E-bikes on Adirondack & Catskill Forest Preserve and State Forests
Capital Region, Adirondacks & North Country, New York · Multiple · Managed by NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
🟡 Only on routes open to motor vehicles
Last checked:
Which classes: Only on DEC public roads not posted closed; no e-bikes on trails or off-road.
The rules
On Forest Preserve, state forests, multiple use and unique areas, e-bikes may use DEC public roads unless posted closed. All off-road use, including trails, is prohibited. The Adirondack Rail Trail is the exception (Class 1 only).
What the official source says:
Off-road use (including trails, roads, or terrain other than a public road or parking area) of E-bikes is prohibited.
Source: NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
📞 Call ahead: 518-897-1200 (DEC Region 5; other regions differ) (rules and closures change)
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.
- Cygolite Metro Plus 800 headlight800-lumen USB-rechargeable headlight for dusk rides and tunnels.
- Lumos Ultra E-Bike helmetNTA 8776-certified for e-bike speeds, with built-in front, rear and turn-signal lights.
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New York's e-bike classes
New York has Class 1 (pedal-assist to 20 mph) and Class 2 (throttle, cuts out at 20 mph) statewide. Class 3 (throttle allowed, cuts out at 25 mph) exists only in cities of 1 million or more, which means New York City. New York 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
- Empire State Trail 🟢 Class 1 & 2 onlyEmpire State Development with NYS Parks, NYS Canal Corporation and local owners
- Champlain Canalway Trail 🟢 Class 1 & 2 onlyNYS Canal Corporation
- Adirondack Rail Trail 🟠 Class 1 onlyNYS Department of Environmental Conservation