The University of Vermont conducted a study on electric mountain bike perceptions and trail impacts, finding that initial surveys revealed a bias against them.

However, real-world feedback suggested otherwise. Intercept surveys with hikers and bikers on trails where electric bikes were allowed showed that most users did not notice them or report issues related to speed, etiquette or overcrowding. Concerns about increased trail use were attributed to general outdoor recreation growth rather than e-bikes specifically. Safety and etiquette concerns were tied more to individual rider behavior than the type of bike.

Additionally, the study found no significant evidence that e-bikes caused more trail damage than traditional mountain bikes. Participants widely opposed limiting e-bike access to riders with disabilities or restricting them to specific trails As perceptions shift, more areas are permitting e-bikes with no reported negative impact.

The U.S. Forest Service is required to do environmental analyses before allowing them on trails open to traditional bikes. Tahoe, Bend, and Jackson Hole among several others have conducted assessments, all concluding no significant impact from e-bikes reflecting closely the same findings as in the Vermont study. Other areas, such as Jefferson County Open Space in Colorado, Bentonville in Arkansas, and Michigan’s state parks, have opened trails to e-bikes with no notable issues related to safety, overcrowding, or trail degradation. The county and Breckenridge speculate that what’s happening on the recpath will also happen on the trails. However, there’s no evidence showing that, even in very popular summer destinations like Lake Tahoe (2.4 milllion trail users in 2018) which is on the verge of approving 140 miles of trails open to e-bikes.

Since e-bikes do not harm trails or user experiences, it’s time for the county, Breckenridge, and the Dillon Ranger District to collaborate on opening trails to e-bikes.