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eMTB Access
& Info.
Where Class 1 e-bikes are legally allowed to ride in Washington — and how Evergreen is working to open more trails.
00 / Know Before You Go
🛑 The Golden Rule:
Assume Closed Unless Signed Open.
Under Washington State law (RCW 46.61.710), natural-surface singletrack trails are closed to eMTBs by default unless explicitly signed as open by the land manager.
Motorized Trails & Forest Service Roads
OPEN to Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes.
Non-Motorized Dirt Singletrack
CLOSED to all e-bikes unless an official trailhead sign or land-manager rule explicitly permits Class 1 eMTBs.
Protecting Access
Unauthorized use of eMTBs on restricted trails creates conflict with other user groups and undermines our advocacy efforts. Land managers can close entire trail systems to all bikes if eMTB regulations are ignored.
Do Your Part
Protect Washington trails by respecting current closures. If you don't see a sign specifically allowing eMTBs, keep your ride to motorized-legal or designated trails. Compliance today is the only path toward expanded access tomorrow.
01 / Know Before You Go
🗺️ Washington eMTB
Access Map.
Need to know where you can legally spin your pedals this weekend? Explore trail areas confirmed open to e-bikes on the map below.
Don't see a marker for your area? See the full Evergreen Trail Guide, pre-filtered to e-bike-ok trails.
Resource for Planning
TrailForks provides an online map to indicate where authorized eMTB trails are located (make sure to select "e-bike" as the activity). TrailForks Map. Always take the extra step of confirming access with the appropriate land manager.
Federal Agencies
State Land Management Agencies
02 / Our Advocacy Position
🚲 Why Is Access Limited—
and How We're Changing It.
We hear you: buying a modern Class 1 eMTB and discovering your local trail network is closed can be frustrating. Current state-wide regulations were written as a blanket framework before Class 1 pedal-assist technology existed in its current low-impact form.
Evergreen is actively working to shift this status quo. Here is our advocacy roadmap:
Trails & Gated Roads Open to Biking
We're advocating for Class 1 e-bike access to trails and gated non-motorized roads that are currently open to biking.
A Separate Management Objective for eMTBs
We're advocating that land managers maintain a separate management objective for e-MTBs, distinct from analog mountain bikes.
Programmatic (Network-Wide) Reviews
Rather than forcing agencies to evaluate access trail-by-trail, we advocate for a programmatic approach to trail impact evaluations — by network or location — so entire trail networks can open at once.
The "Open Unless Signed Closed" Standard
We're asking land managers to adopt an "open unless signed closed" trail management environment for Class 1 eMTBs.
Bike-Specific & PMO Trail Access
We're advocating for Class 1 e-bike access to all existing and future bike-specific trails. These trails are either purpose-built for bikers or carry a Primary Management Objective (PMO) for bikes, and do not have prior multi-use conditions or stakeholders. E-bike use on PMO-bike trails doesn't create hiker, equestrian, or conservation conflict, and these trails provide an immediate location for e-bike users to recreate while additional trail networks are under review.
🔗 Want to dive deeper into our legislative work or write to a land manager?
Read Evergreen's eMTB Policy & Active Campaigns under Protect →03 / Know the Difference
🛑 Protecting Access:
E-Motos vs. eMTB.
The greatest threat to trail access for the entire mountain bike community is the illegal use of high-powered electric motorcycles ("e-motos") on non-motorized trails. There's a big difference between pedal-assist Class 1 eMTBs and throttled e-motos/electric motorcycles — when illegal motorized vehicles use non-motorized singletrack, it threatens access for everyone and creates serious safety and trail erosion concerns.
Class 1 eMTB
Pedal-assist only, capped speed and power, allowed where designated.
E-Moto / Throttle Vehicle
No active pedaling required, motor-driven acceleration — classified as a motorized vehicle (ORV/motorcycle rules apply).
The Legal Line
Under Washington law, a vehicle is only a "bicycle" if it is Class 1, 2, or 3 (max 750W, pedals required). E-motos (e.g., Sur-Ron, Talaria) typically exceed 750W and reach speeds well beyond 20 mph — they are strictly prohibited on all non-motorized singletrack.
What You Can Do on the Trail
Look for Signage
Check the trailhead or access points for explicit rules posted.
Document Safely
Take photos or video of the vehicle, rider, and location. Do not engage in aggressive confrontations.
Report the Incident
Submit the details, location, and photos directly to local law enforcement and land managers.
Consequences
Land managers view illegal e-moto use as a violation of non-motorized trail rules. Every illegal track found gives them a reason to rescind access for all mountain bikes, electric and analog alike.
How Evergreen Works With Land Managers
We actively encourage all land managers to post explicit RCW rules and clear "No Motorized Vehicles" signage at trailheads. Proper signage gives local law enforcement and rangers the legal backing they need for prompt enforcement.
04 / Get Involved
🤝 How You Can
Advocate for 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 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. Share your story →
Rider Powered.
Every Evergreen member funds the trails, the advocacy, and the community that makes Washington the best place to ride.
Join Evergreen today