E-Bike Policies in Marin County
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Golden Gate National Recreation Area: Allows all electric bikes, as long as rider uses pedal-assist (use of throttles prohibited), on roads, fire roads, and trails that are open to bikes. Riders must obey 15 MPH speed limit (5 MPH when passing other trail users and approaching blind curves). Please check the GGNRA compendium for specific rules for trail-specific speed limits and restrictions.
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Pt. Reyes National Seashore: Class 1 e-bikes are allowed wherever bikes are allowed, unless otherwise posted.
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California State Parks: A recently released e-bike specific policy states that electric bikes are not allowed on park trails and fire roads without a Superintendent’s Order. At this time China Camp State Park and Angel Island State Park are the only State Parks in Marin to release such an order, allowing Class I as an evaluation pilot program.
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Marin Municipal Water District: E-bikes are currently prohibited on all unpaved roads and trails (CLICK HERE for updates on ebikes and MMWD).
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Marin County Parks & Open Space Preserves: Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed on paved multi-use pathways, but prohibited on all unpaved fire roads and multi-use trails (subject to change).
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Tamarancho: Electric bikes are allowed.
Ride Responsibly
Please take a few minutes to review our Off-Road Trail Etiquette Poster, which includes tips specific to eMTB riding on public lands.
We’re working hard to make bicycling safe, fun, and accessible for everyone in Marin county. We can only do this with your support. Consider making a donation today.
California E-Bike Policy by e-bike class and Bike Facility Type
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Class I: E-bikes that are pedal-assist only, with no throttle, and have a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph
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Class II: E-bikes that also have a maximum speed of 20 mph, but are throttle-assisted. *MCBC does not recommend throttle e-bikes for children under age 16
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Class III: E-bikes that are pedal-assist only, with no throttle, and a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph.
Our Stance on E-Bikes
The introduction of electric bikes on our trails, fire roads, and pathways understandably raises several questions around their compatibility with other user groups. We are promoting a fact-based dialogue as agencies at all levels consider how, and under what conditions, ebikes should be allowed.
At this time, Marin County Bicycle Coalition will focus on education and highlight the many benefits of e-bikes, especially for Marin’s parents, aging population, and anyone looking for a way to reduce car dependence, lead an active lifestyle, and access public lands.
MCBC supports the adoption of e-bikes for several reasons:
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E-bikes remove barriers to bicycling. E-bikes flatten hills and enable people to cover longer distances in less time, making bicycling more accessible and enjoyable for people of all ages and abilities.
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More people on bikes equals fewer people in cars. Whether on roads, pathways, or trails, every person on an e-bike is someone who isn’t in a car. That’s a good thing for public health, traffic congestion, and air quality.
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More people on bikes equals more people enjoying parks. As more people are able to access and enjoy our public lands, the more support we will have to protect these lands and expand trail access.
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Studies show e-bikes have roughly the same impact on trails as traditional bicycles. In addition, they facilitate access to remote less-visited park areas, reducing stress on primary trails while improving public access to remote trails.
We encourage all interested parties and stakeholders to work together in a productive, inclusive and open-minded conversation as Marin’s land managers gather data and feedback on e-bikes.