Where Is a Hunting Electric Bike Legal?

Where Is a Hunting Electric Bike Legal?

So it’s clearly advantageous to use a hunting electric bike, but where can you use one? All states allow them in some fashion. But because electric bikes are equipped with motors, some states treat them similar to a moped, dirt bike, or other Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV). Regulations can also vary depending on the size of the motor and how the bike is operated (e.g., throttle-only or pedal assist). In some cases, you may need to legally wear helmets while operating them, be a certain age to operate them, or carry separate registrations, licenses, or insurance.

Further complicating matters, federal lands can have different regulations than state lands. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) all manage different types of federal lands. On August 29, 2019, the Secretary of the Interior issued Secretary’s Order 3376, which determined that all electric bikes up to 750 watts could be used to access most federal lands (e.g., national wildlife refuges, national parks, recreation areas, etc.) anywhere a regular bicycle could be used. It does not apply universally to all national forests at this time. This same Order also defines three classifications of e-bicycles:

• Class 1: Bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches a speed of 20 mph.
• Class 2: Bicycle equipped with a throttle-actuated motor, which ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches a speed of 20 mph.
• Class 3: Bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches a speed of 28 mph.

State Regulations for Electric Bikes

That all being said, here’s a disclaimer: use the state list below to steer you in the right direction, but always verify if electric bikes are legal for whatever public property you’re visiting. Laws change all the time (especially on this subject), and they can vary even down to each individual city/municipality. Stay legal by doing your homework ahead of your ride.

The BLM has a handy search tool for motorized and non-motorized areas on federal lands, and you can contact your state’s BLM office for questions about non-motorized trails. E-bikes are currently allowed on about 40% of trails in national forests and grasslands, but you will need to contact your local office to confirm which trails are open. You may also need to contact your state agency for specific questions on state lands, which may include state parks, state forests, wildlife management areas (WMAs), etc.

• • Alabama – Yes. Must carry an operator’s license and registration. Helmets are required.
    • State Parks, State Forests, Other State Lands: No current policy; contact your state agency.
    • National Forests: Potentially. Contact your local Forest Service office for more information.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.

• • Alaska – Yes. Must carry an operator’s license.
    • State Parks: Electric bicycles are considered vehicles, although they are allowed in some state parks.
    • State Forests and Other State Lands: Contact your state agency.
    • National Forests: Potentially. Contact your local Forest Service office for more information.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.
    • BLM: Any Open OHV area or motorized trail is legal for e-bike use. Some non-motorized trails are also open for e-bikes if there is a written authorization from a BLM Manager.

• • Arizona – Yes.
    • State Parks: No current policy; contact your state agency.
    • Other State Lands: WMAs, OHV areas, and motorized trails are generally open to e-bikes.
    • National Forests: Potentially. Contact your local Forest Service office for more information.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.
    • BLM: Any Open OHV area or motorized trail is legal for e-bike use. Some non-motorized trails are also open for e-bikes if there is a written authorization from a BLM Manager.

• • Arkansas – Yes. Helmets are required for some e-bike classes and ages.
    • State Parks and State Forests: No current policy; contact your state agency.
    • Other State Lands: Class 1 e-bikes are generally allowed in WMAs.
    • National Forests: Potentially. Contact your local Forest Service office for more information.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.

• • California – Yes. Helmets are required for some e-bike classes and ages.
    • State Parks: Class 1 and 2 e-bicycles are allowed wherever traditional bicycles are allowed.
    • State Forests and Other State Lands: Not generally open to e-bikes. Contact your state agency.
    • National Forests: Potentially. Contact your local Forest Service office for more information.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.
    • BLM: Any Open OHV area or motorized trail is legal for e-bike use. Some non-motorized trails are also open for e-bikes if there is a written authorization from a BLM Manager.

• • Colorado – Yes. Helmets are required for some users.
    • State Parks: Class 1 and 2 electric bikes are allowed in all state parks (where bicycles are permitted).
    • Other State Lands: Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed on Parks and Wildlife lands where mountain bikes are allowed. All e-bikes are allowed on state wildlife areas where motorized vehicles are allowed.
    • National Forests: Potentially. Contact your local Forest Service office for more information.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.
    • BLM: Any Open OHV area or motorized trail is legal for e-bike use. Some non-motorized trails are also open for e-bikes if there is a written authorization from a BLM Manager.

