E-Bike Access

Electric assist mountain bikes (eMTBs) are becoming increasingly popular on mountain bike and non-motorized multi-use trails, allowing those with seen and unseen disabilities and riders of all ages and abilities to enjoy the sport of mountain biking. Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance is committed to a sustainable future for all riders and welcomes Class 1 eMTB riders to our community. 

Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance actively advocates to allow Class 1 eMTBs where traditional (analog) mountain bikes are permitted. Our position is supported by studies that show eMTBs, when ridden responsibly, do not cause significant additional trail damage when compared to traditional bikes. In addition, most eMTB riders are not riding at higher speeds, more recklessly, or in a manner substantially different than riders on traditional mountain bikes. While Evergreen works closely with our land manager partners on policy issues, it is critical to remember that land managers (public and private) have the final authority to determine the rules on their trails.

This page provides Washington riders with Know Before You Go resources and protects the future of trail access for everyone. It also shares Evergreen’s thoughts on how to best engage in the eMTB conversation.

Click on the pins for more info

We do our best to keep this map updated. Please contact us to suggest an edit, addition, or removal of a trail.

By default, all non-motorized single-track trails are closed to eMTBs, unless signed open and permitted by the land manager. eMTBs are allowed on all motorized recreational trails, which encompass hundreds of miles across the state, including epic single track in many of our National Forests.

Do the right thing: If there is no signage designating a non-motorized trail as open to eMTB– Please Stay Off!

To ensure you are riding legally, your electric-assisted bicycle must meet the definition per RCW 46.04.169. An "Electric-assisted bicycle" means a bicycle with two or three wheels, a saddle, fully operative pedals for human propulsion, and an electric motor with a power output of no more than seven hundred fifty watts. 

The three legal classifications are: 
Class 1: Motor assists only when the rider is pedaling and stops assisting at 20 mph. 
Class 2: Motor can propel the bicycle without pedaling and stops assisting at 20 mph. 
Class 3: Motor assists only when the rider is pedaling and stops assisting at 28 mph (must be equipped with a speedometer). 

Navigating eMTB Trail Access 
The rapid increase in eMTB usage makes knowing where one can legally ride more important than ever. For the most part, access on any specific trail is given, not assumed. Unless a non-motorized natural-surface trail is explicitly signed as "Open to eMTB," it is closed to all motorized and electric-assist bicycles. 

Protecting Access: Unauthorized use of eMTBs on restricted trails creates conflict with other user groups and undermines our advocacy efforts. 
Help Protect Access: Protect access by respecting current closures. If you don't see a sign specifically allowing eMTBs, or if you’re unaware of restrictions, please keep your ride to motorized-legal or eMTB-designated trails.

Trailforks provides an online map to indicate where authorized eMTB trails are located (make sure to select "E-Bike" as the activity). Always take the extra step of confirming access with the appropriate land manager; Trailforks should be used as a guide, but not considered as official policy. *Please note that many MTB trails are operated by local governments and park districts which are too numerous to include here. Please contact them for eMTB policies on their trails..

Federal Agencies 

• National Forests 
• Bureau of Land Management 

State Land Management Agencies 

• Department of Natural Resources (DNR) 
• Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife 
• Washington State Parks

Etiquette and Responsible Route Choice 
The mechanical edge eMTB'ers enjoy while ascending via e-assist places the responsibility for trail courtesy squarely on their shoulders. Responsible riding is a powerful form of trail stewardship:

• Maintain Distance: Avoid tailgating analog riders. Maintain a respectful gap to allow the rider ahead to focus on their ride without pressure. On multi-use trails alert equestrians and hikers of your presence as you approach from behind. This mitigates social friction that could lead to user conflicts and potentially affect access.
• Consider Your Route Choice: Whenever possible, prioritize forest roads or gated service roads over singletrack climbing trails if an authorized parallel option exists. Using roads for climbing removes the potential for passing conflicts on narrow singletrack and minimizes your social footprint.

Evergreen is actively working to represent the rapidly-growing eMTB community by advocating for:

• Class 1 eMTB access to trails and gated non-motorized roads that are currently open to biking.
• Class 1 eMTB access on existing and future purpose-built mountain bike trails (Raging River, Tiger Mountain, Olallie, Naneum Ridge, Port Gamble, North Mountain, etc). These trails are either purpose-built for bikers or have a primary management objective (PMO) for bikes, and do not have prior multi-use conditions or stakeholders.

Protecting Access: eMTBs vs. E-Motos

The greatest threat to trail access for the mountain bike community is the illegal use of high-powered electric motorcycles ("e-motos") on non-motorized trails. It is vital to understand that an e-moto is not an e-bike.

• The Legal Definition: Under Washington law, an e-bike is only a "bicycle" if it is Class 1, 2, or 3 (max 750W, pedals required). 
• E-motos (e.g., Sur-Ron, Talaria) are motorized vehicles. They typically exceed 750W and reach speeds well beyond 30 mph and use a throttle. They are strictly prohibited on all non-motorized singletrack.
• Consequences: Land managers view e-moto use as a violation of non-motorized trail rules. Illegal use of e-motos could result in loss of access for all wheeled users, including analog and permitted e-assist bikes.
  

How You Can Engage Around eMTB Access

Land managers value public input as they decide whether to allow eMTBs on their trails. Here's how you can advocate responsibly:

• Research your trails. Learn who the land manager is of the trails you're inquiring about and take time to research the history of trail use there. Is there already a long-running history of permitted bike use on the trails?
• Familiarize yourself with current rules. Educate yourself on existing trail restrictions. Are the trails multi-use? Mountain bike specific? Are they two-way trails or directional?
• Contact Your Land Manager: Write a personal note. Share a story about how your MTB or eMTB allows you to access trails, especially if eMTB use helps you participate despite a disability or medical condition.
• Share Your Experience with Evergreen: Tell us where you’d like to see access open up for eMTBs. We are always interested in hearing from local riders about their trail experiences.