The Deschutes National Forest has signed the final decision on the Class 1, Pedal Assist E-bikes on Select Trails located on select, existing, natural surface trails and paved paths located near Bend, Sisters and Sunriver, Oregon.
Recognizing the growing interest in e-bikes on public lands, the Deschutes National Forest assessed how these bikes fit into existing recreational activities. The Forest gave thoughtful consideration of the ecological and social impacts of this decision balanced with providing increased access for class 1 e-bike users.
The final decision authorizes class 1, pedal assist e-bikes on approximately 161.4 miles of 67 existing soft-surface and paved path trails. Existing trails selected for the inclusion of class 1 pedal assist e-bikes are currently designed for bike use. Trails identified for class 1 pedal assist e-bikes adhere to Winter Range Closure Season prohibiting e-bike usage December 1, through March 31, in support of critical deer and elk habitat. Routes identified will open for e-bike use April 1, 2026.
Class 1, pedal assist e-bikes provide assistance only when the rider pedals. Assistance stops when the bike reaches 20 miles per hour. E-bikes that are modified and no longer fit the criteria described above are no longer considered class 1, pedal-assist e-bikes and therefore would not be authorized for use on trails.
Visitors can expect to see updated signage, including information on education and etiquette, as the decision is implemented in the spring. The Forest has conducted compliance monitoring prior to the decision and will continue monitoring to inform ongoing education efforts.
Project documents, including the signed Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), can be viewed on the Deschutes National Forest website here: fs.usda.gov/r06/deschutes/
To view an online project map, visit: usfs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/
About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology– and rooted in communities–the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.
