Colorado Electric Bike Laws: Everything You Need to Know

Electric bikes (e-bikes) are gaining popularity across Colorado as a fun, sustainable transportation option. However, e-bike laws can be confusing as regulations vary by e-bike class and local jurisdiction. This article will provide an overview of Colorado Electric Bike Laws to help riders stay legal and safe.

Definition of an Electric Bike in Colorado

An electric bicycle, also known as an e-bike, is defined by Colorado law as a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts of power. The motor must disengage or stop functioning when the rider is not pedaling and must not be capable of providing assistance at more than 20 mph on level ground.

E-bikes in Colorado are categorized into three classes:

• Class 1: The electric motor provides assistance only while the rider is pedaling and stops assisting at 20 mph.
• Class 2: The electric motor can propel the bike without pedaling, but stops assisting at 20 mph.
• Class 3: The electric motor provides assistance only while the rider is pedaling and stops assisting at 28 mph.

Under Colorado state law, e-bikes are regulated like traditional human-powered bicycles. No registration, licensing, or insurance is required for e-bike use on streets, bike lanes, paths, and trails permitted for bikes, with some limitations by class. Local jurisdictions may have additional regulations.

Colorado Electric Bike Laws: Everything You Need to Know

Are electric bikes street-legal in Colorado?

Yes, electric bikes are considered street-legal in Colorado. They are regulated under state traffic laws similarly to traditional human-powered bicycles. There is no requirement for e-bike registration, licensing, or insurance to operate on public roads and bike lanes like other bicycles. However, there are some restrictions based on e-bike classes that riders should be aware of.

What are the different classes of electric bikes in Colorado?

Colorado law recognizes 3 classes of e-bikes:

• Class 1: Has a motor that assists with pedaling up to 20 mph.
• Class 2: Has a throttle-assisted motor that can propel the bike up to 20 mph without pedaling.
• Class 3: Has a motor that assists riding up to 28 mph. Requires the rider to be pedaling to reach 28 mph.

Do I need a license to ride an electric bike in Colorado?

No, there is no license required to operate an electric bike of any class in Colorado. The same rules that apply to riding traditional pedal bicycles apply to e-bikes under state law. Riders should still educate themselves on proper e-bike operation and rules of the road for everyone’s safety.

Do I need to wear a helmet when riding an electric bike in Colorado?

Helmet use is required by Colorado law for e-bike riders under 18 years of age. Helmets are highly recommended for all e-bike riders to prevent head injuries in a crash. Properly fitted bike helmets can greatly reduce the risk of serious injury while riding an e-bike.

Where can I ride an electric bike in Colorado?

E-bikes are permitted on most bike paths and trails in Colorado unless expressly prohibited by local ordinances. However, not all trails that allow regular bikes also permit e-bikes. Riders should check regulations posted at trailheads or with local municipalities and land agencies to see if e-bike use is allowed. Class 3 e-bikes may have greater restrictions.

What is the speed limit for electric bikes in Colorado?

E-bikes in Colorado are limited to a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph for Class 1 and 2. Class 3 e-bikes can assist up to 28 mph if the rider is actively pedaling. Throttle use alone is limited to 20 mph. E-bikes must follow all posted speed limits.

Can I ride an electric bike on the sidewalk in Colorado?

Whether e-bikes are allowed on sidewalks depends on local jurisdiction. In general, e-bikes should yield to pedestrians on sidewalks and multi-use paths. Never ride recklessly around other sidewalk users. Check local ordinances for specific sidewalk use regulations.

Can I take an electric bike on public transportation in Colorado?

E-bikes are typically allowed on public transportation like buses and light rail if space permits. Most transit agencies allow folded e-bikes at all times. For full-size e-bikes, bike racks may have weight limits to consider.

Can I ride an electric bike in Colorado state parks?

Yes, e-bikes are allowed on designated bike trails and paved roads in most Colorado state parks. E-bike access may be restricted in certain sensitive areas or on natural surface trails. Riders should check with the park directly if e-bike use is allowed in a given park.

Can I ride an electric bike in national parks in Colorado?

E-bike access varies greatly across national parks. Some parks like National River permit e-bikes wherever regular bikes can go. Others like Rocky Mountain National Park prohibit them on all trails and paved roads. Riders must check specific national park e-bike policies before entering.

Where can I buy an electric bike in Colorado?

Many specialty bike shops across Colorado now sell electric bikes. Larger cities like Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs have shops dedicated specifically to e-bikes. There are also national e-bike brands that allow online ordering and delivery in Colorado. Buyers can research models and features to find the best e-bike to suit their needs and local riding opportunities.