Moab E Bike Rules: The Complete Guide for Riding Legally and Responsibly

Moab is one of the most iconic cycling destinations in the United States, and electric bikes have become an increasingly popular way to explore the surrounding desert landscapes. With this growth in interest comes a clear need to understand Moab e bike rules so that visitors can plan their rides safely and responsibly.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Moab e bike regulations, where e bikes are allowed, where they are not permitted, and how these rules vary among the different public lands that surround Moab. Whether you are planning your first trip or returning for another red rock adventure, this article will help you enjoy Moab in a way that respects both the land and the law.

---

Why Moab E Bike Rules Are Important

Electric bikes occupy a unique place in public land management. Although they are bicycles in appearance and function, the presence of a motor places them in a separate category under most federal regulations.

Because Moab is surrounded by a patchwork of Bureau of Land Management districts, national parks, state land, and local pathways, e bike regulations can feel confusing at first glance. Rules differ from one agency to another, and what is allowed in one area may be prohibited just a few minutes away.

Understanding these rules ensures a smooth experience, avoids conflicts with land managers, and protects the fragile desert environment that makes Moab so extraordinary.

---

Key Principle of Moab E Bike Regulations

Nearly all agencies in the Moab region follow one central principle.

Electric bikes are allowed anywhere motorized travel is allowed. 

This distinction is the foundation of every local rule. Once you understand this, the rest of the regulations fall naturally into place.

---

Where E Bikes Are Allowed in Moab

Paved Multi Use Paths in the Moab Area

Electric bikes are fully permitted on all paved recreation paths in and around Moab. These paths provide safe and scenic travel between campgrounds, trailheads, river corridors, and overlooks. They are ideal for visitors who want a relaxed ride without entering more technical terrain.

The primary paved paths include:

Moab Canyon Pathway
Colorado River Pathway
Mill Creek Parkway
Other paved shared use paths maintained by the city and county

These routes offer smooth surfaces, wide corridors, and easy access to major recreation hubs.

---

Motorized Routes on Bureau of Land Management Land

Most of the Moab region is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. On BLM land, all electric bikes are treated as motorized vehicles. That means they are allowed on all motorized roads and motorized routes, including many of the popular scenic drives and four wheel drive roads.

Examples of motorized routes where e bikes are permitted include:

Shafer Trail
Hurrah Pass Road
Gemini Bridges Road
Kane Creek Road
Onion Creek Road
Sand Flats Road

These roads offer remarkable access to canyon overlooks, desert mesas, and wide open views without entering prohibited singletrack terrain.

---

Where E Bikes Are Allowed in Moab

Non Motorized Singletrack Trails

Most of Moab’s well known mountain bike networks are officially designated as non motorized. This means electric bikes are not legal on SOME these trails, regardless of class or power level.

Recently, the Bureau of Land Management in Moab opened the following trails to class 1 -ebike users. Class 1 e-bikes have operable pedals, and power is only provides pedal power. This means you only move whenpeddaling, and onmce a speed of 20 mph is attained the pedal assist stops. All non-motorized mountain bike trails remain closed to class 2 e-bikes operated with a throttle and class 3 e-bikes which provide pedal assistance up to 28mph.

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 

If you have any questions contact the Moab BLM Field Office

---

Arches National Park

Arches National Park does not allow electric bikes on any unpaved trails. Electric bikes are permitted only on paved roads and paved areas where traditional bicycles are also allowed.

This includes the main scenic drive but excludes all natural surface trails.

---

Canyonlands National Park

Electric bikes in Canyonlands follow the same regulations as Arches. They are allowed on all paved roads and the paved scenic drive, but not on any unpaved trails or routes designated as non motorized.

---

Understanding Utah State Electric Bike Regulations

Utah state law classifies electric bikes into three primary categories based on speed and functionality. While these categories are important in many urban and recreational settings, they do not override federal land management rules in Moab.

This means that even a low power class one pedal assist bike cannot be used on non motorized trails if the land manager prohibits motorized use.

---

Planning an E Bike Ride in Moab

When planning a ride with an electric bike, consider the following questions to ensure your route is legal and appropriate for conditions.

Is the trail or road designated as motorized
Is the surface paved or natural
Does the managing agency allow e bikes on this route
Is the route connected to any restricted areas

A few minutes of checking maps or signage at the trailhead can prevent an accidental violation.

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Riders unfamiliar with the Moab area often make the same understandable mistakes. A few of the most frequent are listed below.

Assuming a bike trail permits all bicycles
Following mountain bike groups onto singletrack without checking signage
Entering national park trails with an e bike
Confusing a motorized jeep route with a non motorized bike trail
Riding on slickrock without verifying whether the trail is designated for bike use or motorized use

Moab’s terrain often looks open and inviting, but staying on designated routes protects the landscape and avoids penalties.

---

Tips for Choosing the Right E Bike Route

Moab offers outstanding experiences for electric bikes when riders choose routes designed for motorized travel or paved use. Here are some locally informed considerations to help you select the right destination.

Paved paths are excellent for relaxed rides and scenic viewpoints
Motorized roads allow access to dramatic canyon scenery and backcountry landscapes
Consider the length and elevation of your chosen route to match your battery range
Always carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months
Check the weather before committing to long desert routes

These guidelines help ensure you have a comfortable and responsible ride.

---

Electric bikes offer a rewarding way to explore the desert around Moab when used in accordance with land management rules. By focusing on paved paths, motorized routes, and designated roadways, riders can enjoy incredible scenery while respecting the regulations that protect this unique environment.

When visitors understand Moab e bike laws clearly, the result is better safety, better stewardship, and a more enjoyable experience for everyone who shares the trail.