Exploring the Rules for Electric Bikes on PA State Game Lands

Electric bikes are allowed on Pennsylvania State Game Lands, but only under specific conditions that depend on your e-bike class and the exact route you choose. Class 1 and Class 2 e‑bikes (motor output ≤ 750W, assisted speed ≤ 20 mph) are treated as standard bicycles and may ride on roads, trails, and areas that are open to bicycles. Class 3 e‑bikes (assist up to 28 mph) are classified as motor vehicles by the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) and are banned from all trails and most off‑road areas on game lands.

Riding a Class 3 e‑bike on a game land trail can result in a citation of $100 or more, plus potential trespassing penalties. Here is exactly what you need to know to ride legally, where you can go, and how to verify your route before you head out.

Which E‑Bike Classes Are Permitted on Game Lands?

The PGC follows the federal three‑class e‑bike system established by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Your e‑bike class is usually printed on the frame or listed in the owner’s manual. If the sticker is missing or you bought the bike used, you can check the motor wattage and the maximum assisted speed using the manufacturer’s specifications.

Why Class 3 is treated differently: The PGC defines any vehicle that can exceed 20 mph under power as a motor vehicle. Since Class 3 e‑bikes assist up to 28 mph, they fall into the same regulatory category as ATVs, dirt bikes, and other motorized off‑road vehicles. This means a Class 3 e‑bike is prohibited from all game land trails, gravel access roads, and service roads, even if those routes are open to standard bicycles.

Real‑world example: A rider on SGL 176 (Centre County) was issued a $125 citation for riding a Class 3 e‑bike on a gravel fire road that was posted “Open to Bicycles.” The gravel road was open to Class 1 and Class 2 e‑bikes, but because the rider’s e‑bike could assist up to 28 mph, the PGC officer classified it as a motor vehicle, and the citation stood. The rider later confirmed with the regional PGC office that Class 3 e‑bikes are prohibited on any unpaved surface on game lands.

If you are shopping for an e‑bike specifically for game land use, a Class 1 model is the safest legal choice. Class 2 is also permitted but offers no advantage on trails (throttle use is still subject to the 20 mph cap), and Class 3 is effectively useless for off‑road exploration on game lands.

Where Class 1 and Class 2 E‑Bikes Can Ride on State Game Lands

Even with an allowed e‑bike class, you cannot ride everywhere on a game land. The PGC designates specific routes for bicycle use, and e‑bikes must stay on those designated routes at all times. Riding off‑route is treated the same as riding a motorized vehicle off‑road and can result in a citation.

Permitted areas for Class 1 and Class 2 e‑bikes:

• Designated public roads – Paved and unpaved roads that are open to regular vehicle traffic. On SGL 75 (Bedford County), for example, T406 (Pitt Street) and T408 (Wolf Road) are public roads that cross game land and are open to all legal vehicles, including Class 1 and Class 2 e‑bikes.
• Gravel access roads and service roads – These are often gated but may have a “Bicycles Permitted” sign. On SGL 203 (Centre County), the gravel access road leading to the parking area near Spruce Creek is open to bicycles and, therefore, to Class 1/2 e‑bikes.
• Multi‑use trails signed for bicycle use – These are usually marked with a brown “Bicycle Route” sign at the trailhead. On SGL 117 (Luzerne County), the 3.5‑mile Lehigh River Loop trail is signed for bicycles and is legal for Class 1/2 e‑bikes.
• Any trail explicitly listed as “Open to Bicycles” on the official PGC map – The PGC interactive map has a “Bicycle Routes” layer that shows every mile of trail where bikes are allowed. If the trail appears in that layer, it is legal for Class 1/2 e‑bikes.

Prohibited areas for all e‑bikes (including Class 1 and Class 2):

• Hiking‑only trails – Look for brown “Hiking Only” signs at the trailhead. On SGL 57 (Monroe County), the 2‑mile Tumbling Run Trail is posted “Hiking Only” and is off‑limits to any bicycle, including e‑bikes.
• Wilderness areas and Natural Areas – These are designated by the PGC as motor‑free zones. SGL 44 (Elk County) contains the 1,200‑acre Johnson Run Natural Area, where no wheeled vehicles of any kind are permitted.
• Trails posted “No Bicycles” – These signs apply to e‑bikes just as they apply to standard bicycles. SGL 60 (Sullivan County) has several hiking trails posted “No Bicycles” near the World’s End State Park boundary.
• Any off‑trail riding – E‑bikes must stay on designated routes. Riding across open fields, through forest understory, or along unmapped game trails is a violation regardless of e‑bike class.

Common trap to avoid: A gravel road on a game land may appear open, but some are gated and signed “Road Closed – No Motorized Vehicles.” Because the PGC treats Class 1 and Class 2 e‑bikes as non‑motorized, you are permitted to pass a “No Motorized Vehicles” sign on a Class 1/2 e‑bike—but only if the road is also open to bicycles. Check the PGC map to be sure. On SGL 109 (Sullivan County), a gravel road near Ricketts Glen State Park is gated and signed “Road Closed to Public Vehicles,” but the PGC map still lists it as open to bicycles.

In that case, a Class 1 e‑bike is legal. But another gravel road on SGL 109 near Lake Jean is signed “Road Closed – No Entry,” and the PGC map does not list it as a bicycle route. Riding there would be a violation.

