E-Bike Safety

A youth with a purple back pack riding a black e-bike on a sunny fall day

Fast, fun, and convenient, electric bikes (e-bikes) are an increasingly popular way for kids and teens to get around town. But with higher speeds come greater risks. Most e-bike crashes are linked to speed, and many young riders may not yet have the skills or experience to safely handle these powerful bikes.

Luckily, we have some basic information to get you started. Check out the different sections below and learn about readiness, rules of the road, different e-bike classes, and the difference between e-bikes and e-motorcycles. Don't forget to click on the last link on this page to find super helpful resources from Boulder County.

Is your child ready for an e-bike?

E-bikes are heavier, harder to control, and take longer to stop than standard bikes. Riders must follow the same rules of the road as cars, including signaling, yielding to pedestrians, and navigating traffic. Before your child rides, make sure they can:

  • Confidently ride in traffic and at intersections
  • Use hand signals and avoid road hazards
  • Stay out of the door zone of parked cars
  • Yield to pedestrians on shared paths

If your child isn’t yet safe on a regular bike, they’re not ready for an e-bike.

Ride smart and stay safe.

Ready to hit the road? Parents, make sure your children follow these guidelines to stay safe while riding e-bikes:

  1. Always Wear a Helmet
    E-bike crashes carry a higher risk of brain injury. Make sure helmets fit well and are properly fastened before every ride.
  2. Be Smart About Passengers
    E-bikes are harder to control, especially with a passenger. Passengers are only allowed if the bike has a designated seat.
  3. Be Responsible and Visible
    Follow traffic laws and stop at signs. Ride in the direction of traffic. Wear bright clothing and use lights to stay visible.

Visit the Boulder Valley School District Safe Routes E-Bike Safety Page for helpful resources, including a free online e-bike safety course and additional tools for parents.

Know e-bike classes and rules.

Do you know what class of e-bike your child is riding? It’s not always easy to tell. Some models have adjustable settings that increase speed or power, making them harder to control and potentially illegal on certain trails, even if labeled as Class 1, 2, or 3. Always check the bike’s specifications; images below are for reference only.

Electric Bikes

Class 1 e-bike with light green paint

Class 1

  • Pedal assist only
  • 20 MPH max speed
  • Electric motor 750 watts or less
  • Allowed on multi-use paths and designated open space trails, such as the Coal Creek Trail, Meadowlark Trail, and Coalton Trailhead.  
Class 2 e-bike with white paint and a black battery mounted on the center of the frame.

Class 2

  • Pedal-assist & throttle
  • 20 MPH max speed
  • Electric motor under 750 watts or less
  • Not recommended for children younger than 16
  • Allowed on multi-use paths and designated open space trails, such as the Coal Creek Trail, Meadowlark Trail, and Coalton Trailhead.
Class 3 e-bike with black paint and a black battery mounted to the frame

Class 3

  • Pedal-assist only
  • 28 MPH max speed
  • Electric motor 750 watts or less
  • Must be age 16 or older to operate
  • Helmet required under age 18
  • Speedometer required
  • Front and back lights required at night
  • Only allowed on the road and in dedicated bike lanes.

Not Electric Bikes: Low Power Scooters & Electric Motorcycles

Low Power ScooterS.

Low Power Scooters

  • Power output: Motor more than 750 watts and less than 4,476 watts.
  • Operators must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and a state low-power scooter three-year registration sticker.
  • Not allowed on pedestrian paths or trails.

Visit the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles to learn more about Low-Power Scooters.

E motorcycle.

Electric Motorcycles

  • Power output: Motor more than 4,476 watts.
  • Operators must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and a license plate.
  • Not allowed on pedestrian paths or trails.

See details on traffic laws, rules, and requirements for electric bikes, scooters, low-power scooters, and electric motorcycles in this resource from the Boulder County Sheriff(PDF, 110KB).

Enforcement efforts have begun; citations are being issued for:

  • Operating without a license
  • Unregistered Low Power Scooters
  • Riding without insurance

Penalties for riding without insurance include:

  • A minimum fine of $500
  • Up to 40 hours of community service

Additionally, owners of low-power scooters can be cited if they allow an uninsured juvenile to operate the vehicle, carrying the same penalties.

 

Three teens riding e-bikes with fall foliage in the background.

 

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