• • Connecticut – Yes. Helmets are required for all classes of e-bikes.
    • State Parks, State Forests, and Other State Lands: Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are generally prohibited on non-motorized natural surface trails.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.

• • Delaware – Yes. Helmets are required for some users.
    • State Parks: Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed wherever traditional bicycles are allowed.
    • State Forests and Other State Lands: E-bikes are only allowed on maintained/designated roads/trails.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.

• • Florida – Yes.
    • State Parks, State Forests, and Other State Lands: Class 1 and 3 e-bikes (i.e., pedal-assist) are allowed wherever traditional bicycles are allowed. Class 2 e-bikes are prohibited.
    • National Forests: Potentially. Contact your local Forest Service office for more information.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.

• • Georgia – Yes. Helmets are required for some users.
    • State Parks, State Forests, and Other State Lands: No current policy; contact your state agency.
    • National Forests: Potentially. Contact your local Forest Service office for more information.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.

• • Hawaii – Yes. Registration and helmets are required for some users.
    • State Parks and Other State Lands: Electric bikes not allowed on natural surface trails on state lands.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most federal lands are open to e-bikes.

• • Idaho – Yes.
    • State Parks, State Forests, and Other State Lands: Electric bikes are generally allowed on bike paths and single-track mountain bike trails, but access is determined by the agency or authority with jurisdiction over the trail.
    • National Forests: Potentially. Contact your local Forest Service office for more information.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.
    • BLM: Any Open OHV area or motorized trail is legal for e-bike use. Some non-motorized trails are also open for e-bikes if there is a written authorization from a BLM Manager.

• • Illinois – Yes.
    • State Parks, State Forests, and Other State Lands: No current policy; contact your state agency.
    • National Forests: Potentially. Contact your local Forest Service office for more information.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.

• • Indiana – Yes. Helmets are required for some users.
    • State Parks and State Forests: Class 3 e-bikes must be specifically allowed by the local agency or authority with jurisdiction over the trail.
    • National Forests: Potentially. Contact your local Forest Service office for more information.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.

• • Iowa – Yes.
    • State Parks, State Forests, and Other State Lands: No current policy; contact your state agency.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.

• • Kansas – Yes.
    • State Parks: Class 1 e-bikes are allowed on trails approved for bicycle use.
    • State Forests and Other State Lands: No current policy; contact your state agency.
    • National Forests/Grasslands: Potentially. Contact your local Forest Service office for more information.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.
    • BLM: Any Open OHV area or motorized trail is legal for e-bike use. Some non-motorized trails are also open for e-bikes if there is a written authorization from a BLM Manager.

• • Kentucky – Yes.
    • State Parks, State Forests, and Other State Lands: No current policy; contact your state agency.
    • National Forests: Potentially. Contact your local Forest Service office for more information.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.

• • Louisiana – Yes. Must carry an operator’s license and registration. Helmets are required.
    • State Parks: Class 1 e-bikes are allowed wherever traditional bicycles are allowed.
    • State Forests and Other State Lands: Potentially open to e-bikes. Contact your state agency.
    • National Forests: Potentially. Contact your local Forest Service office for more information.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.

• • Maine – Yes. Helmets are required for some users.
    • State Parks, State Forests, and Other State Lands: Electric bikes must be registered to ride on state trails, and are restricted to motorized trails only.
    • National Forests: Potentially. Contact your local Forest Service office for more information.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.

• • Maryland – Yes.
    • State Parks, State Forests, and Other State Lands: Electric bikes are considered motorized vehicles, and must comply with the State’s motorized vehicle access regulations.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.

• • Massachusetts – Yes.
    • State Parks, State Forests, and Other State Lands: Electric bikes are considered motorized recreational vehicles, and must comply with the State’s motorized vehicle access regulations. However, there are several state forests that have natural surface trails designated for motorized recreational vehicles.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.

• • Michigan – Yes. Helmets are required for some users.
    • State Parks, State Forests, and Other State Lands: Electric bikes are designated as motor vehicles in the state, and may use natural surface ORV trails designated for motorized use. Some non-motorized mountain bike trails may be locally authorized as well.
    • National Forests: Potentially. Contact your local Forest Service office for more information.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.

• • Minnesota – Yes.
    • State Parks, State Forests, and Other State Lands: Class 1 and 2 electric bikes are allowed wherever traditional bicycles are allowed. Class 3 e-bikes may be operated on motorized trails.
    • National Forests: Potentially. Contact your local Forest Service office for more information.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.

