E-bikes on Tahoe National Forest trails
Sierra Nevada, Lake Tahoe & Northeast, California · Sierra, Nevada, Placer · Managed by USDA Forest Service - Tahoe National Forest
🟡 Only on routes open to motor vehicles
Last checked:
Which classes: Class 1 on roads/trails open to motor vehicles plus 35 miles of designated Class 1 singletrack
The rules
E-bikes may use roads and trails designated for motor vehicles on the Motor Vehicle Use Map. The forest has also opened about 35 miles of non-motorized singletrack to Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes; check the map for which trails.
What the official source says:
Class 1 e-bike use on the Tahoe National Forest is permitted on roads and trails designated for motor vehicle use, as reflected on a Motor Vehicle Use Map .
Source: USDA Forest Service - Tahoe National Forest
📞 Call ahead: 530-265-4531 (rules and closures change)
natural
Gear for this ride
- Thule EasyFold XT 2 hitch rackFolding 2-bike hitch rack rated for 65 lb per bike — enough for most e-bikes. Check your bike's weight first.
- Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Mini U-lockKryptonite's top-rated U-lock, Sold Secure Gold, for trailheads and town stops.
- Dynaplug Racer Pro tire plug kitFixes tubeless punctures on the trail with preloaded plugs.
- Topeak Mini Morph pumpFrame-mounted mini pump that fits both Presta and Schrader valves.
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California's e-bike classes
California has three e-bike classes: Class 1 (pedal-assist to 20 mph), Class 2 (throttle, cuts out at 20 mph) and Class 3 (pedal-assist to 28 mph, with a speedometer). All three need working pedals and a motor under 750 watts. California e-bike laws →
Not sure which class you have? E-bike classes explained →
Did this rule change, or is something here wrong? Tell us and we'll re-check it against the official source.
Nearby trails
- Lake Tahoe Basin trails (Tahoe Rim Trail, Flume Trail, Corral, etc.) 🟡 Motorized routes onlyUSDA Forest Service - Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
- Mammoth Lakes area trails (Inyo National Forest) 🟡 Motorized routes onlyUSDA Forest Service - Inyo National Forest
- Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail ❔ Call firstBureau of Land Management - Eagle Lake Field Office (west end: Lassen National Forest)