Are E-Bikes Allowed in Yosemite National Park?
Updated: Sep 29
Yes. E-bikes are allowed in Yosemite National Park wherever traditional bicycles are allowed, including park roads and designated paved bike routes. Yosemite’s paved bike paths have a 15 mph speed limit, and e-bikes are not allowed in wilderness areas or places closed to bicycles. Here’s what to know before you ride.Yosemite. Here's what you need to know about e-biking in Yosemite National Park.
Yosemite's E-Bike Policy
In alignment with the National Park Service's (NPS) regulations effective December 2, 2020, Yosemite National Park permits using electric bicycles (e-bikes) in specific areas. According to the Superintendent's Compendium, e-bikes are allowed on park roads, parking areas, and certain designated routes where traditional bicycles are permitted. However, e-bikes are prohibited in designated wilderness areas and on trails that are not explicitly open to bicycles.
E-Bike Classifications
Yosemite recognizes three classes of e-bikes:
Class 1: Equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to assist at 20 mph.
Class 2: Equipped with a throttle-actuated motor that can propel the bike without pedaling, ceasing assistance at 20 mph.
Class 3: Equipped with a motor that assists only while pedaling and ceases at 28 mph.
It's essential to note that while e-bikes are allowed where traditional bikes are, using the electric motor to move an e-bike without pedaling is prohibited, except where motor vehicles are allowed.
Safety and Speed Regulations
For the safety of all visitors, Yosemite enforces a speed limit of 15 miles per hour on paved bike paths, regardless of the type of bicycle. Additionally, certain electric personal transportation devices, such as electric scooters and skateboards, are prohibited on all park roads and unpaved trails.
While e-biking offers a unique way to experience the beauty of Yosemite, it's worth noting that Yosemite E-Biking, outside Yosemite National Park. Yosemite E-Biking offers private guided e-bike tours—not standalone e-bike rentals—through the Sierra Foothills around Mariposa. Commercial guided bicycle tours are not authorized inside Yosemite National Park, so our rides explore the quieter foothill roads outside the park.Mariposa County, outside the national park boundaries. Our guided tours take you through the scenic Sierra foothills, rich with Gold Rush history and breathtaking landscapes. By choosing our tours, you can enjoy a memorable e-biking experience without the restrictions present within the national park.
Plan Your Adventure
For more information on Yosemite's e-bike policies, visit the National Park Service's official page.
Note: Regulations are subject to change. Always consult the latest park guidelines before planning your visit.
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