From Bike Law Colorado
By Brian Weiss
On August 9, 2017, the Colorado law that regulates the operation of bicycles in our State changed again based on the advent of electrical assisted bicycles or “e-bikes.” E-bikes have gained in popularity over the years and there has been a push by the bike industry and People for Bikes to have uniform legislation nationwide so it will be easier to know where to ride each type of e-bikes.
The controlling statute in Colorado for most of the bike laws is C.R.S. Section 42-4-1412* and for electric bikes as defined in C.R.S. Section 42-1-102. This statute was expanded to add the 3 categories or classes of E-bikes. E-bike Class I is for a pedal assist and provides electrical assistance up to 20 mph. E-bike Class II provides electrical power when the rider is pedaling or not and stops giving power when the e-bike reaches the speed of 20 mph. E-bike Class III provides electrical power up to 28 mph. In Colorado, Category I and II can be ridden on a bike, pedestrian or multi-use paths. Class III can only be ridden on public roads. Also note that Class 3 E-bikes are not allowed for riders under age 16, and the law also requires the rider or passenger of a Class 3 E-bike under age 18 to wear a bike helmet with the strap in place while the Class 3 E-bike is in motion. I recommend that all cyclists and passengers wear helmets (e-bike or not), but the law only has the specific rule for the Class 3 e-bikes at this time.
Local Colorado Towns have Different E-Bike Laws
Breckenridge E-Bike Laws
Local cities and towns have the last word and control on where electric bikes can be ridden. For example, Breckenridge has a great system of bicycle paths and trails. The most popular bicycle path that connects Breckenridge to Frisco does not allow electric bikes. To give more context, this bicycle path has never allowed motor vehicles to be used, so not allowing electric bikes was a step that the Town Breckenridge decided to make for the safety of the path (or facility as the town planners call it) users.
Many cities and towns have yet to have a specific rule for e-bikes, so then the State Law controls the use of electric bikes.
Electric bikes are the future and Colorado is leading the way to make them more accessible and regulated so they will be a viable mode of transportation into the future.
Read the full article here
So Breckenridge wants you to ride a e-bike from Frisco on Highway 9 a dangerous high traffic road. That should help attract summer tourists.
Will the new bike path along the Boulder Turnpike also ban e-bikes?
“Electric bikes are the future and Colorado is leading the way”. Not if you want to ride safely in Breckenridge and Summit County. Bring us your tourist dollars but not your e-bikes.
Yes, and if you want to ride between Frisco and Copper Mountain, you have to ride on I-70 instead of the paved bike path. Hopefully, this insanity can be reversed.