If it has wheels, it has rules
E-Bikes & Electric Vehicles
Know the rules for e-bikes, electric scooters, and other electric vehicles in Jefferson County under Colorado law.
A Growing Concern in Jefferson County
The Sheriff's Office has seen a sharp increase in young riders using electric vehicles that look like e-bikes but are far more powerful. Many of these vehicles are marketed online as "e-bikes," but once you check the specs, they exceed the 750-watt legal limit and are legally classified as motor vehicles.
The real issue isn't e-bikes, it's e-motos. These are high-powered electric motorcycles disguised as bicycles. Manufacturers often add non-functional pedals to skirt motor vehicle regulations. With motors ranging from 1,000 to 6,000+ watts and top speeds of 30–65+ mph, these vehicles require a driver's license, insurance, and registration under Colorado law.
Not every "e-bike" is actually an e-bike.
If a vehicle has a motor over 750 watts, it is not a legal e-bike in Colorado — regardless of how it's marketed. It may be classified as a low-power electric vehicle or a motorcycle, both of which require licensing and registration.
Examples of vehicles often mislabeled as "e-bikes"
Electric Bicycle vs. E-Moto
| Feature | Class 1/2/3 Electric Bicycle | E-Moto |
|---|---|---|
| Operable Pedals | Required | Not required (often fake) |
| Motor Power | 750W or less | Often 1,000W–6,000W+ |
| Top Speed | 20–28 mph | 30–65+ mph |
| Throttle | Class 2 only (20 mph max) | Usually throttle-only |
| Licensing / Registration | No | Required in Colorado |
| Product Category | Consumer product | Motor vehicle |
| Street Legal for Minors? | Class 1 & 2: all ages. Class 3: 16+ | No, unless registered and licensed |
What Parents Should Know
- Check the wattage before buying — anything over 750W is NOT a legal e-bike in Colorado.
- 750–4,476W vehicles are classified as low-power electric vehicles and require a driver's license, insurance, and registration.
- Over 4,476W = motorcycle, requiring a motorcycle endorsement on top of licensing, insurance, and registration.
- Riders can face fines, and unregistered vehicles may be impounded.
- Parents can face criminal charges — adults who knowingly allow, 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 (CRS 18-6-701).
Use the classification guide below to find out what rules apply to your vehicle.
What are you riding?
Select your vehicle type to see the rules that apply to you.
Electric assisted bicycles with two or three wheels, fully operable pedals, and an electric motor not exceeding 750 watts of power.
Defined by Colorado HB17-1151
Class 1
All ages
20 mph max
Must pedal to operate
No throttle
Where allowed
- Allowed: Roads
- Allowed: Trails
- Allowed: Parks
Class 2
All ages
20 mph max
Do not need to pedal
Throttle assist available
Where allowed
- Allowed: Roads
- Allowed: Trails
- Allowed: Parks
Class 3
16 years or older
28 mph max
Must pedal to operate
No throttle
Where allowed
- Allowed: Roads
- Not allowed: Trails
- Not allowed: Parks
Self-propelled vehicles with not more than three wheels, no manual clutch, and a motor between 750 and 4,476 watts (or under 50cc).
Defined by C.R.S. 42-1-102 (48.5)
Requirements
- Driver's license REQUIRED
- Insurance REQUIRED
- Registration REQUIRED
Where allowed
- Allowed: Roads
- Not allowed: Sidewalks
- Not allowed: Trails and parks
Gas or electric motorcycles with motors over 4,476 watts (or 50cc and above).
Defined by C.R.S. 42-1-102
Requirements
- Driver's license REQUIRED
- Motorcycle endorsement REQUIRED
- Insurance REQUIRED
- Registration REQUIRED
Where allowed
- Allowed: Roads (with proper licensing)
- Not allowed: Trails and parks
- Not allowed: Sidewalks
E-Bike Regulations
C.R.S. 42-4-1412(14)(a)(I)
Class 1 and 2 e-bikes may be ridden on pedestrian paths where bicycles are authorized to travel.
C.R.S. 42-4-1412(14)(a)(I)
Class 3 e-bikes may not be ridden on pedestrian paths unless the path is within a street or highway.
