After Years of Banning Them, E-Bikes Are Finally Allowed at This Famous MTB Destination

Moab, Utah, has been one of the world's most popular destinations for mountain biking for as long as I can remember, and with the growing popularity of eMTBs, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has recently announced that over 200 miles of these world-class mountain bike trails will now be open to class-1 eMTB use - something that many will be rejoicing over, but its not without its issues. 

eMTBs on public lands are a contentious issue, and many will be disappointed to hear this news. However, many riders who require the assistance of a motorized mountain bike will now be able to experience the incredible trails without the worry of being prosecuted for their bike of choice. 

What is A Class 1 eMTB?

Class 1 e-bikes must have operable pedals, where power is only provided when the pedals are in use by the rider. Power is only provided up to 20 miles per hour. Non-motorized, mountain bike trails will remain closed to class 2 e-bikes with a throttle and class 3 e-bikes that provide power up to 28 miles per hour. 

The BLM will monitor these trail networks for public safety, visitor experience, and trail/resource impacts. The environmental assessment, finding of no significant impact, decision record, and other project-related documents, including an interactive map, are available online at the BLM NEPA register. 

For questions about trail access, visitors can contact the Moab Field Office.

The news was released yesterday in a press statement from the Bureau of Land Management, outlining which trails would now allow Class-1 eMTB access, which can be read below. 

The Bureau of Land Management officials have announced that they will open more than 200 miles of mountain bike trails around Moab to class 1 e-bikes, beginning March 1, 2026.  

“Opening trails to class 1 e-bike users will expand recreational opportunities and experiences, while allowing users to disperse across the landscape, minimizing impacts,” said Moab Field Office Manager Dave Pals. 

What Trails Are Open to eMTB Use in Moab?

• Athena Mountain Bike Trail  
• Horsethief Mountain Bike Trail System  
• Navajo Rocks Mountain Bike Trail System   
• Gemini Bridges Area Mountain Bike Trail System   
• 7-Up Mountain Bike Trail  
• Gold Bar Rim Mountain Bike Trail  
• Portal Mountain Bike Trail  
• Klondike Bluffs Mountain Bike Trail System  
• Baby Steps Mountain Bike Trail  
• Klonzo Mountain Bike Trail System  
• Moab Brands Mountain Bike Trail System  
• Amasa Back Mountain Bike Trail System  
• Jackson Mountain Bike Trail  
• Hunter Canyon Rim Mountain Bike Trail  
• Pipe Dream Mountain Bike Trail  
• Raptor Route Mountain Bike Trails: Hawks Glide, Falcon Flow, Kestrel Run  
• Kokopelli Mountain Bike Trail – 1.7 mile of non-motorized singletrack trail  

EMTB Restricted Trails in Moab, Utah

Although many trails are now open to class-1 eMTB use, there is still a selection of trails where e-bike use is restricted and is only accessible to regular mountain bikes.

The trails that will remain open to mountain bikes, but will not allow e-bikes are listed below.

• Lower Porcupine Singletrack (commonly referred to as LPS)
• Eagle Eye
• Porcupine Rim Singletrack
• Fisher Mesa
• Hidden Valley.