Big news for mountain bikers visiting Moab, Utah: starting March 1, 2026, Class 1 e-bikes will be allowed on many trails previously designated non-motorized by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). This opens over 200 miles of singletrack, giving riders the chance to climb farther, ride longer, and experience Moab’s iconic sandstone, slickrock, and technical terrain with the added advantage of pedal assist.

Whether you’re a local rider or visiting from out of town, this change makes Moab more accessible and fun for a wide range of abilities.

What Class 1 E-Bike Access Means for Moab Riders

Class 1 e-bikes are pedal-assist only, with assistance cutting off at 20 mph. They are now allowed on many trails that were previously limited to traditional mountain bikes and hikers. Key benefits for riders include:

• Easier climbs on punchy sandstone ledges and technical sections
• The ability to ride longer loops and more trails in a day
• More inclusive riding for groups with mixed skill or fitness levels

Responsible riding is still critical. Stay on established trails, avoid wet conditions, and dismount if traction is lost to protect Moab’s delicate desert ecosystem.

Trails Open to Class 1 E-Bikes in Moab

According to the BLM Moab Field Office, the following trails will be open to Class 1 e-bikes starting March 1, 2026:

Open Trails:

• 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 miles of singletrack)

Trails Remaining Closed to E-Bikes:

• Lower Porcupine Singletrack (LPS)
• Eagle Eye
• Porcupine Rim Singletrack
• Fisher Mesa
• Hidden Valley
• and National Forest Non-motorized Trails

For a full interactive map and project details, visit the BLM NEPA Register: BLM Moab E-Bike Map.

To plan your rides and check real-time trail conditions, we recommend Trailforks Moab maps: Moab Trailforks.

Best E-Bikes for Moab Trails in 2026

With expanded e-bike access, having the right machine can transform your ride. Two standout Class 1 e-bikes for Moab terrain are the Specialized Turbo Levo Gen 4 and the Norco Sight VLT CX Gen 4. Both have received excellent reviews and offer the performance and handling required for Moab’s challenging trails.

Specialized Turbo Levo Gen 4

The Turbo Levo Gen 4 continues to dominate reviews as one of the best all-around electric mountain bikes. Known for its refined ride feel, smooth power delivery, and versatile handling, it’s ideal for Moab’s technical desert terrain.

Why it’s perfect for Moab:

• Smooth, natural pedal assist that feels like “you, but stronger,” with intuitive power for technical climbs
• Excellent traction management on steep sandstone and slickrock features
• Long-range battery options for extended rides on big loops and backcountry trails
• Confident, balanced geometry for high-speed desert descents
• Refined, quiet ride quality that makes long, mixed-technical rides enjoyable and less fatiguing

Reviewers from Bicycling.com highlight the Levo Gen 4’s predictable motor engagement, natural handling, and overall trail versatility—making it a top pick for technical climbs like Porcupine Rim or Captain Ahab. For riders seeking one of the best e-bikes for Moab slickrock, the Turbo Levo Gen 4 is hard to beat.

Norco Sight VLT CX Gen 4

The Norco Sight VLT CX Gen 4 is built for aggressive terrain and long days. Known for its stability and power, this bike thrives in rough desert conditions. Compared to previous generations, the Gen 4 feels more lively and responsive while still maintaining the planted confidence riders expect from a full-power e-MTB.

Why Moab riders love it:

• Powerful Bosch Performance Line CX motor for punchy ledge climbs
• Stable, planted feel in chunky rock gardens
• More lively and responsive handling than earlier versions without sacrificing control
• Excellent suspension platform for repeated big hits
• Balanced geometry for technical climbing and descending

Industry reviews highlight the Sight VLT’s ability to stay composed on rough terrain while remaining efficient on climbs. Its lighter, more energetic chassis improves handling on rolling slickrock and technical transitions. For riders who push hard downhill and want maximum confidence on Moab’s technical descents, the Sight VLT CX is a standout choice.

Plan Your Moab E-Bike Adventure

With Class 1 e-bike access expanding, now is the perfect time to plan your Moab trip. March through May and September through October are prime riding seasons. Pair your ride with:

• Moab e-bike rentals and guided tours
• Trail planning using Trailforks maps, and our paper MTA Trail maps that support the trails
• Shuttles for big loops like the Whole Enchilada

With the right e-MTB, trails, and planning, you can experience Moab in a whole new way. The Specialized Turbo Levo Gen 4 and Norco Sight VLT CX Gen 4 make riding more accessible, more fun, and more capable than ever.

Plan your rental today: Book your Moab e-bike here.