E-Bikes for Fly Fishing, Part 3: Rules, Accessories, and Other Details

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[EDITOR’S NOTE: This is Part 3 of a 3-part series on using e-bikes for fly fishing. Part 1, released in July, covers using e-bikes for going uphill and getting into the backcountry, and Part 2 covers using e-bikes for self-shuttling when floating.]

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Fly fishing isn’t the only outdoors pursuit chock full of esoteric terms, numbering systems, and endless accessories. Bicycling, and specifically e-biking, is similar in its complexity and intimidation level for beginners. But as we at Fly Fisherman magazine have been doing for years, we’ll try to break down this complicated realm into consumable bites, to help you get the most out of using e-bikes for fly fishing.

A Matter of Class

The technology and executions of e-bikes has been moving at an amazing pace. To create a playing field that wasn’t chaos, the advocacy group People for Bikes created a system for classifying e-bikes. This created the framework for everyone from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (for the purpose of product safety for manufacturing and batteries) to land managers (for deciding what should be allowed on what trails and land classifications). Since then, 32 states have adopted this system to eliminate confusion, enhance safety, and promote this green transportation method.

The classifications:

• Class 1: E-bikes that are pedal-assist only, with no throttle, and have a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph.
• Class 2: E-bikes that also have a maximum speed of 20 mph, but are throttle-assisted.
• Class 3: E-bikes that are pedal-assist only, with no throttle, and a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph.

A Time and Place

E-bikes turned land managers’ worlds upside down, much like when mountain bikes initially came on the scene. Only this time they had to deal with the ambiguity of “are they a bike?” or “are they a motorized vehicle?”

Early interpretations by various federal agencies such as the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) were revised several times. Local and regional land managers often followed these federal guidelines. In 2022, the USFS labeled Class 1 e-bikes as “motorized vehicles.”

This is in contrast to other positions. One such position, held by attorney James Moss who literally wrote the book on liability as it applies to outdoor recreation, claims that: “There are no federal definitions, really, yet. However, several federal agencies have suggested classifications…Generally, if it is pedal assist and goes less than 25mph, it is a bicycle.”

It quickly becomes a quagmire when you add to that how jurisdictions of states and counties interpret e-bikes. In Pennsylvania, for example, e-bikes are considered human powered, and are allowed on the Great Allegheny Passage trails which runs the length of the Youghiogheny River, a great tailwater trout fishery. And along the Rio Grande Bike Rail, which parallels the Roaring Fork River, class I and II e-bikes are allowed.

It should be noted that any bikes, or any other form of mechanized device such as drones, are strictly forbidden in federally designated wilderness areas.

A recommended practice is to always check in with the jurisdiction’s office, and to practice appropriate trail etiquette:

• Stay on the trail and ride only on open trails.
• Leave no trace.
• Stay in control.
• Yield appropriately. Mountain bikers yield to hikers and trail runners, and everyone yields to horses.
• Never harass animals.
• Plan ahead.

Where There is Smoke, There is Fire

When a teaser was posted on Fly Fisherman magazine’s social feeds a number of readers weighed in suggesting that e-bikes are forest fires waiting to happen. But of course, it depends. It depends on if your purchase your bike directly from an Asian factory on Alibaba, or from a reputable brand that has dialed sourcing and quality-assurance standards.

“No one should buy or use an electric bicycle that is not certified by the manufacturer as complying with one of the two standards for battery and electrical system safety: UL 2849 or EN 15194,” said Matt Moore, General and Policy Counsel for People for Bikes. “A battery may indicate that it is certified to UL 2271, but that standard does not cover the rest of the electrical system.”

As a bike advocacy group, People for Bikes has over 340 suppliers as member companies.

“Our members who design, test and certify their electric bicycles to these applicable safety standards report very few (zero) incidents of battery-related fires,” Moore said.

As one example of such stringent consumer regulations, I often work with my laptop on my lap, as I am now. My gentlemen parts have yet to be incinerated by a faulty battery. Same with my cell phone.

Things Have Changed

My guess is that a number of Fly Fisherman readers have an affinity towards cycling. If that is you, it is worth noting that frame geometry has evolved, even in the last few years.

My stable of mountain bikes are pro-level, but from three to four years ago. My first impression when I test rode the bikes that I presented in Part 1 is that the cockpits (the handlebars, brakes, shifters, and grips) were extremely short.

