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Colorado e-bike laws
ClassesClass 1, 2 and 3 defined
Age & helmetUnder 16 may not ride a Class 3 (may ride as passenger on a Class 3 designed for passengers) · Class 3: operators and passengers under 18 must wear a CPSC- or ASTM-compliant bicycle helmet
Under 16 may not ride a Class 3 (may ride as passenger on a Class 3 designed for passengers)
Helmet rule
Class 3: operators and passengers under 18 must wear a CPSC- or ASTM-compliant bicycle helmet
Where you can ride
Class 1 and 2 may use bike/pedestrian paths where bicycles are allowed; local authority may prohibit. Class 3 not on bike/pedestrian paths unless the path is within a street or highway or the local authority permits it. Local ordinances apply.
License / registration
Not a 'motor vehicle' (CRS 42-1-102(58)); exempt from state registration (CRS 42-3-103(1)(b)(I)). Local authorities may require registration and licensing of e-bikes (CRS 42-4-111(1)(h))
County & city rules
Highlighted counties have local e-bike rules we've checked against an official source. Everywhere else, state law applies. Parks, trails and HOAs can still post their own rules.
No e-bikes on county foothill and mountain trails (such as Betasso, Hall Ranch, Heil and Walker Ranch). City bans them on trails such as Foothills North, Fowler, Doudy Draw and Marshall Mesa. E-motos are banned on county open space.
Class 3 banned on all city paths and OSMP trails; Not allowed on Foothills North, Fowler, Doudy Draw and other listed trails; E-scooters/e-skateboards banned; Yield to hikers and horses
County: Class 1 and 2 on plains and regional trails, Class 3 only on the US 36 Bikeway. City: Class 1 and 2 on listed trails; Class 3 banned on all city multi-use paths and open space trails.
Trails & paths
No e-bikes on county foothill and mountain trails (such as Betasso, Hall Ranch, Heil and Walker Ranch). City bans them on trails such as Foothills North, Fowler, Doudy Draw and Marshall Mesa.
Class 1/2 allowed on listed OSMP trails since July 1, 2023; Class 3 banned on all city multi-use paths and open-space trails.
Trails & paths
City of Boulder open space and multi-use paths
Age & helmet
Class 3 banned on all city paths and OSMP trails; Not allowed on Foothills North, Fowler, Doudy Draw and other listed trails; E-scooters/e-skateboards banned; Yield to hikers and horses
Class 1/2 allowed on state park roads and trails open to bikes; in State Wildlife Areas and State Trust Lands only on designated motorized roads and camping/parking areas.
Trails & paths
CPW-managed lands statewide
Age & helmet
State parks: Class 1/2 only on trails open to bikes; Wildlife Areas and Trust Lands: designated roads, camping/parking only; No registration needed
