The United States Forest Service, (nationally, not the Coconino National Forest or Flagstaff Ranger District), is considering changes to the National Travel Management Rule* that could provide much desired solutions for Class 1 e-bike mountain bikers.

The National Travel Management Rule is an Executive Order signed by President George W. Bush in 2005 and put into effect over the next several years on National Forests nationwide. This Rule requires that every National Forest establish a Travel Plan, accompanied by a Motor Vehicle Use Map, that establishes areas, (like the Cinder Hills OHV Area), and routes, (like roads and the Fort Valley Trail System), where motor vehicles may legally be used. The Coconino National Forest adopted its Travel Plan in 2010.

Because of the way that “motor vehicle” is legally described in US Forest Service Policy, all e-bicycles have been treated as motorized vehicles in the eyes of the US Forest Service.

The Rule Revision would add exemptions for Class 1 e-bikes and low-powered electric mobility devices, modernizing the rule for equipment that did not exist in 2005. The Revision would also make other changes to motor vehicle management on National Forests.

This would treat Class 1 e-bikes as non-motorized, just like regular mountain bikes, and allow their use on trails open to analog mountain bikes. Although some may disagree with this philosophically, there is much wisdom in legally separating pedal-assisted mountain bikes that have gained huge popularity from some of the other e-vehicles that are much more powerful and that do not resemble bicycles in impacts to trails and other trail users.

The Forest Service is accepting comments until September 23, 2026, so if you would like to have input in their decision making process you can do so by going through the Federal eRulemaking Portal, https://www.regulations.gov, identified by docket number FS-2026-0100. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Be clear about what parts of the Revision you are commenting on.

More information here:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/recreation/programs/off-highway-vehicle-program

Key Details of the Proposed Rule Change

  • E-Bike Reclassification: Class 1 e-bikes would shift from being strictly classified as motor vehicles to being grouped alongside traditional acoustic bicycles.
  • Trail Access: Under the proposed framework, Class 1 e-bikes could potentially be ridden anywhere standard bicycles are permitted, rather than being restricted only to designated motorized routes.
  • Local Implementation: Local forest managers would gain simplified regulatory pathways to expand access, though site-specific rules, seasonal closures, and local designations would still apply.
  • Timeline and Status: The agency published its Letter of Intent and opened a public comment period through September 23, 2026, as part of an Environmental Impact Statement process expected to run through early 2028. Existing Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) remain the immediate legal authority on the ground

*Not to be confused with the “Roadless Rule” which is also being reviewed for changes.