There is perhaps no better authority on bike fit than Todd Carver, one of the founders of the Retul bike fitting system. Retul has over 40,000 bike fits to its credit, and they fit teams that compete in major European tours like the Tour de France.

According to Carver, this trend has been pushed by cross-country race courses and cross-country riding in general, becoming more technical–more in the realm of enduro riding (a style of off-road cycling that focuses on technical downhill biking). And frame geometry and body position have evolved to accommodate that.

If your preference is for a stretched out, longer position, take a close look at frame geometries when shopping.

Also be aware that as with most electric battery monitors, e-bike battery power gauges are often less-than-perfectly accurate and once they start losing bars, they sometimes go quick. 

Well Accessorized

A few accessories will greatly enhance your experience and help you to get back safely.

Helmet

A great way to cut through the marketing hype, and your neighbor’s opinion on what is best for your needs, is to rely on Virginia Tech’s helmet rating system. For years they have conducted independent, third-party testing of helmets for several sports. Their rating system is the go-to when shopping for a helmet.

Gloves

My main purpose for wearing gloves is that in a crash they protect the skin on your palms. Decades later I am so used to the tactile feel of them that I feel naked riding without them. Padding comes in a variety of thickness.

Cycling Shorts

Those skinny seats look uncomfortable, because without a bit of padding in your shorts, they will be. For those that don’t want to be Lycra clad, several brands sell liners that go inside your existing pants or shorts. The paddling will save your butt, literally. There are also dedicated, casual-look bike shorts such as Patagonia’s Dirt Roamer Bike Shorts, that will look appropriate in the backcountry, or small-town java shop.

Pedals

I adore clipless pedals and cycling shoes, where the rider is securely attached to the pedal. Peer-reviewed studies in professional journals indicate that in a steady state of pedaling the net result is negligible. However, on punchy climbs and sprints, clipless pedals are on the realm of 25 percent plus more efficient. For fly fishing I often switch to an aggressive platform pedal, like Xpedo’s ZED Pedal. They mesh well with a wading boot. I may not get up climbs as quickly, however it keeps my kit on the slim side.

–Marty Grabijas

Cargo/Gear Hauling

When fly fishing by e-bike, especially on an e-MTB, your cargo system needs to be as versatile as the terrain you’re navigating. The Trxstle Geryon Bikepacking Rack System is a standout solution for modular gear hauling, offering front and rear rack configurations that mount securely to your bike’s frame without impeding steering or dropper post travel. I use it on my Trek (with the add-on Dillenger Street Legal E-bike Kit), which did not come with any cargo racks. The optional Utility Deck expands your carrying surface, perfect for stowing bulkier items like waders or boots, while Trxstle’s Utility Straps and Kolpin’s Rhino Grips lock down everything from nets to rods with confidence, even on rough trails.

Trxstle also makes a waterproof fly box, called the Big Water Case, that mounts directly to the bike via their Slip Mount system, which attaches to the water-bottle bolts. It is designed to hold flies, phones, credit cards, fishing licenses, and more.

For anglers with a stash of old Simms or Orvis boat bags, repurposing these for bike-based excursions is a smart move. Their rugged construction and water-resistant design make them ideal for strapping to racks. Speaking of which, bike panniers—especially waterproof models like those from Lectric—offer ample side-mounted storage that keeps gear balanced and accessible. For more modular packing, the Rux bag system excels with its collapsible, waterproof totes and gear boxes that lash easily to racks or fit snugly in cargo trailers. The Yeti LoadOut Go-Box 30, while heavier, is virtually indestructible and perfect for organizing tackle, tools, and safety gear.

Most regular bike trailers can be used with e-bikes, but some e-bikes may require special adapters for certain trailers. Also check if your e-bike supports axle hitches or has trailer weight limits. Different motor placements can affect how a trailer attaches and users need to ensure that the trailer is compatible with your e-bike's frame. Always ensure the trailer hitch is secure, weight is evenly distributed, and safety accessories like lights and reflectors are used for safety.

Because many fly-fishing rides involve ditching the bike and hiking into water, a daypack like the Patagonia Stealth Backpack becomes essential. With its ergonomic fit, hydration compatibility, and multiple net-carry options, it bridges the gap between ride and wade. Packing your essentials in the Stealth ensures a seamless transition from seat to stream, keeping your kit tight and your movement fluid.