• • Mississippi – Yes.
    • State Parks, State Forests, and Other State Lands: No current policy; contact your state agency.
    • National Forests: Potentially. Contact your local Forest Service office for more information.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.
    • BLM: Any Open OHV area or motorized trail is legal for e-bike use. Some non-motorized trails are also open for e-bikes if there is a written authorization from a BLM Manager.

• • Missouri – Yes. Must carry an operator’s license. Helmets are required.
    • State Parks: Electric bikes are permitted in state parks wherever traditional bicycles are allowed.
    • State Forests and Other State Lands: No current policy; contact your state agency.
    • National Forests: Potentially. Contact your local Forest Service office for more information.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.

• • Montana – Yes.
    • State Parks, State Forests, and Other State Lands: No current policy; contact your state agency.
    • National Forests: Potentially. Contact your local Forest Service office for more information.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.
    • BLM: Any Open OHV area or motorized trail is legal for e-bike use. Some non-motorized trails are also open for e-bikes if there is a written authorization from a BLM Manager.

• • Nebraska – Yes.
    • State Parks, State Forests, and Other State Lands: No current policy; contact your state agency.
    • National Forests: Potentially. Contact your local Forest Service office for more information.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.
    • BLM: Any Open OHV area or motorized trail is legal for e-bike use. Some non-motorized trails are also open for e-bikes if there is a written authorization from a BLM Manager.

• • Nevada – Yes.
    • State Parks, State Forests, and Other State Lands: Class 1 and 2 electric bikes are allowed wherever traditional bicycles are allowed.
    • National Forests: Potentially. Contact your local Forest Service office for more information.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.
    • BLM: Any Open OHV area or motorized trail is legal for e-bike use. Some non-motorized trails are also open for e-bikes if there is a written authorization from a BLM Manager.

• • New Hampshire – Yes.
    • State Parks, State Forests, and Other State Lands: Electric bikes are classified as motorized vehicles and are not allowed on non-motorized trails. Class 3 e-bikes are only allowed on roadways.
    • National Forests: Potentially. Contact your local Forest Service office for more information.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.

• • New Jersey – Yes.
    • State Parks, State Forests, and Other State Lands: The state only designates 2 classes of electric bikes, which are regulated the same as traditional bicycles and may be used anywhere traditional bicycles are allowed.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.

• • New Mexico – Yes.
    • State Parks, State Forests, and Other State Lands: No current policy; contact your state agency.
    • National Forests: Potentially. Contact your local Forest Service office for more information.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.
    • BLM: Any Open OHV area or motorized trail is legal for e-bike use. Some non-motorized trails are also open for e-bikes if there is a written authorization from a BLM Manager.

• • New York – Yes.
    • State Parks, State Forests, and Other State Lands: Electric bikes are designated as motorized vehicles, which must only be used on motorized trails.
    • National Forests: Potentially. Contact your local Forest Service office for more information.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.

• • North Carolina – Yes.
    • State Parks, State Forests, and Other State Lands: Electric bikes are allowed to access certain designated bicycle trails.
    • National Forests: Potentially. Contact your local Forest Service office for more information.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.
    • BLM: Any Open OHV area or motorized trail is legal for e-bike use. Some non-motorized trails are also open for e-bikes if there is a written authorization from a BLM Manager.

• • North Dakota – Yes.
    • State Parks, State Forests, and Other State Lands: Electric bikes are classified as “motorized bicycles” and are thus not allowed on non-motorized trails.
    • National Forests/Grasslands: Potentially. Contact your local Forest Service office for more information.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.

• • Ohio – Yes. Helmets are required for some users.
    • State Parks, State Forests, and Other State Lands: Electric bikes are allowed on some single-track mountain bike trails, but access is determined by the agency or authority with jurisdiction over the trail.
    • National Forests: Potentially. Contact your local Forest Service office for more information.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.

• • Oklahoma – Yes.
    • State Parks, State Forests, and Other State Lands: Electric bicycles are regulated like bicycles, but Class 3 electric bikes have further restrictions.
    • National Forests: Potentially. Contact your local Forest Service office for more information.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.
    • BLM: Any Open OHV area or motorized trail is legal for e-bike use. Some non-motorized trails are also open for e-bikes if there is a written authorization from a BLM Manager.

