CALLING ON THE BIKE INDUSTRY TO VOLUNTARILY ADOPT eBIKE SPEED STANDARDS

July 23, 2026

Trek Bicycle today announced its new voluntary electric bike speed standards in the United States. These self-imposed standards are designed to help protect trail access, improve safety, and preserve places to ride for future generations. The company is inviting other bike manufacturers to adopt similar self-imposed standards.

All Trek electric mountain bikes sold in the United States will be Class 1 and will:

• Have a 20mph maximum pedal-assist speed
• Will not have a throttle

All Trek electric bikes designed for use on pavement and shared paths will:

• Limit throttle assistance to 20mph (if equipped)
• Limit pedal assistance to 20mph or 28mph, depending on model

These standards strike the right balance between delivering the benefits of electric bicycles, respecting shared spaces, and protecting the trails and paths riders depend on.

Trek believes access to shared places to ride, including mountain bike trails, may be at risk because of the lack of responsible limits being upheld by manufacturers.

More than 17,000 new miles of mountain bike trails were opened to e-bikes across the United States in 2025, reflecting decades of work and relationship-building by advocacy organizations, land-owners, volunteers, and local communities. Maintaining that access requires product standards as e-bike technology becomes faster and more powerful.

“As an industry, we’ve worked for decades to earn access to trails and bike paths,” said John Burke, President of Trek Bicycle. “We’d rather lead with responsibility today than explain tomorrow why riders lost access to the places they love and to a sport that makes the world a better place.”

The company says electric vehicles that go beyond its self-imposed standards for e-MTBs can create greater conflicts between trail users, increase pressure for new restrictions, and may ultimately reduce access for both electric and traditional bicycles.

Trek’s pavement e-bike lineup will continue to support both Class 1 pedal-assist bicycles capable of assisting up to 20mph and Class 3 pedal-assist bicycles capable of assisting up to 28mph while limiting throttle assistance up to 20mph. Trek believes products that rely on throttle power beyond 20mph or pedal-assist beyond 28mph are e-Motos, should not be used on bike paths, and belong in a different regulatory category.

It is an opportunity and a responsibility for the industry to establish thoughtful voluntary standards before access and safety challenges lead to broader restrictions.

“Trek’s mission is to change the world by getting more people on bikes,” said Burke. “E-bikes are a great way to get more people riding, but that’s only possible if people continue to have access to places to ride. These limits are about protecting what all riders have.”

Trek is inviting bike manufacturers, retailers, advocacy organizations, and industry partners to join in committing to these standards to help preserve trail access, improve safety, and support the long-term growth of cycling.

About Trek Bicycle:
Trek Bicycle is a global leader in the design and manufacture of bicycles and electric bikes. It’s committed to changing the world by getting more people on bikes. Founded in 1976, Trek designs products that inspire people to ride and supports advocacy efforts that make cycling safer, more accessible, and more enjoyable for all.