E-BIKING IN CENTRAL OREGON
Riding e-bikes in Central Oregon is pretty amazing. With epic views of the Three Sisters, Mt. Bachelor, and the high desert landscape, there’s so much to see and explore.
E-bikes are relatively new to the Central Oregon cycling landscape and while they’re welcome on any road or motorized trail, they’re not currently allowed on the non-motorized mountain bike trails in Phil’s Trail Complex or other popular single-track mountain biking trails in Bend.
Class 1 E-bikes are allowed in Madras at the East Hills Trail Complex and the trails include:
- Bridge to Nowhere
- NTN Drop Line
- Coyote Run
- Galyen Stallion
- Gut Punch
- Home Run
- Leap of Faith
- Peek A Boo – Berm Mountain
Here is a link to Bend Trails website, where you will find a map of the complex and trail descriptions.
Specialized Levo e-MTB at Skyline Forest in Bend, Oregon where motorized vehicles are allowed. Photo: The Loam Wolf
E-MOUNTAIN BIKING RULES
The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) set the rules that e-bikes are NOT allowed on USFS and BLM lands. Specifically, singletrack trails designated for non-motorized use. These include Phil’s Trail Complex, Wanoga Complex, Swampy’s, Dutchman, Horse Butte, Maston, Peterson Ridge and those in the high country.
BLM RULES UPDATE: September 29, 2019
On August 29, 2019, BLM handed down a rule allowing e-bikes on BLM lands. However, there will be a process for implementing this new rule, including a 30 day public comment period, and other administrative steps. Until we hear otherwise, e-bikes are still not allowed on BLM lands designated as Limited or Closed to motorized vehicles. We will update you as soon as we know more.
Documentation:
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Ruling August 29, 2019
- eBike Briefing Paper - U.S. Forest Service (USFS)
- eBikes Reminder - Deschutes National Forest
- eBike Etiquette Guidelines - People for Bikes
OREGON PARKS E-BIKE RULES
Electric assisted bicycles (e-bikes) are subject to the same trail and pathway rules and regulations as bicycles without an electric assist motor. They must also adhere to the following:
- Have wheels in contact with the ground and include a seat or a saddle
- Have no more than three wheels
- Have pedals to assist as well as an electric motor
- Go no faster than 20 mph
- Have a power output of no more than 1,000 watts
- May not ride on sidewalks
- Youth under 16 must wear a helmet
Source: Oregon Law ORS 801.258
E-BIKE RIDING ROUTES
