The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is asking for public feedback on a new proposal that could open up more public lands in southern Utah to certain electric bikes—specifically, Class 1 e-bikes—on mountain bike trails. BLM e-bike comments are now open.
BLM e-bike comments for six Utah trail systems
If approved, the plan would allow these pedal-assist e-bikes on six trail systems in Iron and Beaver counties:
- Beaver Bench
- Evil Water
- Iron Hills
- Three Peaks Mountain Bike Area
- Thunderbird Canyons
- The proposed Enoch Bench system
The proposal also says that any new trails added to these systems in the future would also allow Class 1 e-bikes—though entirely new trail systems would still need their own review and public comment process.
What exactly is a Class 1 e-bike?
So what counts as a Class 1 e-bike? These bikes only work when you’re pedaling, have no throttle, and won’t assist you past 20 miles per hour. They’re different from other electric bikes that include throttles or go faster.
The BLM says it understands how popular e-bikes have become, especially for people looking to enjoy public lands without overexerting themselves. The agency wants to support outdoor fun while still protecting the land. This proposal weighs both the benefits and the potential environmental impacts of e-bike use on these trails.
The public comment period runs from June 16 to July 16, 2025. You can review the full draft, trail maps, and learn how to submit your thoughts by visiting the BLM’s National NEPA Register online.
Got more questions? You can also call the Cedar City Field Office at 435-865-3000 and ask for the Outdoor Recreation Planner.
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RVT1214b
Thank you for sharing BLM’s notice, Russ and Tina! I look forward to seeing how this ends. Have a great weekend and safe travels!
I think we have allowed enough uncaring humans to tear up public lands. It would be different if they actually cared about what they do out of respect to others, but most don’t. It’s only all about them
I live in one of the counties mentioned and have hiked on most of the trails being considered. No one is going fast on any of them as most of them are very technical mountain bike trails. I’ve also been on the paved trails in the area and even thought there are 15mph signs everywhere, the serious road bikers on regular bikes fly down the trails at 25-30 mph. I’ve never been almost run over by an ebiker as they are mostly like me, older, wiser and slower.
Don’t make the mistake, our state has, by not regulating bicycles in general. Many of our wildlife areas have roads like the one pictured above with the person riding their e-bike. Fine and dandy, as we have ridden our mountain bikes on them a lot. However, the Mt Bike community for some reason are never satisfied riding on these roads and now this wildlife land is crisscrossed with numerous trails cutting by the Mt Bikers. These trails are everywhere, destroying the wildlife habitat.
I am trying to get our Fish & Wildlife Dept to close the trails and restrict them to the road, much like they do with other wheeled vehicles.
You are warned!