C.R.S. 42-4-1412(15)(a)
Riders under 16 years old shall not ride a Class 3 e-bike unless they are a passenger on a bike designed to carry passengers.
C.R.S. 42-4-1412(15)(a)
Riders under 18 years old must wear a bicycle helmet when riding a Class 3 e-bike.
Other Vehicles
Electric Scooters
C.R.S. 42-1-102(28.8)(a)
- Less than 100 lbs with handlebars
- Electric motor, max speed 20 MPH
- Must follow all bicycle and e-bike laws
- Follow the same rules as bicycles and e-bikes
Toy Vehicles
- Wheels typically less than 14" in diameter
- Includes mini-bikes, go-peds, stand-up scooters
- NOT allowed on public roads
- Allowed on sidewalks only if human-powered
Off-Highway Vehicles
- Dirt bikes, ATVs, go-karts, snowmobiles
- NOT allowed on public roads
- Must be registered for use on public land
- Private property use does not require registration
Violations & Fines
42-4-1412 (14)
Rode electrical assisted bicycle where prohibited
42-4-1412 (15)(a)
Person under 16 operated Class 3 e-bike on any street, highway, bike, or pedestrian path
42-4-1412 (15)(b)
Allowed passenger under 18 to ride Class 3 e-bike without bicycle helmet
42-4-1412 (15)(a)
Person under 18 rode Class 3 e-bike without bicycle helmet
42-4-1402 (1)
Rode bicycle, e-bike, or electric scooter in a careless manner
All violations are classified as MT2 (municipal traffic). Fines listed are base amounts plus surcharges and may vary.
Common Questions
No. E-bikes (under 750 watts) do not require a driver’s license, registration, or insurance in Colorado. However, Class 3 e-bikes (up to 28 mph) require the rider to be at least 16 years old.
Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are allowed on roads, trails, and in parks where bicycles are authorized. Class 3 e-bikes are allowed on roads and parking lots only—they are not permitted on trails or in parks.
Riders under 18 years old must wear a bicycle helmet when riding a Class 3 e-bike. There is no helmet requirement for Class 1 or Class 2 e-bikes under current Colorado law.
E-bikes have fully operable pedals and an electric motor not exceeding 750 watts. Electric scooters weigh less than 100 lbs, have handlebars and an electric motor, with a max speed of 20 MPH. Electric scooters must follow all laws pertaining to bicycles and e-bikes.
No. Off-highway vehicles (OHVs) including dirt bikes, ATVs, and go-karts are not allowed on public roads unless specifically posted otherwise. OHVs used on public land in Colorado must be registered with the Division of Motor Vehicles.
Colorado e-bike laws are primarily found in C.R.S. 42-4-1412, which covers bicycles and electrical assisted bicycles. The original classification system was established by HB17-1151. Low-power electric vehicles are defined in C.R.S. 42-1-102(48.5).
No. Vehicles with motors over 750 watts are classified as low-power electric vehicles (750–4,476W) or motorcycles (over 4,476W) under Colorado law, regardless of how they are marketed. They require a driver’s license, registration, and insurance. Check the manufacturer specs or the label on the motor to verify the wattage.
Resources
HB17-1151: E-Bike Classification (opens in new tab)
Colorado bill that established the three-class e-bike system.
Colorado DMV: Low-Power Scooters (opens in new tab)
Registration and requirements for low-power electric vehicles.
Jeffco Parks: E-Bike Rules (opens in new tab)
E-bike rules for Jefferson County parks and open space trails.
PeopleForBikes: The E-Moto Problem (opens in new tab)
Why dangerous incidents are caused by illegal e-motos, not legitimate e-bikes.
Bicycle Colorado: E-Bikes (opens in new tab)
E-bike information and resources from Colorado's leading bicycle advocacy organization.
CDOT: E-Bike Safety Campaign (opens in new tab)
CDOT's "Go Safe Go Far" campaign with safety guidelines, videos, and classification info.
This is not a comprehensive list of all laws, ordinances, and rules. Prepared by Deputy Houston, School Resource Officer, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.