Anyone else hunting with an E-Bike this year?

[Lowg08]

This is best I’ve been able to find. Along with talking to rangers. Basically my understanding is don’t be on hike only trails. In NC it can’t be over 750 w

 

[Lowg08]

https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/regulations-policies

 

[Lowg08]

Our ranger said do not be on a hiking trail. He would write me a ticket. For example if your at a gate that has a hiker/bike/ horse symbol your good but if the gate has a hike only. Your not good. Don’t be off road riding

 

[Lowg08]

https://www.fs.usda.gov/features/e-bikes-bring-new-users-national-forests-grasslands

 

[Apex7]

I have a Rambo bike. To meet the requirement here in PA, you have to take off the thumb throttle switch. Then it is a Class 1 as long as it's 750 w, only going up to 20 MPH, powered by the pedals.

In PA a class 2 is not considered a motorized vehicle as long as it is 750 watt and max speed 20 miles per hour.

 

[2Sloe]

This is best I’ve been able to find. Along with talking to rangers. Basically my understanding is don’t be on hike only trails. In NC it can’t be over 750 w

The article that you cited only continues the current policy, which I don’t view as a particular advantage given that you are limited to trails/roads that are already motorized and you could drive your ATV or Truck down those same trails/roads. Or am I reading it wrong? Maybe some of those “motorized” trails prohibit ATV use and only allow Ebikes?

“The Forest Service currently allows e-bikes on all Forest Service roads that are already open to motorized vehicles, as well on 60,000 miles of motorized trails, which represent 38% of all trails the agency manages. Today’s finalized guidance allows e-bikes to continue to operate on currently-authorized roads and trails,”

 

[Lowg08]

The article that you cited only continues the current policy, which I don’t view as a particular advantage given that you are limited to trails/roads that are already motorized and you could drive your ATV or Truck down those same trails/roads. Or am I reading it wrong? Maybe some of those “motorized” trails prohibit ATV use and only allow Ebikes?

“The Forest Service currently allows e-bikes on all Forest Service roads that are already open to motorized vehicles, as well on 60,000 miles of motorized trails, which represent 38% of all trails the agency manages. Today’s finalized guidance allows e-bikes to continue to operate on currently-authorized roads and trails,”

If you look at the other links I posted it clarifies them. Ok for example. We have gated roads that are gravel or kept roads. Labeled example FS1234 it will designate if it’s hike only by having a hiker symbol or hike bike and horse. These certain roads will have a bike symbol on them. It does have roads that are permitted for side by sides and atv so the e bikes are allowed more places than cars, or atv. Some of the links and articles clarify when and where

 

[Lowg08]

Red is hike/bike/ horse. Blue is cat side by side. Yellow is hike only if that makes sense.

 

[2Sloe]

View attachment 69045
Red is hike/bike/ horse. Blue is cat side by side. Yellow is hike only if that makes sense.

Yeah, I was thinking that it had to be that some “motorized“ trails were limited to bikes or Ebikes.

 

[Lowg08]

Yeah, I was thinking that it had to be that some “motorized“ trails were limited to bikes or Ebikes.

It is not as black and white as it should be or I wish it was. When I broke my leg I had to really research them or it was none to very limited hunting this year. It’s actually going to open up some areas I’m not able to do with my limited time off

 

[Aeds151]

The article that you cited only continues the current policy, which I don’t view as a particular advantage given that you are limited to trails/roads that are already motorized and you could drive your ATV or Truck down those same trails/roads. Or am I reading it wrong? Maybe some of those “motorized” trails prohibit ATV use and only allow Ebikes?

“The Forest Service currently allows e-bikes on all Forest Service roads that are already open to motorized vehicles, as well on 60,000 miles of motorized trails, which represent 38% of all trails the agency manages. Today’s finalized guidance allows e-bikes to continue to operate on currently-authorized roads and trails,”

Once again, yes, the USFS considers “E-Bikes” a motorized vehicle and always will, because they are. The only difference the fs sees is width. Some trails have sub 40” wide rules (single track only). Other than that, your $4500 “EBike” will get you to the same area on NFSL’s as my Ram 1500 4x4 will legally.


