E-bikes and speed pedelecs in Colorado (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Colorado uses the three-class system with motors up to 750 W; e-bikes need no driving licence and no registration. Class 3 riders must be 16 or older, and those under 18 must wear a helmet. Riding on the pavement is allowed unless locally banned, and class 3 e-bikes are restricted on paths.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Legal classRiding on public roads | Own e-bike class system (class 1, 2 or 3) [1] |
| Minimum ageRiding on public roads | Class 3: 16 years. Under 16 may ride only as a passenger on a class 3 e-bike designed for passengers. [1] |
| HelmetRiding on public roads | Class 3: everyone under 18, rider or passenger, must wear a protective helmet. No helmet duty is stated in the sections read for class 1 and 2. [1] |
| Plate and insuranceRiding on public roads | Not subject to motor vehicle registration. [1] |
| Cycle pathsRiding on public roads | Class 1 and 2: allowed on bike or pedestrian paths where bicycles may travel, unless the local authority prohibits it. Class 3: not on bike or pedestrian paths unless the path is within a street or highway or the local authority permits it. [1] |
| E-bike classesRiding on public roads | Three classes: class 1 (pedal assist) and class 2 (motor assist regardless of pedalling) stop at 20 mph, class 3 (pedal assist) at 28 mph. Riders under 16 may not ride class 3 (passengers allowed); riders and passengers under 18 on class 3 must wear a helmet. [1] |
| Maximum motor powerRiding on public roads | The electric motor may not exceed 750 watts. [1] |
| Riding on the pavement (sidewalk)Riding on public roads | Allowed unless prohibited by traffic signs or local ordinance. On the pavement riders have the rights and duties of pedestrians, must yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing. [1] |
| LicenceRiding on public roads | No driving licence is needed: electrical assisted bicycles are excluded from the definition of motor vehicle, and licences are required to drive motor vehicles. [1] |
Notes
- Class 1: motor assists only while pedalling, up to 20 mph. Class 2: motor assists whether or not the rider is pedalling, up to 20 mph. Class 3: motor assists only while pedalling, up to 28 mph. Motor up to 750 W.
- Read in the 2024 edition of the statutes (Internet Archive snapshot of 2025).
Sources
- Colorado General Assembly (Office of Legislative Legal Services): Colorado Revised Statutes 2024, Title 42 Vehicles and Traffic (Internet Archive snapshot of 2025) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Colorado and neighbouring states
| State | Legal class | Minimum age | Helmet | Licence | Plate and insurance | Cycle paths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | Class 1-3, bicycle rules | Class 3: 16 | Class 3, under 18 | None | No registration | Class 3 restricted |
| Kansas | Class 1-3, bicycle rules | Class 3: 16 | ⚠ Not yet verified | None | Not required | Where bikes are allowed |
| Nebraska | Class I, II, III (bicycle) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Not required | Not a motor vehicle | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| New Mexico | Three classes | Class 3: 16 | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | No registration or title | Class 1 yes; class 2-3 limited |
| Oklahoma | Three classes | Class 3: 16 | ⚠ Not yet verified | No driver licence | No plate, no insurance | Allowed unless prohibited |
| Utah | Three classes | Class 3: 16; under 14 supervised | ⚠ Not yet verified | Bicycle rules | Bicycle rules | Allowed unless restricted |
| Wyoming | Three classes | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Exempt | Exempt | Local or agency rules apply |
More rules in Colorado
- CannabisGrowing at home: Up to 6 plants per person; 12 per home
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph business, 30 mph residential · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph (40 mph open mountain highways)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (minor licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (learner's permit)
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (permissible fireworks only) · Minimum age to buy: 16
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Concealed: banned over 3.5 in blade · Locking or one-handed knives: Only ballistic knives banned outright
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.16 per hour (2026)
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes (adults: secondary enforcement) · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Under 18 only
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 (under 21 may not be served or buy) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (under 21 may not be served or buy)
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% under 21
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.