Things To Do on an eBike in Marathon County, WI
Marathon County has the western end of the Mountain-Bay State Trail at Weston, the River Edge Parkway along the Wisconsin River in Wausau, and the Nine Mile Forest trail system southwest of Wausau.
Rules differ by trail. The DNR allows Class 1 and Class 3 e-bikes on the Mountain-Bay, while Wausau police said in 2025 that city park trails were limited to Class 1.
Where to ride in Marathon County
Ride the Mountain-Bay for long rural miles east of Weston, and the River Edge Parkway for a short paved ride through downtown Wausau.
Named eBike routes and access checks
1. Mountain-Bay State Trail, Weston to Hatley
The Wisconsin DNR says the trail runs 83 miles from Weston, just east of Wausau, to Howard Memorial Park near Green Bay, and is open year-round. TrailLink says the route heads southeast about 11 miles from Weston to Hatley, where it shares about 2 miles with the Ice Age Trail, and says mountain bikes or tires at least 25 mm wide are necessary for its surfaces. The DNR biking table marks it open to e-bikes. Riders 16 and older need a state trail pass, $25 a year or $5 a day. For the Marathon section, the DNR lists Marathon County Parks at (715) 261-1550.
2. River Edge Parkway, Wausau
TrailLink lists 5 miles of asphalt, boardwalk and concrete along the Wisconsin River, from Winton Street past Riverlife Park and the Wausau Whitewater Park to Oak Park. Parking is at Riverlife Park (1400 N River Dr.), Oak Park (500 River Dr.), Riverside Park (100 Sherman St.) and the Whitewater Park (200 River Dr.).
eBike rule: in 2025 Wausau police told WSAW that only Class 1 e-bikes are allowed in city parks, including the River Edge Trail, with a 15 mph limit. In May 2026, Wausau Pilot & Review reported a proposed ordinance that would allow e-bikes on multi-use paths unless posted, with a 15 mph limit. Check the posted signs for the current rule.
3. Eau Claire River Trail, Weston
TrailLink lists a free 1.25-mile gravel path along the Eau Claire River with six wooden bridges and access at Brook Court, Tricia Avenue and Ryan Street. Ryan Street connects to the Mountain-Bay State Trail. There is no designated parking.
4. Nine Mile Forest, southwest of Wausau
Marathon County lists 13.45 miles of single-track and 20 miles of wide ski trails open for summer biking, with the main trailhead at 221700 Red Bud Road. Riders 12 and older pay a trail fee. The county says all trails are closed to motorized vehicles except designated winter snowmobile and ATV routes, and it publishes no e-bike rule. Call (715) 693-3001 before you bring an eBike.
Wisconsin eBike rules on state trails
The Wisconsin DNR allows Class 1 and Class 3 e-bikes on the bicycle trails marked in its table, with a 15 mph speed limit. E-bikes are not allowed on other DNR bicycle trails unless the motor is off. City and county trails set their own rules.
Half-day and full-day eBike plans
Half day: Park at Riverlife Park and ride the River Edge Parkway to Oak Park and back on a Class 1 eBike.
Full day: Buy a state trail pass and ride the Mountain-Bay State Trail from Weston to Hatley and back, about 22 miles.
What not to ride in Marathon County
Class 2 throttle eBikes on DNR trails. The DNR allowance covers Class 1 and Class 3 only.
Nine Mile Forest on an eBike without asking. The county closes its trails to motorized vehicles and has not published an e-bike rule.
When to ride Marathon County
TrailLink says snowmobiles use the Mountain-Bay in Marathon County, and Nine Mile grooms 7.6 miles for fat-tire biking in winter. Plan e-bike rides for spring through fall.
eBike shop hubs
Trek Store Wausau at 2601 Stewart Ave is listed as a bicycle rental service. Call to ask about eBike rentals and service.
Trek Store Wausau🚲 Rentals
Frequently asked questions
Are e-bikes allowed on the Mountain-Bay State Trail?
Yes. The DNR marks it open to e-bikes, with Class 1 and Class 3 allowed at up to 15 mph. Riders 16 and older need a state trail pass.
Where does the Mountain-Bay State Trail start in Marathon County?
The DNR says its western end is in Weston, just east of Wausau. TrailLink puts Hatley about 11 miles southeast.
Can I ride an eBike on the Wausau River Edge Parkway?
In 2025 Wausau police said only Class 1 e-bikes are allowed in city parks, including the River Edge Trail, at up to 15 mph. A new ordinance was proposed in 2026, so check posted signs.
How long is the River Edge Parkway?
TrailLink lists 5 miles along the Wisconsin River in Wausau.
Are e-bikes allowed at Nine Mile Forest?
The county has not published an e-bike rule and says its trails are closed to motorized vehicles. Call (715) 693-3001 to ask.
Is there a fee to ride at Nine Mile Forest?
Yes. Marathon County says fees apply to all riders 12 and older on the bike trail system.
All eBike shops in Marathon County
See the Marathon County eBike shops page for the full directory, and our Wisconsin eBike laws guide for state rules.