eBikes on WAMBA Trails

Great news! Class 1 eBikes are permitted (and have always been welcomed) on all sanctioned WAMBA trails. Class 2 and 3 e-bikes are only permitted for adaptive mountain bikes. At WAMBA, we value the role that eMTBs play in creating more access for more riders.

What is an E-Bike?

By the existing federal definition, e-bikes are two or three-wheeled cycles with fully operable pedals and an electric motor assist of no more than 750 watts (also known as 1 horsepower). For those familiar with wattage, that figure is a bit misleading, as it is peak power output – almost all modern eMTBs have a nominal power output of 250 watts.

There are 3 primary classes of eMTBs: Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3.  Class 1 e-bikes have an electric assist that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour, and the electric motor works only when the rider is pedaling (referred to as “pedal-assist”). Class 2 e-bikes are also limited to a top assisted speed of 20 miles per hour but include both pedal-assist and a throttle that can be used without pedaling. Class 3 bikes have an electric assist limited to 28 miles per hour and are also pedal-assist.

When we refer to eMTBs, we typically are talking about Class 1, pedal-assist mountain bikes, and not throttled bicycles of any kind. All eMTBs presently produced by major bicycle companies in the US are Class 1.

More Information

To learn more about eBikes, their safety and where they are or aren’t permitted across Vermont, check out the VMBA’s eBIke FAQ and their searchable Plan Your Ride database to find other networks that permit eMTBs.