E-bikes on Open Space

E-bikes are allowed on designated regional and open space trails in the plains. E-bikes are prohibited on foothills and mountain trails. Different rules apply when an e-bike is used by someone with a mobility disability.

E-bikes are prohibited on foothills and mountain trails.
Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed on most other trails.
Class 3 e-bikes are allowed on the US 36 Bikeway, but not on other trails.
E-motos, electric motorcycles, and other devices that exceed 750 watts or 28 mph are prohibited on trails.

E-Bikes Map

E-bikes Allowed

Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed on the following parks and trails:

Regional Trails

Coal Creek Trail
LoBo Trail (except signed area near Twin Lakes)
Rock Creek Trail
US 36 Bikeway (class 3 e-bikes are allowed)

Plains

Boulder Canyon Trail
Carolyn Holmberg Preserve at Rock Creek Farm
Coalton Trailhead
Harney Lastoka
Lagerman Agricultural Preserve
Legion Park
Meadowlark Trail
Niwot Trails
Pella Crossing
Twin Lakes (except for signed area)
Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat

E-bikes Prohibited

E-bikes are prohibited in the foothills and mountains, with certain Americans with Disability Act exceptions. Foothills and mountains include the following parks and trails:

Class 3 e-bikes are prohibited on all open space trails except the US 36 Bikeway.

Individuals With Mobility Disabilities

Individuals with mobility disabilities are allowed to use Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMDs), including e-bikes, on all trails open to pedestrians unless a specific trail has been designated as inappropriate for OPDMDs based on the assessment factors outlined in 28 CFR § 35.137(b)(2) of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

A current list of trails where OPDMDs are allowed is available on the Accessibility on Open Space page.

What is an E-bike?

E-bikes, also known as electric bicycles, ebikes, powerbikes, pedelecs, or booster bikes, are bicycles with an integrated electric motor that does not exceed 750 watts of power.

Class 1 E-bikes

Low-speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches 20 mph.

Class 2 E-bikes

Low-speed throttle-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a throttle-actuated motor, that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches 20 mph.

Class 3 E-bikes

Pedal-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches 28 mph. Class 3 e-bikes are prohibited on all open space trails except the US 36 Bikeway.

E-motos Prohibited

An e-moto, also called and electric motorcycle.

E-motos, also called electric motorcycles, electric motos, or e-dirt bikes, are high-powered two-wheelers designed for off-road or track use. Unlike e-bikes, they have power outputs greater than 750 watts and can exceed 28 mph.

Although they may resemble e-bikes and sometimes have functional pedals, they are classified as motor-driven cycles that require registration, insurance, and a driver’s license.

E-motos are not allowed on any open space trail. Users will be ticketed and fined.

E-bikes Approval History

Passive Recreation Definition Updated

On Dec. 18, 2019, the Planning Commission voted to update the definition of passive recreation to include riding e-bikes.

Dec. 18 Meeting Minutes and Video

E-bikes Approved by Commissioners

On Nov. 13, 2019, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved allowing class 1 and class 2 e-bikes on Boulder County trails on the plains where regular bikes are allowed, including regional trails and trails on open space parks, with certain exceptions. Those exceptions include anywhere e-bikes are not allowed due to underlying existing land restriction and three trails requested by the City of Boulder: The Boulder Canyon Trail (due to prohibition of motorized uses on a parcel owned by City of Boulder), Coalton Trail and Mayhoffer-Singletree Trail (because these two county trails lead to city-owned trails where e-bikes are not allowed, and there is no option to leave the trail). [NOTE: On July 1, 2023, e-bikes were approved on City of Boulder adjacent trails and the Coalton, Mayhoffer-Singletree, and Boulder Canyon trails.]

Nov. 13 Meeting Minutes and Video

Other Meetings

On Oct. 24, 2019, the Parks & Open Space Advisory Committee voted 5-1 to recommend approval of the staff proposal to the Board of County Commissioners.

Oct. 24 Meeting Minutes and Video

On Oct. 16, 2019, a study session was held with the Planning Commission to present the results of the pilot study and propose options for updating the passive recreation definition in the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan Open Space Element.

Oct. 16 Meeting Minutes and Video

Three open houses were held to present results from the E-Bike Pilot Study and outline the recommendation to allow e-bikes.

Oct. 2, 2019
Oct. 3, 2019
Oct. 6, 2019