Electric-assist bicycles are currently allowed in Black Rock City (BRC)
Black Rock City (BRC) is a Pedestrian and Bicycle City
Driving cars and trucks on the playa has been prohibited — with few exceptions — since 1997. Participants are only allowed to drive motor vehicles to their camps and when they depart the event. Otherwise, motor vehicles should remain parked. Read and follow the Vehicle Rules and Protocols.
Electric-assist bicycles are a type of Personal Transportation Vehicles (PTV) that is currently allowed in BRC. e-Bikes represent the number one area of complaint from participants in our post-event feedback process. Reports of injuries from e-bikes are growing in cities across the globe, and that now includes BRC.
e-Bike operators MUST respect the 5 mph speed limit everywhere in BRC.
The speed limit for all motorized vehicles in BRC, including e-bikes, is 5 mph. The Department of Mutant Vehicles and Event Operations are closely monitoring e-bikes. If speeding e-bikes continue to be an issue, we may require registration with inherent costs, hold speeding users (and their camps) accountable through limits on future ticket access, limit their use to those with documented mobility issues, and/or ban e-bikes altogether.
Participants should also consider that e-bikes are valuable to thieves and susceptible to damage by the harsh climate of the Black Rock Desert. Bike repair camps are generally not equipped to repair e-bikes; don’t expect them to be equipped to fix your e-bike, and bring what you need to do your own repairs.
Responsible Riding is Required
- E-bike operators should only be using the level one speed setting in Black Rock City.
- Speeding on an e-bike may result in the mandatory removal of the e-bike from the event site.
- Participants who are discovered to have caused an injury accident while speeding on an e-bike may be evicted from the event.
And remember, Black Rock City moves slowly, and the best parts are often those random moments — you will miss BRC if you move too fast.
What Kind of e-bikes Are Allowed?
For your e-bike to be allowed in BRC, it must meet all of the following criteria:
- Allowed Classes: Only Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes.
- Speed Capacity: Top-rated speed of up to 20 mph (based on a 170-pound operator) (but please only travel at 5 mph).
- Wheels: 2 to 4 wheels.
- Pedals: Fully functioning pedals are required.
- Motor Power: Electric motors only, limited to 750 watts.
(Prohibited: No gasoline-powered bikes or mopeds; no e-motorcycles.)
If you plan to bring any motorized vehicle to Black Rock City, you must read and understand the Vehicle Rules and Protocols.