Electric Bikes: Trails and Policies

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What is an E-bike?

An electric bicycle, also known as an e-bike, powerbike or booster bike, is a vehicle with an integrated electric motor, 2-3 wheels, fully operable pedals, and an electric motor not exceeding 750 watts of power.

The definitions and classifications of e-bikes are set by Federal and State Statues and Law. These statutes exempt e-bikes as motor vehicles when they exhibit the characteristics mentioned above. The laws are as follows.

E-bike Classes

Class 1: Pedal Assist

Equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour. 

In the United States, this class is limited to a motor powered speed of 20 mph (32 kph) with a motor wattage of <= 750 watts.

Class 2: Throttle On Demand

Equipped with a motor that provides assistance regardless of whether the rider is pedaling, but ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour. The electric drive system on the e-bike can be activated through a throttle element such as a grip-twist, trigger or button. The motor system may also be activated through a pedaling action as with Class 1.

In the United States, the top speed is limited to 20 mph (32 kph) with a motor wattage of <= 750 watts as with Class 1.

Class 3: Speed Pedelec

The electric drive system on the e-bike can be activated through a pedaling action to reach higher top speeds. In the United States, this class could still be considered a “low-speed electric bicycle” if human power propels the bike above 20 mph and as such, does not require special licensing but may be even more restricted to roads, adjacent bike lanes or on private property with a maximum speed ~28 mph (~45 kph) and motor wattage of <= 750 watts.

City Policies

A pilot program to expand e-bike access on city-owned and maintained trails has been postponed until further notice.

Colorado Springs allows Class 1 e-bikes to operate on Urban Trails.  These trails are typically described as local commuting and recreational trails which traverse neighborhoods and connect to the core of the City of Colorado Springs.

At this time e-bikes are not to be operated on what is commonly known as multi-use trails. These trails are always soft surfaces and are part of large Regional Park or Open Space property infrastructure.

Class 1 e-bikes permitted on the following urban trails:

  • Cottonwood Creek Trail
  • Homestead Trail
  • Midland Trail
  • Pikes Peak Greenway
  • Rock Island Trail
  • Sand Creek Trail
  • Shooks Run Trail
  • Sinton Trail
  • Stetson Trail
  • Templeton Gap Trail
  • Woodmen Trail
  • Foothills Trail
  • Skyline Trail
  • Rockrimmon Trail
  • Mesa Valley Trail

View bike maps

Other Agency Trail Policies for E-bikes

El Paso County, CO

Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes can be used on El Paso County Parks’ Primary and Secondary trails up to a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour. Class 3 Electrical Assisted Bicycles are not permitted on any County trail.

Colorado Parks & Wildlife

E-bike usage varies depending on which state property is involved. Visit https://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/E-Bike-Rules.aspx for the latest policies on e-bike usage on state-owned and managed trails.

U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service

View the latest policy here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/e-bikes.

U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management

View the latest policy here: https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/e-bikes.