E Bikes on USFS Trails

There have been many questions in the last few days about e bikes and whether they are allowed on non-motorized USFS trails. The following is the official response from the USFS:

By definition, E-Bikes, also referred to as an electric mountain bike (eMTB) is 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 meet the requirements of one of three classes. The current Forest Service description of non-motorized trails is exactly that – no motor. Therefore, e-bikes are considered motorized and not allowed within the Gateway Trail System or any non-motorized trails on national forest system lands. The Forest Service is currently reviewing policy directives. If you’d like more information it is recommended to contact the Shasta McCloud Management Unit, Shasta-Trinity National Forest at: 530-926-4511