On the Trails
Where Can I Ride My E-Bike In Marin
Find out where you can ride your e-bike in Marin, with clear guidance on local rules, trail access, and safe riding practices.
E-Bike Policies in marin County
Golden Gate National Recreation Area: Allows all electric bikes, as long as the rider uses pedal-assist (use of throttles prohibited), on roads, fire roads, and trails that are open to bikes. Riders must obey the 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.
Pt. Reyes National Seashore: Class 1 e-bikes are allowed wherever bikes are allowed, unless otherwise posted.
California State Parks: California State Parks’ e-bike-specific policy states that class 1 electric bikes are allowed on park trails and fire roads only with a Superintendent’s Order. At this time, China Camp State Park, Angel Island State Park, and Mt. Tamalpais State Parks have this order, allowing Class I as an evaluation pilot program at these parks. E-bikes remain prohibited at Samuel P Taylor State Park.
Marin Water District: Starting July 1, 2025, Class 1 Ebikes are allowed wherever conventional bikes are permitted, which includes public roads, parking lots, and unpaved roads not signed against such use, for a 2-year pilot program. Read more on Marin Water’s website.
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).
Tamarancho: Electric bikes are allowed.
Ride Responsibly
Please take a few minutes to review our Trail Etiquette Poster, which includes tips specific to eMTB riding on public lands.
California E-Bike Policy by e-bike class and Bike Facility Type
Class I: E-bikes that are pedal-assist only, with no throttle, and have a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph
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
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, e-bikes should be allowed.
At this time, MCBC 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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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