🇺🇸Ebike Laws Colorado: A Complete Guide
- Tom
- March 25, 2022
- 8:09 am
- No Comments
Brief summary of the e-bike laws in Colorado:
- E-bikes are defined as bicycles with a motor that provides assistance up to 20 mph.
- E-bikes are subject to the same laws as bicycles, except for the following:
- E-bikes do not require registration or insurance.
- Class 1 and 2 e-bikes can be ridden on any road or path where bicycles are allowed.
- Class 3 e-bikes can be ridden on any road or path where bicycles are allowed, but may not exceed 28 mph.
- E-bikes can be ridden on sidewalks in some cities and towns.
- E-bikes cannot be ridden on interstate highways.
- E-bike riders must be at least 16 years old.
- E-bikes must have a headlight and taillight that are visible from 500 feet in front and behind.
- E-bikes must have a bell or horn.
- E-bike riders must wear a helmet if they are under the age of 18.
- E-bike riders must obey all traffic laws.
FAQ
The state of Colorado (CO) statute has three classes of electric bicycle: Class I is for pedal assist with maximum of 20 mph electric assist. Class II is for bikes that provide electric power whether or not the rider is pedaling, but stops providing power when the speed reaches 20 mph. Class III is for bikes that continue providing electrical power up to 28 mph.
Electric bikes in Colorado do not require licensing or registration. However, Class III electric bikes can only be operated by those who are aged 16 or older. Since each town, city and borough have the authority to make any ordinance not inconsistent with the state law, make sure you consult your local ordinance.
Electric bikes should have an electric motor not exceeding 750w of power.
A person under 16 years of age can’t ride a class 3 electric bike upon any street, highway, or bike or pedestrian path, only as a passenger.
Colorado requires a helmet for both rider and passenger for electric bikes in Class III only. Certain local ordinances do require helmets for persons aged 18 and under.
Electric bikes are allowed on roads and bike lanes. Electric bikes are allowed on bike and pedestrian paths, but may not engage the motor unless allowed by local ordinance. The City of Boulder is currently the only city to allow motors to be engaged on bike paths. Electric bikes must be ridden on roadways and are prohibited on sidewalks. Also note that Class III electric bikes are restricted to riding on public roads only (no bike paths or pedestrian paths).
Additional notes:
- Every electric bicycle should have a lamp on the front emitting a white light visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet to the front.
- Every electric bicycle must have a red reflector, which shall be visible for six hundred feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful lower beams of head lamps on a motor vehicle.
- Every electric bicycle when in use should be equipped with reflective material of sufficient size and reflectivity to be visible from both sides for six hundred feet when directly in front of lawful lower beams of head lamps on a motor vehicle or, instead of reflective material, with a lighted lamp visible from both sides from a distance of at least five hundred feet.
Disclaimer:
Laws and policies can change at any time rendering the above information outdated and non-applicable. TOMEBIKE strongly encourages checking with City, County, State and other local agencies for the most recent laws governing the proper, legal use of electric bicycles in your area.
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