E-Bike Safety in Boulder County

• Pedal assist only (no throttle)
• Max assisted speed: 20 mph
• Motor: 750 watts or less
• Front light and rear reflector required at night
• Allowed on multi‑use paths and designated open space trails if speed limits are followed and not prohibited by the local jurisdiction

• Pedal assist and may include throttle
• Max assisted speed: 20 mph
• Motor: 750 watts or less
• Not recommended for children under 16
• Front light and rear reflector required at night
• Allowed on multi-use paths and designated open space trails unless prohibited by the local jurisdiction

• Pedal assist only (no throttle)
• Max assisted speed: 28 mph
• Motor: 750 watts or less
• Must be 16 or older to operate
• Helmets required for riders under 18
• Speedometer required
• Front light and rear reflector required at night
• Allowed only on roadways (with limitations), bike lanes, and the US 36 bikeway (not multi‑use paths)

• Check the wattage before buying – anything over 750 watts is not a legal e-bike in Colorado.
• 751 – 4,476 watts vehicles are classified as low-power scooters and require a driver’s license, insurance, and registration.
• Over 4,476 watts is considered a motorcycle, requiring a motorcycle endorsement on top of licensing, insurance, and registration according to Colorado DMV.
• Riders can face fines and unregistered vehicles may be impounded.
• Parents can face criminal charges – adults who knowingly induce, aid, or encourage a minor to illegally operate a vehicle may be charged with Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, a class 1 misdemeanor (C.R.S. 18-6-701).

Citations may be issued for misuse of low‑power scooters or electric motorcycles, including:

• Operating without a license
• Operating without registration
• Operating without insurance

Penalties for operating without required insurance:

• Minimum $500 fine
• Up to 40 hours of community service

Control Your Speed and Braking

• Know how to use your speed controller and brakes
• Follow posted speed limits
• Practice riding in crowded or mixed-use areas

Be a Proactive Rider

• Wear a properly fitted helmet
• Stay alert. Don’t assume drivers see you.
• Avoid distractions (no phones or earbuds)
• Perform regular maintenance checks

Be Courteous

• Slow down and announce when passing
• Follow dismount zones
• Use turn signals (hand or electronic)
• Make eye contact at intersections

Know Your Traffic Laws

• Ride with traffic
• Use required lights and reflectors (white front, red rear)
• Carry passengers only if your bike is designed for it
• Follow age‑specific rules for Safety Stops and the different e‑bike classes.

Relevant authorities may include, but are not limited to:

• C.R.S. 42‑1‑102 – Definitions
• C.R.S. 42‑2‑103 – Motorcycles-autocycles-low-power scooters-driver’s license required
• C.R.S. 42‑3‑105 – Application for registration-tax-definitions
• C.R.S. 42‑3‑104 – Exemptions-specific ownership tax-registration-domicile and residency-rules-definitions
• C.R.S. 42‑3‑311 – Low-power scooter registration-fee
• C.R.S. 42‑4‑109 – Low-power scooters, animals, skis, skates, and toy vehicles on highways
• 1 C.C.R. 204‑10:40 – Low-power scooter

Read the full Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) and the Colorado Department of Revenue (C.C.R.) rules on their websites.

This guidance is based largely on state law, however, each jurisdiction (county or municipality) may enact their own rules or ordinances. Before you ride, please check with the local jurisdiction.

• Class 1 and 2 e‑bikes are allowed on roadways (with limitations), bike lanes, multi-use paths, sidewalks, and some designated open space trails, unless prohibited by the local jurisdiction.
• Class 3 e‑bikes are only allowed on roadways (with limitations), bike lanes, and the US 36 bikeway.
• Low-power scooters are only allowed on roadways (with limitations) and in designated bikes lanes.
• E-motorcycles are subject to motor vehicle laws.

Local Jurisdiction Resources

• Boulder (City)
• Erie
• Lafayette
• Longmont
• Louisville
• Lyons
• Superior