Truckee's system of trails and bikeways is growing! And with it, more and more locals and visitors are recreating and commuting on bicycles. E-bikes have made our mountain town's challenging terrain more accessible than ever for all types of users. Whether you're interested taking your e-bike on sweet, flowy singletrack, riding a scenic paved path to shopping, dining, or events, or exploring the vast network of Tahoe National Forest gravel roads, Truckee's got something for everyone. Keep reading to learn all about e-bikes from Allison Pedley, Executive Director of Truckee Trails Foundation, the premier nonprofit that builds, maintains, and advocates for Truckee's trails and bikeways.
Guest article written by Allison Pedley, Truckee Trails Foundation
Why the Trend in E-bikes?
It may be that the increased ease of electric bicycles alone has resulted in the explosion of e-biking in Truckee. For those new to cycling, returning from a lengthy break from the sport, or with physical limitations making traditional cycling difficult, e-bikes remove a substantial hurdle: the large perceived effort of cycling in a mountain town.
Because they require less effort to pedal, e-bikes can also enable spouses and friends with different levels of fitness to ride together at the same speed. Even traditional cyclists may opt to use e-bikes as an environmentally sustainable alternative to automobile travel, where pedal-assist riding allows for an easier commute into town without showing up to the office in need of a shower.
What’s more, the town of Truckee’s commitment to plowing some local bike paths in the wintertime is allowing for year-round commuting opportunities.
Believe it or not, fitness is another reason for the popularity of e-bikes. One study published in the Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives journal found that people cycle at least twice as much when they own an e-bike, combatting criticism that e-bikes do not contribute to fitness. Riders may not work as hard as regular cyclists, but by biking longer and more frequently (such as commuting), they’re potentially getting more exercise overall.
Types of E-bikes: Class 1, Class 2, Class 3
Anyone new to e-bikes may be understandably confused by the available options, but e-bikes are simply categorized into one of three types: Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3.
Class 1 e-bikes offer “pedal assist” capability that can provide an extra boost when the rider is pedaling. The “assist” kicks off when the rider is coasting and if the bike reaches 20 miles per hour.
Class 2 e-bikes are also limited to a top speed of 20 miles per hour, but they have a throttle that can be engaged to assist with mobility even if not pedaling (note: the throttle wears the battery down much faster than pedal-assist).
Class 3 e-bikes can go up to 28 miles per hour and must have a speedometer, and may or may not have a throttle (though California does not allow throttles on Class 3 e-bikes).
Class 1 e-bikes are currently dominating the market, with city/urban e-bikes more popular than mountain e-bikes, presumably due to the appeal of eco-friendly commuting.
Where to go E-biking in Truckee
Although classes of e-bikes aren’t terribly complicated to understand, knowing where one can ride e-bikes can be more confusing.
Scenic Paved Trails
The 26 miles of scenic paved trails managed by the town of Truckee, such as the Truckee River Legacy Trail and Trout Creek Trail, allow Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 e-bikes.
Tahoe National Forest
In the Tahoe National Forest, all classes of e-bikes are allowed wherever motorized vehicles are allowed, such as Forest Service fire roads and trails open to off-highway vehicles. Additionally, 35 dirt trails (world-class singletrack!) in the Truckee Ranger District of the Tahoe National Forest are now open to Class 1 e-bikes. These include the Big Chief Trail, Commemorative Overland Emigrant Trail, Donkeytown Trail (aka Jackass), and Sawtooth Trail.
Tahoe Donner
Currently, the Tahoe Donner Association only allows Class 1 e-bikes on fire service roads and doubletrack trails.
Donner Memorial State Park
Donner Memorial State Park does not currently allow e-bikes on their trails, but state park roads, including Coldstream Canyon, are open to all classes of e-bikes.
Northstar California
Northstar Bike Park allows Class 1 e-bikes only.
BCycle E-bike Sharing in Truckee!
The Town of Truckee, in partnership with BCycle, has launched an E-bike share program! You can find bikes at stations throughout Truckee from Donner Lake to the Truckee River Legacy trailhead in Glenshire. The electric bikes, which feature a pedal-assist motor, can be found and unlocked from docking stations using the BCycle mobile app. Riders can also use the BCycle app to plan bike-safe routes to their destination, and find open docks to return their bike upon completion of their environmentally friendly trip.
How the Program Works
- Download the BCycle app
- Choose the pass type which works best for you.
- Create your user account.
- Get directions to the closest available bike.
- Unlock the bike and enjoy your ride!
E-Bike Sharing Cost
- The Single Ride Pass includes 1 trip charged at $7+tax per 30 minutes of riding. Trips over 30 minutes are billed an additional $7+tax per 30 minutes of riding. Docking the bike will end your trip and you will need another pass to check out another bike.
- The Explore Truckee 3-Day Pass includes unlimited 30-minute trips for $30+tax. This pass is activated upon first trip and is valid for 72 hours. Trips over 30 minutes are billed an additional $5+tax per 30 minutes of riding. Reset your trip timer by docking the bike at any dock and checking it out again, or checking out a different bike. End your trip by returning the bike to any available dock.
- The Monthly Pass includes unlimited 60-minute trips for $40+tax. Trips over 60 minutes are billed an additional $5+tax per 30 minutes of riding. Reset your trip timer by docking the bike at any dock and checking it out again, or checking out a different bike. End your trip by returning the bike to any available dock.
- The Season Pass includes unlimited 60-minute trips for $180+tax. Trips over 60 minutes are billed an additional $5+tax per 30 minutes of riding. Reset your trip timer by docking the bike at any dock and checking it out again, or checking out a different bike. End your trip by returning the bike to any available dock. Pass expires when BCycle closes for the season.
How to Find Bikes & Stations
Use the map on the BCycle app. Zoom in on any station to see number of bikes currently available and footprint of station.
How to End Your Ride
- Find a bike station using your BCycle app.
- Position the bike so that the front wheel clicks into the Docking Station.
- Once lock is properly engaged, the bike's LCD screen will display 'BIKE LOCKED.' Tap the 'END RIDE' icon on the screen.
- Please ensure your bike is properly locked and your ride has ended to avoid usage fees.
- You have now ended your ride and a summary of your trip statistics is displayed on the screen.
- Start your next ride as soon as you like!
Another option for anyone interested in trying e-bikes locally is renting. Two local shops with excellent service include Bike Truckee (https://www.truckeebikerentals.com or 530.386.5700) and Donner Lake E-bikes (https://donnerlakeebikes.com or 530-214-8792).
The emergence of e-bikes and e-bike share programs has helped communities create healthier and more environmentally sustainable lifestyles for residents and visitors. All evidence indicates that e-biking will continue to be transformative for the Truckee community as well.
