E-Bike, E-Motorcycle, and Electric Scooter Safety and Laws
With more E-bikes, E-dirt bikes, and E-motorcycles showing up around our community, the Lone Tree Police Department is reminding residents and families to make safety a priority. Before you buy or ride, take time to understand your machine, its capabilities, where it’s allowed, and what the state law requires.
E-Dirt Bikes and E-Motorcycles
E-dirt bikes and E-motorcycles are machines that operate at 4,477 watts and higher and have no pedals. Before riding an E-dirt bike or E-motorcycle, make sure you’re legal to ride:
- Driver’s license with motorcycle endorsement
- Registered vehicle with a plate
- Current insurance
- NOT allowed on sidewalks or pedestrian paths, trails and open space
- Many designed for off-road use only
- May be road legal if meets registration requirements by state law
- Contact Colorado DMV and Colorado State Patrol for registration and inspection
Low Power Electric Scooter
Low-power E-scooters are machines that operate between 751 to 4,476 watts. Before riding a low power electric scooter, make sure you’re legal to ride:
- Driver’s license
- Registered vehicle with a sticker
- Current insurance
- NOT allowed on sidewalks, pedestrians paths, and trails
- May be road legal if meets registration requirements by state law
E-Bikes
All electric bicycles in Colorado are required to fall under three classifications and have a label depicting the E-bike’s classification, top assisted speeds and motor wattage.
Before riding an E-Bike, make sure you’re legal to ride:
Class 1
- An electric bicycle with pedals
- Aids when the rider is pedaling
- The motor ceases to assist at 20 mph
- Allowed on roadways, sidewalks, paths and trails
Class 2
- An electric bicycle with pedals
- Aids when the rider is pedaling
- Motor ceases to assist at 20 mph
- Class 2 electric bikes have a form of throttle that will propel them without pedaling
- Allowed on roadways, sidewalks, paths and trails
Class 3
- An electric bicycle with pedals
- 28 mph maximum speed
- Speedometer is required
- Age 16+ to operate
- Riders under 18 years of age must wear a helmet
- Allowed on roadways
- NOT allowed on sidewalks, paths or trails
Safety Tips
Riders are urged to follow traffic laws, wear appropriate safety gear, and remain aware of their surroundings to ensure both their safety and that of others.
Wear a well-fitted helmet. Always wear a fitted bicycle helmet, regardless of your age or the type of bike you’re riding. Helmets are required by law for cyclists under 18.
E-bikes are heavier and harder to control with or without a passenger. Carrying a passenger is legal only if your e-bike is designed to carry another person; regardless, the extra weight can make it difficult to maneuver, slow down and stop.
Know your traffic laws, including stopping at stop signs and following speed limits. Ride in the same direction as traffic. Wear bright clothing and use lights. Use turn-signals (electronic or hand). Slow down and announce yourself before passing on the left of a nearby group or person. Learn more from CODOT about bicycle safety.
The higher the speed, the higher the risk of injury. Depending on the weight of your bicycle, your skill level and road surface, from 20 mph it will take approximately 30 feet to fully stop. Get comfortable with your e-bike’s speed controller and brakes.
Always stay aware of other riders and cars and never assume they see you. Limit distractions like cell phones and ear buds. Make eye contact with drivers and others when you enter and exit intersections.
For more information, visit leg.colorado.gov/content/electric-bicycles or call the Police Department at 303-799-0533 or email cpu@cityoflonetree.com