Electric Bikes On Colorado Trails: What's The Law?

Electric bikes are allowed on many trails throughout Colorado, but it's important to check the rules for each trail before you ride. In general, e-bikes are allowed on Colorado state park trails, but there are some restrictions based on the class of the e-bike. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are allowed on paved trails and multi-use trails, while Class 3 e-bikes are restricted to roadways and designated bike lanes.

Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are allowed on Colorado state park trails

In Colorado, Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are allowed on state park trails. In 2017, Colorado state legislators passed HB 17-1151, which defined three different classes of e-bikes, required manufacturers to label e-bikes by class, and defined e-bikes as non-motorized vehicles. This legislation also allowed the use of Class 1 and 2 e-bikes on bike or pedestrian paths where bicycles are allowed to travel.

Class 1 e-bikes are allowed on natural surface trails within the parks, while Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are permitted on paved trails within the parks. State Parks also allow Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on roadways and bike lanes, as well as on multi-use trails.

It is important to note that Class 3 e-bikes are treated differently. While they are allowed on certain roadways and bike lanes, they are not permitted on multi-use trails in the same way as Class 1 and 2 e-bikes.

Outside of these guidelines, local land agencies can designate their own rules. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the specific regulations for the trail you plan to ride before assuming that e-bikes are allowed.

Class 3 e-bikes are only allowed on roadways and designated bike lanes

Electric bikes are allowed on many trails throughout Colorado, but it's important to check before assuming they're permitted on a specific trail. In general, an e-bike must have two or three wheels, fully operable pedals, and an electric motor that does not exceed 750 watts of power.

State Parks permit Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on multi-use trails, roadways, and designated bike lanes. However, Class 3 e-bikes are restricted to certain roadways and bike lanes. This distinction is important to note, as it means that Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed on the same multi-use trails as Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes.

Similarly, Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations also allow Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on roadways, bike lanes, and multi-use trails, while Class 3 e-bikes are limited to roadways and designated bike lanes. This means that Class 3 e-bikes are not permitted on the same multi-use trails as the other classes.

It's worth noting that local land agencies can designate their own rules outside of these guidelines. For example, Jefferson County, CO, allows Class 1 e-bikes on natural surface trails within the parks and both Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on paved trails, which is in line with Colorado state regulations.

Additionally, electric bikes are now allowed on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and National Park trails in Colorado, but this change has not been without controversy.

E-bikes are allowed on BLM and National Park trails

In general, an e-bike must meet three criteria: it must have two or three wheels, it must have fully operable pedals, and its electric motor must not exceed 750 watts of power (roughly 1 horsepower equivalent). Given these distinctions, both Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are allowed identical access to Colorado Parks and Wildlife land as non-motorised bikes. However, Class 3 e-bikes are only allowed on roadways and designated bike lanes.

State Parks permit Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on multi-use trails, roadways, and designated bike lanes. State Parks permit Class 3 e-bikes on certain roadways and bike lanes. State Wildlife Areas allow e-bikes on designated roads as well as any parking or camping areas where motor vehicles are allowed. State Trust Lands permit e-bikes on designated roadways, but only for use while hunting or fishing (a valid hunting/fishing license is required). Outside of these guidelines, local land agencies can designate their own rules.

E-bikes are allowed on Jeffco Open Space managed trails

In general, an e-bike must meet three criteria: it must have two or three wheels, it must have fully operable pedals, and its electric motor must not exceed 750 watts of power (roughly 1 horsepower equivalent). Given these distinctions, both Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are allowed identical access to Colorado Parks and Wildlife land as non-motorized bikes. However, Class 3 e-bikes are only permitted on roadways and designated bike lanes.

State Parks permit Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on multi-use trails, roadways, and designated bike lanes. State Wildlife Areas allow e-bikes on designated roads as well as any parking or camping areas where motor vehicles are allowed. State Trust Lands permit e-bikes on designated roadways, but only for use while hunting or fishing (a valid hunting/fishing license is required). Outside of these guidelines, local land agencies can designate their own rules.

E-bikes are allowed on State Wildlife Areas

State Parks in Colorado permit Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on multi-use trails, roadways, and designated bike lanes. Class 3 e-bikes are only allowed on certain roadways and bike lanes.

In April 2017, Colorado state legislators passed HB 17-1151, which defined three different classes of e-bikes, required manufacturers to label e-bikes by class, and defined e-bikes as non-motorized vehicles. This allowed the use of Class 1 and 2 e-bikes on bike or pedestrian paths where bicycles are allowed to travel.

Colorado State Parks also allow Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on roadways and bike lanes, as well as on multi-use trails.

Frequently asked questions