Mixing rack-mounted hardware, repurposed boat bags, panniers, and modular packs lets you tailor your loadout to the day’s terrain, weather, and fishing goals.

Transport

What might be my favorite accessory system is the combination of a 1UP USA rack and add-ons that creates a rugged, efficient transport system. At the heart of the setup is the 1UP Super Duty Hitch-mount rack, engineered to handle up to 100 lbs per tray and built entirely from corrosion-resistant aluminum. Its tray-style design cradles the tires without touching the frame, preserving your bike’s finish while offering wobble-free security. To further stabilize heavy or fat-tire e-bikes, 1UP Wheel Chocks are mounted to reduce steertube rotation and keep the front wheel locked in place, especially useful when navigating rough forest roads or off-camber parking spots near river access. Loading is made effortless with the V-Style Ramp, which hooks onto the tray and guides the tires smoothly into position—saving your back after a long day on the water. Once mounted, 1UP Wheel Locks provide quick-stop security, allowing you to leave the bikes unattended while scouting a stretch of river or grabbing lunch in town.

Brand-Specific Add-ons

Many brands have specific accessories for their bikes, and Lectric stands at the front of the pack for selection. Outfitting your Lectric ride with the right accessories turns it into a nimble, self-sufficient fishing rig. The fishing rod mount is the cornerstone of this setup—securely cradling up to two rods in nylon lock tubes, it frees your hands and keeps gear safe while you navigate trails or gravel roads. A handle-bar-mounted phone holder adds both convenience and safety, allowing you to track maps, weather, or fish activity apps without fumbling in your pockets. Panniers are your mobile fishing pack and dry bag in one, offering waterproof storage for fly boxes, snacks, and extra layers. Lectric’s compact tool kit ensures you're never stranded due to a loose bolt or brake issue, and when paired with their electric pump/flashlight/SOS kit, you’re ready for anything—from low tire pressure to twilight rides or unexpected emergencies.

Miscellaneous

Rocky Talkies 5-watt Expedition Radios are fantastic for communication—clipped to your pack or vest, these rugged GMRS radios offer reliable range in remote terrain, letting you coordinate with fishing partners across winding rivers or alpine lakes where cell service drops out.

Portable one-man watercraft like the Oru Kayak, Scadden Predator, Water Master, and float tubes each offer unique advantages. The Oru Kayak folds down origami-style into a compact box that straps easily to a rear rack or your back, ideal for anglers targeting stillwater or slow-moving rivers. The Scadden Predator is light enough to lash onto a bikepacking trailer or carry in a large pannier, offering stability for sight fishing and quick deployment. Water Master rafts—especially the Grizzly and Kodiak—pack down into dry bag backpacks and inflate in minutes, making them perfect for e-bike access to remote lakes or floatable creeks. Float tubes, the ultralight champions of stealth, can be cinched to a rear rack or tucked into a frame bag, giving you quiet access to hard-to-reach spots on mountain lakes without the bulk of a full boat.

And water-filter bottles like the Grayl filter bottles are indispensable: they slip into a bottle cage or hip pack and purify water from any source in seconds, eliminating the need to carry heavy hydration loads.

To mount your phone, you can either find an aforementioned brand-specific phone mount or use an SP Connect or Quad Lock system, which comes standard on Orbeas and can be added to any bike.

And of course you'll want a solid lock to protect your investment.

Mapping Apps

Anglers can also pair their e-bike setups with smart tech like TroutRoutes by onX. These apps offer more than maps—they’re full-featured navigation tools tailored for anglers. Replace Google Maps with river-specific routing, download off-line maps with public and private land, check flows and weather, find access points, campgrounds, and dispersed sites, check regulations, and record catches to the built-in journals.

E-bikes offer fly anglers a powerful tool for accessing remote waters, self-shuttling float trips, and navigating complex terrain—but they also come with a learning curve. From understanding classifications and land-use regulations to choosing safe, well-designed gear, the key is informed exploration. With thoughtful planning, respect for trail etiquette, and the right accessories, e-bikes can expand your fly-fishing horizons while keeping you safe, efficient, and in sync with the landscapes you love.

–Josh Bergan

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