A pilot program to expand access to e-bikes on city-owned and maintained trails has been postponed until further notice. The last policy can be found here: www.fs.usda.gov/visit/e-bikes. Right now, you don`t need a driver`s license or special bike license to ride an electric bike in the state of Colorado. Currently, electric bikes should not be used on so-called multipurpose paths. These trails are always soft surfaces and are part of a large regional park or open space real estate infrastructure. The Land Management Office and the National Park Service opened public comments in April of this year to encourage public comment on the use and regulation of e-bikes. Comments were open for 60 days and allowed the public to provide feedback until the second week of June. Responses have been recorded, and both companies are currently in the process of posting changes to previous regulations in place. Currently, the two entities do not have universal rules and vary from region to region. These new changes will be consistent across the country and provide clear rules for this growing business. Currently, BLM and NPS regulations vary from region to region. Click on the links below to see the current official positions of each company. Electric bikes are allowed on roads and bike paths.
Electric bikes are allowed on bike and pedestrian paths, but are not allowed to run the engine unless local regulations allow it. The city of Boulder is currently the only city where engines can be activated on bike paths. Electric bikes must be driven on the roads and are prohibited on sidewalks. Also note that Class III e-bikes are only allowed to ride on public roads (no bike paths or walking trails). The electric drive system of the electric bike can be activated by pedal action to achieve higher top speeds. In the United States, this class could still be considered a «slow electric bike» if human power powers the bike above 20 mph and therefore does not require a special license, but even more can be limited to roads, adjacent bike paths or on private property with a top speed of about 28 mph (~45 km/h) and a motor power of < = 750 watts. A person under the age of 16 cannot ride a Class 3 electric bike on a road, highway, bike or pedestrian path, only as a passenger. Definitions and classifications of e-bikes are determined by federal and state laws. These laws exempt e-bikes as motor vehicles if they have the above characteristics.
The laws are as follows. Colorado State (CO) law has three classes of electric bikes: Class I is for pedal assist with a maximum of 20 mph of electric assistance. Class II is intended for motorcycles that provide electrical power, whether the rider pedals or not, but that stop providing power when the speed reaches 20 mph. Class III is intended for bikes that continue to provide a power supply up to 28 mph. All e-bikes must meet the requirements for 1 of the 3 designated e-bike classes: Local laws regarding e-bikes must not be more restrictive than those of Class 1 e-bikes. Electric bikes that fall into one of the three classifications described above are considered bicycles and not off-road or ohV vehicles. For this reason, like a normal mountain bike, you don`t need to register your electric bike. The National Forest Service is currently clarifying and developing guidelines for the use of e-bikes and guidelines for national forest system lands. In recent years, electric bikes have become increasingly popular as they offer opportunities for many people, especially the elderly and disabled.
Currently, e-bikes are not allowed anywhere on Forest Service roads, on trails or in areas where motorized vehicles are prohibited. The proposed new rule change separates e-bikes into three distinct classes. Each category of e-bikes will have regulations in place to determine their ease of use on Forest Service lands. While in the process of defining and creating all these new regulations, the Forest Service has opened a public comment on the issue. We would like to encourage all of you to submit your comments on this topic! All comments must be received by October 26, 2020. Unless your city or county prohibits the practice, you can ride a Class 1 or 2 electric bike on the sidewalk. You cannot ride a Class 3 bike on a sidewalk or trail. Most cities don`t have e-bike laws, so state law applies. However, Breckenridge and other cities state that you can`t use electric bikes on sidewalks or bike paths in the area, so it`s always best to check local laws when planning a bike ride. Electric bikes in Colorado do not require a license or registration.
However, Class III electric bikes can only be used by people who are 16 years of age or older. Since every city, town, and district has the power to promulgate any ordinance that is not inconsistent with state law, be sure to consult your local ordinance. Only Class 1 electric bikes are allowed on the city`s cross-country skiing system. Moreover, only on their designated «urban trails»,» which are essentially their cobbled attempts. A list of tests where you can ride your Class 1 electric bike can be found here: coloradosprings.gov/ebike?mlid=34956 legal Class 1 and 2 electric bikes offer engine assistance at speeds of up to 20 miles per hour. Class 3 bikes offer support of up to 28 miles per hour. Use of electric bikes on CPW properties – Class 1 and 2 electric bikes have the same access as road bikes and mountain bikes, while Class 3 electric bikes are only allowed on designated roads and bike paths. An electric bike that only provides support when the cyclist pedals; The engine stops at 20 miles per hour (mph).