E-Bikes vs. E-Motos: Know the Rules, Ride Safe.
Protecting Young E-Bike Riders: Advice for Parents, Students, and Communities:
Like many communities across the Front Range, Douglas County is seeing a rise in e-bikes, e-dirt bikes, and e-motorcycles. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is committed to ensuring our community remains safe for everyone—whether you are on wheels, in a car, or on foot. Public safety is our top priority.
Before you buy or ride any electric vehicle for yourself or your child, please keep the following in mind:
- Understand Your Machine: Learn the specific power output and top speeds of the vehicle.
- Know Its Capabilities: Be aware of how the vehicle handles different terrains and traffic conditions.
- Check Where It’s Allowed: Rules vary between local streets, paved paths, and open space trails; always check for posted signage.
- Follow State Law: Make sure you are familiar with Colorado’s legal requirements regarding age, helmet use, and vehicle classifications.
Types of Vehicles
E-Dirt Bikes and E-Motorcycles
E-dirt bikes and e-motorcycles, also called e-motos, are machines that operate at 4,477 watts and higher and have no pedals. Before riding an e-dirt bike or e-moto, make sure you’re legal to ride:
- Requires a driver’s license with motorcycle endorsement
- Must be registered vehicle with a license plate
- Must maintain current insurance
- NOT allowed on sidewalks or pedestrian paths, trails and open space
- Many of these vehicles are designed for off-road use only
- Owners must contact Colorado DMV and Colorado State Patrol for registration and inspection to ride legally.
E-Bikes
All electric bicycles in Colorado must fall into one of three classifications. According to a new Colorado law, e-bikes will be required to have a label depicting the e-bike’s classification, top speed and motor wattage by January 1, 2027.
Before riding an e-bike, make sure you’re legal to ride.
Class 1: Pedal assist motor cuts out at 20 miles per hour.
- How it works: Motor only kicks in when you pedal; stops assisting at 20 mph. No throttle.
- Age Limit: Generally 10+ recommended.
- Where it's allowed: Most bike paths, multi-use trails, and Colorado State Park trails. Allowed on roads and bike lanes.
Class 2: Pedal assist or throttle motor cuts out at 20 miles per hour.
- How it works: Can be propelled by a throttle without pedaling; stops assisting at 20 mph.
- Age Limit: Generally 13+ recommended.
- Where it's allowed: Most paved bike paths and roads. Some natural-surface trails (ex. Colorado Springs) may restrict them because of the throttle.
Class 3: Pedal assist motor cuts out at 28 miles per hour. Class 3 e-bikes must also have a speedometer.
- How it works: Pedal-assist only (no throttle); stops assisting at 28 mph.
- Age Limit: Must be at least 16 years old.
- Where it's allowed: Primarily roads and bike lanes. They are typically prohibited on multi-use paths and state park trails unless specifically signed otherwise.
- Requirement: Riders under 18 must wear a helmet on Class 3 e-bikes.
Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are allowed on sidewalks, trails, and pedestrian paths, provided they do not exceed 15 mph. These bikes can also share the road with motorists or go in the bike lane.
Class 3 e-bikes, which can self-propel without any pedal assistance, are only allowed on roadways and are not allowed in bike lanes. Riders must be at least 16 years old to operate. Riders under 18 years old must wear a helmet.
E-Scooters
Low-power E-scooters are machines that operate between 751 to 4,476 watts. Before riding an E-scooter, make sure you’re legal to ride:
- Driver’s license
- Registered vehicle with a sticker
- Current insurance
- NOT allowed on sidewalks, pedestrians paths, and trails
- May be road legal if meets registration requirements by state law.
Safety Tips
Riders are urged to follow traffic laws, wear appropriate safety gear, and remain aware of their surroundings to ensure both their safety and that of others.
Wear a well-fitted helmet. Always wear a fitted bicycle helmet, regardless of your age or the type of bike you’re riding. Helmets are required by law for cyclists under 18.
E-bikes are heavier and harder to control with or without a passenger. Carrying a passenger is legal only if your e-bike is designed to carry another person; regardless, the extra weight can make it difficult to maneuver, slow down, and stop.
Know your traffic laws, including stopping at stop signs and following speed limits. Ride in the same direction as traffic. Wear bright clothing and use lights. Use turn-signals (electronic or hand). Slow down and announce yourself before passing on the left of a nearby group or person. Learn more from CODOT about bicycle safety.
The higher the speed, the higher the risk of injury. Depending on your bicycle’s weight, skill level, and road surface, at 20 mph it will take approximately 30 feet to come to a full stop. Get comfortable with your e-bike’s speed controller and brakes.
Always stay aware of other riders and cars, and never assume they see you. Limit distractions like cell phones and earbuds. Make eye contact with drivers and others when you enter and exit intersections.
For more information, visit leg.colorado.gov/content/electric-bicycles or call the Sheriff’s Office at 303-660-7505 or email communityresources@dcsheriff.net.