Motorized Vehicles
Currently, Washoe county does not have any designated motorized trails. But do not fret moto-loving Nevadans, here are some motorized trails nearby:
E-Bikes
Different E-Bikes Classes
Class 1
Class 1 E-bikes are ”pedal assisted” electric bikes providing assistance to up to 20mph while the rider is pedaling. This class of E-bike does not have a throttle and only provides aid while the operator is manually peddling the bike.
Class 2
Class 2 E-bikes assists in two ways. Firstly, the electric motor provides assistance when the rider is pedaling, just like a Class I E-bike. Secondly, Class II E-bikes possess a throttle, which allows the rider to accelerate without pedaling.
Class 3
Class 3 E-bikes are similar to class 2 E-bike but are more powerful providing pedal assistance of up to 28mph but still only 20mph using the throttle.
For additional information regarding E-bike classifications, follow this link to Trails are Common Ground.
E-bike etiquette
Get off trail when working on your bike or eating
The time always comes where you will need to take a break. Weather it is to replace your flat tire, take a look at your trail map, or if you just need to grab a snack from your backpack. When doing so, take a step off of the trail to allow other trail users to flow freely. This will eliminate trail congestion and the potential for a collision to occur.
Passing
Be courteous and ask first before passing. Others might be huffing and puffing their way up the trail and are not ready for someone to pass them at speeds e-bikes poses. Announce yourself and kindly ask if you may pass. When you do pass, do so at a reasonable speed.
Downhill
When starting your decent give others space and announce yourself. Make an effort to coordinate with each other as to how you can pass in a safe manor. Additionally, if you are coming up to a blind corner, decrease your speed. You may know your local trails but others might not.
Cutting the trail
Do not cut the trail in order to pass a biker or rider. Instead, communicate that you are there and ask to pass. When the trail is open you can then pass that trail user.
E-bike management matrix equivalent
See how other local land managment agencys are approaching E-Bike use and access.
|
Land Manager |
Current Policy |
Management Strategy |
Issues |
Notes |
|
United States Forest Service (USFS) |
No e-bikes on trails; allowed on roads; Truckee and Carson District approved e-bike use on 35 miles of singletrack trail |
Signage, web, word of mouth; no enforcement other than verbal notice |
Poachers; no enforcement; controversy |
USFS re-evaluating regulation and management strategies; Tahoe Forest is a pilot forest area under e-bike evaluation |
|
Nevada State Parks |
E-bikes are allowed on all trails where traditional mountain bikes are allowed |
Signage, web |
None |
|
|
Washoe County Parks and Open Space |
No e-bikes on non-authorized trails; allowed on designated trails and dirt roads |
Signage |
None |
No issues yet |
|
Lake Mead National Recreation Area |
E-bikes are allowed in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area where traditional bicycles are allowed. |
Signage |
None |
E-bikes are prohibited where traditional bicycles are prohibited. |
|
Lake Tahoe Basin |
No e-bikes on trails; allowed on roads |
Signage, web |
Poachers; no enforcement; controversy |
|
|
Lassen Volcanic National Park |
E-bikes are allowed in Recreation Areas where traditional bicycles are allowed. |
Signage |
None |
E-bikes are prohibited where traditional bicycles are prohibited.
|