Access for electric mountain bikes (eMTBs), or more specifically, Class-1 pedal-assist electric mountain bikes, remains a hot topic as of today.

Many of our area’s singletrack trails are managed as open to “non-motorized use” only, limiting where eMTBs (with their small electric motors) can be used. As clear signage may not be present, please research trails (using MTBproject.com and other map sources) to ensure you are riding routes that are legal and open to your type of bicycle.

Areas and routes open to eMTB access in our region include trails managed by the City of Glenwood Springs, the trail system at Colorado Mountain College’s Spring Valley Campus, many doubletrack roads + some singletrack on the BLM Crown area, and many dirt roads + some singletrack on the White River National Forest.  For more details on these routes, check out this page.

RFMBA supports IMBA’s policy on this topic which can be summarized as follows:

  • eMTB’s should be managed as distinct from traditional bikes.
  • eMTB’s are available in three distinct classes, and should be managed as such when deciding which class of eMTB can or can’t access particular trails.
  • Access to trails for traditional mountain bikes is critical to our sport; management of eMTB’s on these same trails must not lead to threats to traditional mountain bike access.
  • Each public land manager should undertake an open public process to decide where eMTB access should be allowed (on a trail by trail or area by area basis).  Local mountain bike advocacy groups’ views should be taken into consideration in those public processes.
  • Trail access for Class 1 eMTB’s, which provide unique characteristics, can be supported on shared use trails as long as access is not lost or impeded for traditional mountain bikes. Class 1 technology is pedal assist only, up to 20mph, no push button throttle.

RFMBA acknowledges that Class 1 eMTB’s can have positive benefits for certain users.
When following traditional trail etiquette, Class 1 eMTB users can coexist on shared use trails with limited additional impact compared to traditional mountain bikes.  RFMBA recommends judicious use of this technology; in particular, we encourage younger riders to enjoy the life long benefits and joys of traditional mountain bikes before seeking out Class 1 eMTB experiences.  We understand the benefits that Class 1 eMTB’s can provide for those who are seeking improved health and exercise through pedal assist technology.  At the same time, we believe that it is OK to have mountain bike trails where Class 1 eMTB access remains prohibited.  For example, a directional trail that is primarily used by mountain bikers would be a better location for public land managers to allow Class 1 eMTB access, compared to a high-use two-way trail where a majority of users are hikers, runners, and dog walkers.

What does the future hold for additional eMTB access in this region?
While we’ve seen increased access on some trail systems over recent years, it’s going to take time for area land managers to evolve current management for existing trails. Current prohibitions on eMTB’s are likely to remain in place for a quite a while, if not permanently in some areas. Regardless, we welcome feedback from our current members and partners on this complex topic.  We’ll be sure to let our membership know when public comment or feedback is requested by local land managers, and we’ll update this page as management decisions are made that change access allowance for eMTBs. 

BLM now accepting requests for individual eMTB access. 
In late 2023, the Bureau of Land Management issued IB 2023-050, and related document IM 2023-051 This information bulletin is in regards to “Considering and Authorizing Reasonable Modification Requests for Use of E-bikes on Non-Motorized Bicycle Trails”.   In short, a rider can contact the local BLM field office with a request to ride an eMTB on specific trail systems over the course of a specific year.  BLM staff will evaluate the request, responding with an approval or denial for the individual rider to use an eMTB where it’s otherwise not currently allowed.   On the page for IB 2023-050, there is a linked template called IB-2023-050 att2, this word document includes 4 types of information the BLM may request you provide to evaluate the request.  In our region, the BLM manages the Crown SRMA trails, the Lorax Trail, the New Castle ERMA trails, as well as a few other trails and areas.

If an official form becomes available for filing this request, we’ll post it here.  In the meantime, to make a request, contact Alan Czepinski, Outdoor Recreation Planner for the BLM’s Colorado River Valley Field Office, at: aczepinski @ blm.gov or 970-319-7965.


BLM Colorado River Valley Field Office announces process to evaluate increased access for eMTB on Designated Mountain Bike Trails. 
In late February of 2026, the BLM’s CRVFO opened up new project, seeking public comments for the proposal to allow Class 1 e-bikes on Designated Mountain Bike Trails project. Comments will be accepted from February 23, 2026 through March 25, 2026 for a 30-day public scoping period.  Learn more about the process and how to comment on this page, and check back as we’ll update this page as the process continues.

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