• • Oregon – Yes. 
    • State Parks, State Forests, and Other State Lands: E-bikes are not legal on most non-motorized trails.
    • National Forests: Potentially. Contact your local Forest Service office for more information.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.
    • BLM: Any Open OHV area or motorized trail is legal for e-bike use. Some non-motorized trails are also open for e-bikes if there is a written authorization from a BLM Manager.

• • Pennsylvania – Yes.
    • State Parks, State Forests, and Other State Lands: Class 1 electric bicycles may be used anywhere bicycles are allowed. Class 2 and 3 e-bikes are not allowed on trails and roads in state forests or parks.
    • National Forests: Potentially. Contact your local Forest Service office for more information.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.

• • Rhode Island – Yes.
    • State Parks, State Forests, and Other State Lands: Electric bikes are generally not allowed outside of motorized uses; contact your state agency.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.

• • South Carolina – Yes.
    • State Parks, State Forests, and Other State Lands: Depending on the power output of the e-bike, they are classified as either a vehicle or moped, with specific requirements.
    • National Forests: Potentially. Contact your local Forest Service office for more information.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.

• • South Dakota – Yes.
    • State Parks, State Forests, and Other State Lands: Class 1 and 2 electric bikes are allowed on multi-use paths where traditional bicycles are allowed, while Class 3 e-bikes are only allowed on the road or motorized trails.
    • National Forests: Potentially. Contact your local Forest Service office for more information.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.

• • Tennessee – Yes. Helmets are required for some users.
    • State Parks, State Forests, and Other State Lands: Class 1 and 2 electric bikes are allowed on paths or trails where traditional bicycles are allowed, while Class 3 e-bikes are only allowed on the road or motorized trails.
    • National Forests: Potentially. Contact your local Forest Service office for more information.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.

• • Texas – Yes.
    • State Parks, State Forests, and Other State Lands: Electric bicycles are regulated like traditional bicycles, and may generally be used anywhere traditional bicycles can be used, but it varies by jurisdiction.
    • National Forests: Potentially. Contact your local Forest Service office for more information.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.

• • Utah – Yes.
    • State Parks, State Forests, and Other State Lands: Electric bikes may be used on motorized trails where OHVs are allowed. Some non-motorized trails are also open to e-bikes, but it varies.
    • National Forests: Potentially. Contact your local Forest Service office for more information.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.
    • BLM: Any Open OHV area or motorized trail is legal for e-bike use. Some non-motorized trails are also open for e-bikes if there is a written authorization from a BLM Manager.

• • Vermont – Yes.
    • State Parks, State Forests, and Other State Lands: E-bikes are classified as motorized ATVs and may only use designated ATV trails.
    • National Forests: Potentially. Contact your local Forest Service office for more information.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.

• • Virginia – Yes.
    • State Parks, State Forests, and Other State Lands: No current policy; contact your state agency.
    • National Forests: Potentially. Contact your local Forest Service office for more information.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.

• • Washington – Yes.
    • State Parks, State Forests, and Other State Lands: Electric bikes are regulated like bicycles. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed on bike paths and improved trails, while Class 3 e-bikes are not. Electric bike use on single-track mountain bike trails is determined by the agency or authority with jurisdiction over the trail.
    • National Forests: Potentially. Contact your local Forest Service office for more information.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.
    • BLM: Any Open OHV area or motorized trail is legal for e-bike use. Some non-motorized trails are also open for e-bikes if there is a written authorization from a BLM Manager.

• • West Virginia – Yes. Helmets are required.
    • State Parks, State Forests, and Other State Lands: Class 1 e-bikes are allowed on public trails, while Class 3 e-bikes may only be allowed by certain jurisdictions.
    • National Forests: Potentially. Contact your local Forest Service office for more information.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.

• • Wisconsin – Yes.
    • • State Parks, State Forests, and Other State Lands: Generally allowed on all state trails, but jurisdictions can have different regulations.
      • National Forests: Potentially. Contact your local Forest Service office for more information.
      • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.

• • Wyoming – Yes.
    • State Parks, State Forests, and Other State Lands: Class 1 electric bikes are allowed on non-motorized trails that allow traditional bicycles.
    • National Forests: Potentially. Contact your local Forest Service office for more information.
    • Other Federal Lands: Most other federal lands are open to e-bikes.
    • BLM: Any Open OHV area or motorized trail is legal for e-bike use. Some non-motorized trails are also open for e-bikes if there is a written authorization from a BLM Manager.