E-Bike, E-Motorcycle and E-Scooter Laws and Safety

Like many communities in the Front Range, Greenwood Village has seen more e-bikes, e-scooters, e-dirt bikes, and e-motorcycles showing up around the city. With recent advances in technology making these types of vehicles much faster and more accessible, more people are riding them on our streets, sidewalks, pedestrian paths and trails.

 Greenwood Village would like to remind residents and families that public safety remains our top priority. Before you buy or ride any kind of electric vehicle for yourself or your child, take time to understand your machine, its capabilities, where it is allowed and what Colorado law requires. 

In addition to installing new signage in parks and trails to clarify the prohibition of e-dirt bikes and e-motos, the Greenwood Village City Council will consider an ordinance regarding e-bikes at its February 2, 2026, regular meeting. Sign up to receive notice of City Council meeting agendas. 

Types of Vehicles 

E-Dirt Bikes and E-Motorcycles 

E-dirt bikes and e-motorcycles, also called e-motos, are machines that operate at 4,477 watts and higher and have no pedals. Before riding an e-dirt bike or e-moto, make sure you’re legal to ride: 

  • Require a driver’s license with motorcycle endorsement
  •  Must be registered vehicle with a license plate 
  • Must maintain current insurance 
  • NOT allowed on sidewalks or pedestrian paths, trails and open space 
  • Many of these vehicles are designed for off-road use only
  • Owners must contact Colorado DMV and Colorado State Patrol for registration and inspection to ride legally  

E-Scooters

Low-power e-scooters operate between 751 to 4,476 watts. Before riding an e-scooter, make sure you’re legal to ride: 

  • Require a driver’s license 
  • Must be registered vehicle with a sticker 
  • Must maintain current insurance 
  • May be road legal if meets registration requirements by state law 

E-Bikes 

All electric bicycles in Colorado must fall into one of three classifications. According to a new Colorado law, e-bikes will be required to have a label depicting the e-bike’s classification, top speed and motor wattage by January 1, 2027. 

Before riding an e-bike, make sure you’re legal to ride: 

Class 1: Pedal assist motor cuts out at 20 miles per hour.

Class 2: Pedal assist or throttle motor cuts out at 20 miles per hour.

Class 3: Pedal assist motor cuts out at 28 miles per hour. Class 3 e-bikes must also have a speedometer.

Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are allowed on sidewalks, trails, and pedestrian paths, provided they do not exceed 15 mph. These bikes can also share the road with motorists or go in the bike lane. 

Class 3 e-bikes, which can self-propel without any pedal assistance, are only allowed on roadways and are not allowed in bike lanes. Riders must be at least 16 years old to operate. Riders under 18 years old must wear a helmet. 

Speed Limits in Parks and Trails 

The speed limit on all trails and paths within Greenwood Village is 15 miles per hour. 

Those who do not comply with posted speed limits may be issued a warning or citation, as Greenwood Village Police Department is committed to protecting the safety of all park and trail users. 

The Village Greens Mountain Bike Course is for mountain bikes only. Motorized vehicles are not permitted. To report a violation, call Greenwood Village Police Department at 303-773-2525. 

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. Always use hand or electronic turn signals. Slow down and announce yourself before passing on the left of a nearby group or person. 

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 Greenwood Village Police Department at 303-773-2525.