Here we explain Forestry England’s position on all "personal electrically assisted (e-assist) transport devices", highlighting those that can be ridden and those that can't. We cover legal electric bikes and electric mountain bikes (e-bikes) which support transport and recreation and modified e-bikes, electric motorbikes and other devices that are not allowed. It does not cover other electric vehicles (EV’s) such as cars.
As more visitors enjoy the nation’s forests, whether walking, wheeling, riding, or exploring in other ways, we remain focused on keeping the space safe, welcoming, and well cared for, for everyone.
We have invested in sector leading research into the use and future of electric mountain bikes (e-MTBs). We support the findings that they enable a wide range of people to be more active, engage with nature, and enjoy social experiences that might otherwise be inaccessible.
With more and different types of electric-powered-devices being used across the nation's forests, it is important to know which are safe and permitted for visitors, and those that aren't and could lead to police involvement.
Understanding E-devices in the forest
E-bikes are welcome in the nation’s forests when they are legal. Electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs) must meet the UK EAPC regulations, which require that:
- the cycle is fitted with pedals to propel it.
- the electric motor has a maximum continuous rated power not exceeding 250 watts.
- electrical assistance cuts off at 25kph (15.5mph)
- the rider is aged 14 or over.
Cycles that are chipped, overpowered or fitted with a throttle (i.e. not pedal activated) are considered to be motorbikes and cannot be used on Forestry England land.
Electric motorbikes such as Surrons, even when insured and taxed, are also not EAPCs and cannot be used in the nations forests. Using these types of motorbikes in the nation's forests could lead to the police being informed.
Devices such as e-scooters, e-skateboards (including single wheelers) or other e-assist devices are not considered road legal, cannot be used on the public highway and similarly are not permitted or legal in the nation’s forests.
Children’s e-powered toys including e-motorbikes, e-scooters or other e-assist or e-powered devices are not permitted for the same reason. This extends to e-bikes where rider is aged under 14, as per EAPC regulations.
Adaptive bikes (a-MTBs or non-standard cycles) are welcome in the nation’s forests provided they:
- meet the EAPC regulations as explained above, and/or
- are used as mobility aids to support specific impairment(s).
Mobility aids including e-powered devices such as Trampers are welcome in the nation’s forests.
As with all visitors, people using e-bikes must to be courteous to others, respect the environment and ride appropriately including slowing down for other users.
Where can you ride e-bikes in the nation’s forests?
As e-bikes are legally considered pedal cycles, they can be used on any trails, public rights of way and public highways that pedal cycles are permitted. In the nation’s forests this includes:
- all waymarked cycle trails.
- cycle permissible public rights of way.
- stone based tracks and forest roads (except in leasehold forests where the land owner has not granted recreational access).
Designated areas such as CROW or SSSIs do not change the access rights for EAPC users as defined above.
All transport used in the nation’s forests must comply with public highway regulations.
We may give permission for specific activity providers to use alternative e-powered transport at specified times and locations (e.g. Segways at Go-Ape). Please see our permissions process for more information.