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[Lowg08]

Once again, yes, the USFS considers “E-Bikes” a motorized vehicle and always will, because they are. The only difference the fs sees is width. Some trails have sub 40” wide rules (single track only). Other than that, your $4500 “EBike” will get you to the same area on NFSL’s as my Ram 1500 4x4 will legally.


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That is not correct according to the rangers. There are many roads that are maintained but not allowed for standard vehicles. I have a list by name and FS numbering I can be in in my hunting area but 750w is not considered a motorized vehicle. 750w and below. I have went through pain staking hours to make sure I can hunt this year after a broken leg. I never spent 4500 I don’t have that in both of mine.

 

[luv2bowhunt]

In PA a class 2 is not considered a motorized vehicle as long as it is 750 watt and max speed 20 miles per hour.

Yes, but in the State Forest they only allow Class 1 ebikes. It's posted clearly on the website for each State Forest.

 

[Lowg08]

USFS, state forest and gamelands are three different areas. So the rules will be different. For example DuPont state forest is no e-bikes at all. Lickstone rd is e-bike permitted on the road and also past the gate on the maintained road. Gamelands is 750w and under are permitted. E-bikes are in classes now and not categorized as motorized. Thus the chart in one of the links I shared has the USFS chart they are making decisions on. Maybe it’s different in other sections of USFS but there are maintained roads that are always gated here. Which provides tons of access but not for vehicles. Yellow gap rd is gated from the horse camp to north mills river campground. An e bike can be used there and the other 5 gated roads that take off of it. When it turns to single trail or the hike only symbol. You have to park it.

 

[Aeds151]

That is not correct according to the rangers. There are many roads that are maintained but not allowed for standard vehicles. I have a list by name and FS numbering I can be in in my hunting area but 750w is not considered a motorized vehicle. 750w and below. I have went through pain staking hours to make sure I can hunt this year after a broken leg. I never spent 4500 I don’t have that in both of mine.

Link those Title 36 CFR’s please
Then again, i dont know if you are who all else knows the difference in state forest, usfs, city parks etc.

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[Lowg08]

Link those Title 36 CFR’s please
Then again, i dont know if you are who all else knows the difference in state forest, usfs, city parks etc.

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Don’t go after my knowledge of what I’m talking about. I won’t argue unless I’m right. If you read above I already have named roads and state forest. Yes I know the difference I’ve spent that last 7 weeks working in this. Why would I link the roads management rules and policy when you can look it up too.

 

[dalton916]

And don’t forget to have a white light visible from 500’ on the front of your bike and a red light visible from 200’ on the rear of your bike between sunrise and sunset while riding on roads open to motorized traffic.

 

[Aeds151]

Don’t go after my knowledge of what I’m talking about. I won’t argue unless I’m right. If you read above I already have named roads and state forest. Yes I know the difference I’ve spent that last 7 weeks working in this. Why would I link the roads management rules and policy when you can look it up too.

That road looks walkable. Careful crossing that railroad track on bike in dark. Best of luck this season.


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[Lowg08]

And don’t forget to have a white light visible from 500’ on the front of your bike and a red light visible from 200’ on the rear of your bike between sunrise and sunset while riding on roads on to motorized traffic.

That road looks walkable. Careful crossing that railroad track on bike in dark. Best of luck this season.


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To bad there is no railroad in these places mentioned above. I have already walked all of them. I grew up here. Lastly. As much as I have annoyed the rangers here. I am waiting a call back from the NC supervisor just to have definite finite conformation. I’m ok in my mind but I’d rather others not miss out on use or be in trouble for bad info. So I’ll report back. The picture I posted is no where near where I hunt. Just for illustration

 

[Aeds151]

To bad there is no railroad in these places mentioned above. I have already walked all of them. I grew up here. Lastly. As much as I have annoyed the rangers here. I am waiting a call back from the NC supervisor just to have definite finite conformation. I’m ok in my mind but I’d rather others not miss out on use or be in trouble for bad info. So I’ll report back. The picture I posted is no where near where I hunt. Just for illustration

Croatan, uwarrie, pisgah or nantahalla?


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