Electric Mountain Bikes in Utah
Electric Mountain Bikes in Utah
Your guide to navigating the evolving landscape of electric mountain bike policies in Utah.
Electric Mountain Bikes on Utah’s Trails
Electric mountain bikes (eMTBs) are a growing part of Utah’s vibrant outdoor recreation scene, offering new ways to explore our diverse landscapes. To help create a safe, enjoyable and sustainable experience for all trail users, it’s important to understand the rules that govern where and how eMTBs may be used on public lands.
This page provides a general overview of electric mountain bike classifications and where they are generally permitted in Utah. Rules can vary by jurisdiction, by land manager and even by individual trail.
Always check before you ride
Always check with the specific land management agency — such as the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Utah State Parks, counties or cities — for the most current and detailed rules for the trails you plan to ride. Regulations may change between visits.
Electric Mountain Bike Classifications in Utah
Utah law defines electric bicycles into three classes based on motor assistance and speed capabilities. These classifications are key to understanding where each type of electric mountain bike may be allowed. Disclaimer: final classification depends on multiple factors under Utah law.
Class 1 Electric Mountain Bike
- Pedal-assist only: The motor only engages when the rider is pedaling.
- Motor assistance up to 20 mph: The motor stops assisting at 20 mph.
- No throttle: Does not have a throttle for motor-only propulsion.
Class 2 Electric Mountain Bike
- Pedal-assist and/or throttle: Can be propelled by pedaling or by a throttle.
- Motor assistance up to 20 mph: Motor stops assisting at 20 mph.
Class 3 Electric Mountain Bike
- Pedal-assist only: The motor only engages when the rider is pedaling.
- Motor assistance up to 28 mph: Motor stops assisting at 28 mph.
- No throttle: Does not have a throttle for motor-only propulsion.
- Age considerations: Often requires riders to be 16 years or older.
Electric Motorcycles
- Motor over 750 watts
- Has a throttle capable of more than 20 mph
- Does not come from the manufacturer with permanently affixed cranks
Still unsure what kind of e-bike you’re riding?
View our helpful Is it an E-Bike? Flowchart
Important note
Class 1, 2 and 3 electric mountain bikes must have motors that do not exceed 750 watts and must come from the manufacturer with permanently affixed cranks. If your bike exceeds 750 watts or can go faster than 28 mph with the motor on level ground, it is unlikely to be allowed on conventional mountain bike singletrack trails. In that case, visit the Off-Highway Vehicle program page for more information.
Where Can I Ride My Electric Mountain Bike?
Trail access for eMTBs in Utah depends on the trail’s designation and the land management agency. Generally, eMTBs are treated as motorized vehicles on federal lands unless explicitly designated otherwise.
Motorized Trails
All classes of electric mountain bikes are generally allowed on trails open to motorized vehicles, such as OHV trails.
Example: Slickrock Trail in Moab is open to motorcycles and therefore open to all classes of e-bikes.
Non-Motorized Trails
On trails specifically designated as non-motorized — such as traditional mountain bike trails or hiking trails — eMTBs are generally not allowed unless explicitly permitted by the land manager.
Example: Utah State Park non-motorized singletrack trails like the WOW Trail in the Heber Valley.
Paved Paths & Bike Lanes
All classes of electric mountain bikes are generally allowed on paved bike paths and lanes, though exceptions do exist.
Research ahead of time, check with the land manager and watch for posted signage.
Land Management Agency Policies
Policies can differ widely depending on who manages the land. Use these general guidelines as a starting point, then verify the specific trail rules before riding.
U.S. Forest Service (USFS)
Electric mountain bikes are generally considered motorized vehicles and are restricted to motorized trails. Some individual forest districts may have specific designations for electric mountain bike use on certain non-motorized trails, but this is rare and must be explicitly signed.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
Similar to the USFS, electric mountain bikes are typically treated as motorized vehicles and are allowed on designated motorized routes. Specific travel management plans may designate certain non-motorized trails for eMTB use.
The Moab and Cedar City Field Offices recently opened access to Class 1 e-bikes on many mountain bike trails in their respective field offices.
National Park Service (NPS)
NPS regulations permit park superintendents to allow e-bikes, where appropriate, on roads and trails where traditional bicycles are also allowed. Each park may have different rules on where and what class of e-bikes are allowed, so riders should always check park-specific regulations.
Utah State Parks
Policies may vary by individual state park, but many Utah State Parks allow Class 1 eMTBs on trails where traditional bicycles are permitted. Check the specific park’s regulations before your ride.
Utah Wildlife Management Areas (WMA)
Utah WMAs do not allow Class 2 or Class 3 e-bikes. These properties are managed primarily for wildlife and wildlife habitat, and many have seasonal closures or other public access restrictions.
Local Jurisdictions
Rules can vary significantly at the city and county level. Always check local ordinances and trail guidance for routes within local jurisdictions.
Regional Notes in Utah
A few areas in Utah have notable or evolving eMTB access policies. These examples can help riders better understand the patchwork of local and federal rules.
Park City / Summit County
Mountain Trails Foundation’s interactive map is a helpful resource where you can toggle trails that allow e-bikes.
Salt Lake City Foothills
Class 1 e-bikes are generally allowed on non-USFS trails.
Heber Valley
Class 1 e-bikes are generally allowed on mountain bike trails in the Heber Valley. Be aware that this changes once you get into Park City or onto non-motorized USFS trails.
Moab
Most mountain bike trails in this area are on federal land. On USFS land, all classes of e-bikes are considered motorized vehicles and are not allowed on non-motorized trails.
See the USFS Motor Vehicle Use Maps for where motorized vehicles are allowed, including e-bikes.
In September 2025, the BLM Moab Field Office opened a number of areas to Class 1 e-bikes starting in March 2026. Add your official trail-list link here if you want this page to direct riders to that resource.
Cedar City
The BLM allows Class 1 e-bikes on all trails that allow mountain bikes on the following trail systems:
- Iron Hills National Recreation Trail System
- Thunderbird Canyons Trail System
- Enoch Bench Trail System (proposed)
- Evil Water Trail System
- Three Peaks Mountain Bike Trail System
- Beaver Bench Trail System
Class 2 and 3 e-bikes are not allowed on the trail systems above. The U.S. Forest Service in this area limits all classes of e-bikes to motorized trails.
St. George
BLM and USFS land in this area limit e-bikes to motorized trails or those specifically designated for e-bikes. Be sure to check with local land managers before you head out.
Northern Utah area
This section can be expanded later with additional Northern Utah trail guidance or partner resources as needed.
Responsible Electric Mountain Bike Riding
No matter where you ride, following responsible trail etiquette and safety practices helps protect access, improve the experience for everyone and reduce conflicts on shared-use trails.
Ride smart
- Know Before You Go: Always confirm trail legality for your electric mountain bike class with the managing agency.
- Yield to others: Yield to hikers, equestrians and non-electric bikes. Announce your presence, slow down and say hello.
- Control your speed: Ride within your limits and maintain a safe speed, especially on shared-use and multi-directional trails.
- Stay on designated trails: Do not create new trails or ride off-trail.
Protect people and places
- Protect the environment: Pack out what you pack in. Avoid riding in muddy conditions. Don’t ride off trail to pass people.
- Wear a helmet: Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear.
- Be courteous: You’ve got the e-assistance, so ride predictably and yield with care.
- Help preserve access: Responsible riding helps protect trail relationships and future recreation opportunities.
Important Resources & Links
For more detailed information and trail-specific regulations, refer to the appropriate managing agency and trusted trail planning tools.
Disclaimer
This information is intended as a general guide and is subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the specific land management agency before riding.
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