. The main takeaways:
- E-bikes will generally no longer be considered motorized use unless the rider is using the throttle to power the bicycle for “an extended period of time”
- Does this mean I can ride an e-bike on non-motorized trails on BLM lands? (For example: Eagle area trails like Pool & Ice, Boneyard, Abrams Ridge, World’s Greatest, etc.)
- NO. Is the short answer. Per the BLM, “E-bikes are allowed on trails limited to bicycles and non-motorized travel ONLY IF a BLM Manager has issued a written decision authorizing e-bike use in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.” This means that our local BLM office would have to ask for public comment and then make a determination of which non-motorized trails are open to e-bikes.
- E-bikes are still allowed to be ridden on motorized trails
United States Forest Service E-bike Policy:
Read more about the Forest Service’s policies on e-bikes on their website here.
The main takeaways:
- Biggest Difference from the BLM: The USFS will still classify e-bikes a motorized.
- This means they will not be allowed on existing non-motorized trails. They will continued to be allowed on existing motorized trails and roads.
- *However, If the USFS decides to permit e-bikes on non-motorized trails, those trails will then be re-classified as motorized since they will continue to classify e-bikes as motorized. Any designation would have to go through an environmental review and public comment on a local level.
- The USFS will create a trail access category: “Trails Open to E-bikes Only.” Trails could be specified to be open for only specific classes.
So Where Can and Can’t You Ride an E-bike in Eagle County?
- Vail Mountain: Class 1 e-bikes are allowed on Vail Mountain
- Vail Pass Rec Path: (from the gate by the Gore Creek Campground to the top/Summit County border) Not allowed. However, the Town of Vail is discussing changes to allow e-bikes here, click to learn more.
- Eagle Valley Rec Path / Gore Valley Rec Path: E-bikes are allowed (class 1 & 2 only). You can read further on this on Eagle County’s website here. Town of Vail has some specific areas where they are not allowed.
- Avon: E-bikes are not allowed on West Avon Preserve trails.
- Beaver Creek: Class 1 e-bikes are allowed.
- Arrowhead: Trails such as the Ute Trail (uphill only to bikes) and Apache Trail are on private property, which are open to the public and we are lucky to have access to. E-bikes are allowed on these trails.
- Eagle: E-bikes are not allowed on non-motorized soft surface trails. Eagle Ranch, Haymaker, Extra Credit, and Lov Connection are all mainly on Town and/or privately managed land. Non-motorized trails on BLM lands are not open to e-bikes. E-bikes are also not allowed in Brush Creek Valley Ranch & Open Space, including Three Sisters and Adam’s Way. E-bikes are allowed on the town paved path system and trails open to motorized use such as Second Gulch