How to Confirm Your Route Is Legal Before You Ride

The rules can change by game land and by season, so you should always verify your intended route before you load up your e‑bike. Relying on a third‑party trail app like AllTrails or Trailforks is risky because those apps do not sync with PGC bicycle designations. You could follow a trail that appears open on your phone but is actually signed “Hiking Only” at the trailhead—by the time you see the sign, you are already riding in a restricted area.

Step‑by‑step verification method using the official PGC resources:

1. Open the PGC interactive map on your phone or computer. Go to the Pennsylvania Game Commission website and navigate to the “Maps” section. Select “PGC Interactive Map.” Zoom to the game land you plan to visit.

2. Turn on the “Bicycle Routes” layer. Click the “Map Layers” icon (usually a stack of sheets). Look for the “Recreation” folder, then check the box next to “Bicycle Routes.” The map will highlight every road and trail where bicycles are legally allowed. If your intended path is highlighted, it is legal for Class 1 and Class 2 e‑bikes. If it is not highlighted, assume it is prohibited.

3. Download the map for offline use. If you will be riding in an area with limited cell service, use the HuntFishPA app (free on iOS and Android). Open the app, select the “Maps” tab, search your game land, and tap “Download” to save the map layers locally. The bicycle route data will be available even without a cell signal.

4. Read the regulation board at the game land entrance. Most game lands have a posted regulation board near the main parking area. These boards list the current allowed uses and any special closures. Look for the “Bicycles Permitted” section. If the board says “No Bicycles” for a specific trail, that applies to e‑bikes as well.

5. Call the regional PGC office for confirmation. If you want to be absolutely certain about a specific trail, call the PGC regional office that oversees the game land. The six regional offices (Northwest, Southwest, Northcentral, Southcentral, Northeast, Southeast) have game land managers who know the local rules. A quick call to the Northcentral Regional Office (570‑327‑2197) can confirm, for example, whether the gravel road on SGL 252 is currently open to bicycles.

What you should not rely on: Third‑party trail apps, old printed maps, or word‑of‑mouth from other riders. The PGC updates bicycle designations periodically, and a trail that was open last year may now be closed. Always cross‑reference with the official PGC source within 24 hours of your ride.

Seasonal and Event‑Based Restrictions

Even on designated bicycle routes, e‑bike access on game lands is not always year‑round. The PGC can close trails or entire game lands temporarily for the following reasons:

Hunting seasons: During the regular firearms deer season (usually late November through mid‑December) and the spring gobbler season (late April through May), some game lands restrict all non‑hunting access, including bicycles and e‑bikes. On SGL 211 (Dauphin County), for example, the Stony Valley Rail‑Trail is closed to all non‑hunting users during the first week of deer season. The closure is posted on the regulation board and on the PGC website. If you ride during a closure, you can be cited for trespassing even if the trail is normally open.

Winter conditions: Some gravel roads and trails are not maintained in winter. The PGC does not formally close these routes, but deep snow, ice, or downed trees may make them impassable. Riding on a road that is physically blocked by a gate or a “Road Closed” sign is a violation even if the route is normally open.

Prescribed burns and timber operations: The PGC occasionally closes sections of game land for controlled burns or logging. These closures are posted at the entrance and on the PGC website. Riding past a “Closed Area” sign with an e‑bike is treated the same as riding past it with a truck.

How to check seasonal closures: Before you head out, visit the PGC website and look for the “Alerts and Notices” section. You can also filter by game land number. For example, searching “SGL 75 alerts” will show any active closures. This takes about two minutes and can save you a citation.

What Happens If You Violate the Rules

The PGC has authority to enforce all game land regulations, and game wardens (Pennsylvania Game Commission officers) regularly patrol the lands. Violations related to e‑bike use are cited under Title 34 of Pennsylvania’s Game and Wildlife Code.

Common violations and typical penalties:

• Riding a Class 3 e‑bike on a designated bicycle trail: $100–$200 citation (unlawful operation of a motor vehicle on game lands)
• Riding any e‑bike on a “Hiking Only” trail: $75–$150 citation (trespassing on a restricted trail)
• Riding off‑trail on any e‑bike: $100–$200 citation (off‑road vehicle violation)
• Riding during a seasonal closure: $200–$300 citation (trespassing during restricted period)

In addition to the fine, a violation can result in a 30‑day suspension of your hunting or trapping license if you hold one, even if you were not hunting at the time. Repeat violations can lead to longer suspensions.

Real‑world example: In October 2023, a rider on SGL 247 (Lackawanna County) was cited for riding a Class 2 e‑bike on the Moosic Mountain Trail, which is posted “Hiking Only – No Bicycles.” The rider claimed they did not see the sign. The game warden issued a $107 citation and logged the violation in the PGC system. The rider later confirmed that the same violation on a different game land could result in a higher fine if the area is posted as a “Special Regulation Area.”

The safest approach is to treat every game land as a restricted area until you have personally verified the bicycle routes using the official PGC map. A few minutes of checking before your ride can prevent a citation that costs more than most e‑bike maintenance visits.

For the most accurate and current information, always refer to the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s official regulations and interactive map before heading out. Specific rules, trail designations, and seasonal closures are updated by the PGC throughout the year, and no third‑party source can guarantee the same level of accuracy.