Electric/Pedal-Assist Bicycles

Currently, e-bikes are prohibited on almost all trails SMT stewards (Rainbow and Monarch Crest are the exceptions). Ultimately, land managers (U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, City of Salida) make the decisions about what uses are permitted on trails, and must go through the legally prescribed process to set those rules.

Salida Mountain Trails (SMT) supports expanding opportunities for Class 1, pedal-assist e-bikes on the trails we steward, and we are committed to working with land managers and our community to determine the right approach for our trails. 

We believe thoughtfully managed e-bike use makes our trails more inclusive for riders of all ages and abilities—including older adults, people with physical limitations, families, and those recovering from injury—while delivering significant health benefits, boosting local tourism and supporting Chaffee County’s economy.

SMT supports Class 1 e-bikes only (no throttle, motor stops assisting at 20 mph) with the expectation that all riders practice excellent trail etiquette: yielding to hikers/runners and horses, staying on designated trails and riding responsibly. By welcoming more e-bike riders, we ensure Salida’s trails remain vibrant, accessible and sustainable for everyone who loves recreating outdoors.

The best available research shows Class 1 e-bikes have no significant difference in soil erosion or trail impact compared to traditional mountain bikes—trail sustainability depends far more on design, maintenance, and rider behavior than bike type. (For data, see this study from IMBA.)

Our sustainably built trails are designed to handle this growing use. 

In 2022, SMT launched a survey to gauge public opinion about ebikes on our trails. In it, 80% of respondents said ebikes should be allowed on at least some trails we manage, and another 10% said they should be allowed on all SMT trails. Since then, ebikes have only become more prevalent. 

Ultimately, land managers (U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management) make the decisions about what uses are permitted on trails, and must go through the legally prescribed process to set those rules. SMT has been active in e-bike discussions as part of the Chaffee County Trails and Conservation Plan, which is expected to wrap up in Summer 2026. We’ll share more details once the plan is finalized and we have more clarity about next steps.

Stay tuned, and thanks for supporting SMT.