E-bikes have transformed mountain biking in Moab, and as of March 2026, Class 1 e-bikes are now approved on nearly all trails in the area. Whether you are a first-time rider looking for an accessible desert experience or a seasoned mountain biker who wants to cover more ground, e-bike tours in Moab open up hundreds of miles of singletrack and jeep roads that were previously out of reach for many riders. Rim Tours has been guiding in this terrain since the late 1980s, and we can say without hesitation that e-bikes are the single biggest expansion of who can enjoy Moab riding.
Why E-Bikes Are Perfect for Moab
Moab’s trail network spans over 200 miles of singletrack plus hundreds more miles of scenic jeep roads winding through Canyonlands, Arches country, and the Colorado River corridor. The terrain is famously rocky and sandy, with significant elevation changes that can turn a beautiful ride into an exhausting slog for riders who are not in peak cycling shape. E-bikes change that equation entirely.
With pedal-assist power (typically 250W motors offering three to four levels of assist), riders maintain momentum through deep sand sections, power up 500-foot climbs without bonking, and finish the day with enough energy to actually enjoy camp or dinner in town. On a standard analog bike, many of our full-day tours require solid intermediate fitness. On an e-bike, the same routes become accessible to a much broader range of riders while still delivering a genuine workout.
E-Bikes Bring Groups Together
One of the most common challenges we see on guided tours is mixed fitness levels within a group. A couple where one partner rides weekly and the other rides twice a year. A family reunion spanning three decades of age difference. A corporate retreat mixing desk workers with weekend warriors.
E-bikes eliminate the fitness gap. The stronger rider can run minimal assist (or none at all) while less fit riders dial up the support. Everyone arrives at the viewpoint together, nobody feels like they are holding the group back, and the post-ride conversations are about the scenery rather than who got dropped on the climb. We have run Maze tours with half the group on e-bikes and half on analog bikes, and the result is universally positive: everyone has a great time.
Cover More Ground in Less Time
Even experienced riders with excellent fitness benefit from e-bikes in Moab. The sandy washes that connect trail systems can eat 30 minutes on an analog bike but take 10 minutes with moderate assist. This means you can realistically ride two trail systems in a single day instead of one, or add a spectacular side loop that would otherwise push the ride past your energy limit.
On our Canyonlands National Park e-bike tour, riders cover the full Canyonlands scenic loop including the infamous Shafer Trail, a route that would be a very long day on an analog bike but becomes an enjoyable full-day adventure on an e-bike. The Blue Buffalo e-bike tour opens up endless loops of moderate to advanced jeep roads through stunning backcountry that few cyclists ever see.
Explore Areas Most Riders Never See
Beyond the well-known singletrack systems, Moab is crisscrossed with hundreds of miles of jeep roads that access some of the most beautiful and remote landscapes in canyon country. On an analog mountain bike, these roads are often too sandy, too long, or too exposed for a comfortable ride. On an e-bike, they become a playground.
We love taking guests into the Blue Buffalo area west of Moab, where you can ride loop after loop through pinyon-juniper forest with views of the La Sal Mountains, without seeing another soul. The Gemini Bridges road, the Monitor and Merrimac area, and the back roads of the Island in the Sky region all become realistic day rides on an e-bike.
The Slickrock Trail on E-Bikes
The Slickrock Trail is one of Moab’s most iconic rides, an 11-mile roller coaster over petrified sand dunes with gradients that routinely hit 20-30%. On an analog bike, many riders walk significant sections of the steep climbs. On an e-bike, you have a much better chance of cleaning those climbs, which means you experience the trail as it was meant to be ridden: a continuous flow of ups and downs with 360-degree views of the La Sal Mountains, Arches, and the Colorado River corridor.
The key difference is that on an e-bike, Slickrock shifts from a grueling sufferfest to an exhilarating challenge. You still need bike handling skills for the steep descents and off-camber sections, but the climbs become achievable rather than impossible.
Multi-Day E-Bike Tours
Our multi-day tours are where e-bikes truly shine. We carry charging equipment in our support vehicles, so your bike is fully charged and ready each morning. Popular multi-day e-bike options include:
- E-Kokopelli Singletrack (4 days) — The best singletrack of the Kokopelli Trail corridor from Fruita to Grand Junction, covering 18 Road, Rabbit Valley, Western Rim, and Third Flats
- White Rim (3 or 4 days) — The classic Canyonlands loop with e-bike assist through the sand and up the climbs
- The Maze (5 days) — Deep backcountry adventure in the most remote district of Canyonlands
On multi-day tours, e-bikes mean you arrive at camp with energy to spare. You can explore side hikes, enjoy the sunset, and wake up ready for the next day instead of nursing sore legs in your tent.
Our E-Bike Fleet
Rim Tours maintains a fleet of high-quality Class 1 e-mountain bikes in all frame sizes, from small through extra-large. All bikes are full-suspension, trail-capable machines with knobby tires suited for Moab’s rocky terrain. We keep batteries maintained and carry spares on multi-day tours. If you have never ridden an e-bike, our guides will give you a thorough orientation before the ride, covering assist levels, battery management, and the slightly different weight distribution compared to analog bikes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still get a workout on an e-bike?
Absolutely. E-bikes are pedal-assist, not throttle-powered. You still pedal every inch of trail. Most riders burn 300-500 calories per hour on an e-bike tour, depending on assist level and terrain. The difference is that you can choose how hard you work rather than having the terrain dictate it.
Are e-bikes allowed on all Moab trails now?
As of March 2026, Class 1 e-bikes (pedal-assist only, no throttle, max 20 mph assist) are permitted on nearly all trails in the Moab area. Some specific trails within national parks may have restrictions. Our guides stay current on all access rules and plan routes accordingly.
What if the battery dies mid-ride?
You can still pedal an e-bike with a dead battery; it just feels like a heavy mountain bike. That said, our guides manage battery levels throughout the ride, advising on assist settings to ensure you have power for the full route. On multi-day tours, we carry charging equipment and spare batteries.
Do I need mountain biking experience for an e-bike tour?
For our introductory tours like the Courthouse Loop e-bike or Elementary e-bike, no prior mountain biking experience is needed. More advanced trails like Slickrock or Amasa Back require basic bike handling skills regardless of whether you are on an e-bike or analog bike.
How much do e-bike tours cost compared to regular tours?
E-bike tours typically run $20-50 more than the equivalent analog bike tour to cover the additional equipment costs. Check our e-bike tours page for current pricing on all day and multi-day options.