eBikes are one of the best ways to move around the city and Denver is a great city for eBikes. The Mile-High City is home to dozens of miles of bike and multi-use trail giving residents the ability to bike from RiNo to Cherry Creek without ever interacting directly with traffic.
While Denver has many miles of available trail, eBike riders must always remember an eBike is not a conventional bike and specific eBike rules might apply on these trails and paths. Because eBikes are faster, more powerful, and heavier than most conventional bikes it’s important for riders to follow posted rules and follow basic safe riding practices.
If you’re ready for an eBike ride around the Mile-High City, what do you need to know regarding traffic rules and regulations? Not following Denver eBike laws can set you up for a citation and puts you at greater risk for injury so before you get going let’s learn Denver eBike laws and how to keep yourself safe riding down Denver streets.
Denver eBike Laws and Classifications
Before we delve into individual rules and regulations its important to know how Denver classifies eBikes since different traffic rules apply to different eBike classifications.
- Class 1 eBike – Most of the eBike rental stations you see around Denver use Class 1 eBikes. Class 1 eBikes give a pedal assist up to 20 mph.
- Class 2 eBike – Class 2 eBikes offer pedal assistance up to 20 mph but come with throttle and manual pedaling options.
- Class 3 eBike – Class 3 eBikes offer pedal and power assistance up to 28 mph. All Volta eBikes are considered Class 2 or 3.
Are Electric Bikes Allowed on Bike Paths?
Denver allows eBikes on bike paths, but riders must know the rules on the bike path they’re on. All Denver area bike paths allow Class 1 and 2 eBikes with Class 3 allowable under certain circumstances. If you’re taking your Class 3 eBike on a bike trail always:
- Follow trail speed limits. Trail limits in Denver vary from 15 to 25 mph with no speed restrictions on some trail portions.
- Don’t ride aggressively. If you’re passing cyclists and pedestrians every few feet you need to find a safer avenue.
- Check sign markers to be sure your Class 3 eBike is allowed.
Are Electric Bikes Allowed on Bike Paths?
Denver allows eBikes on bike paths, but riders must know the rules on the bike path they’re on. All Denver area bike paths allow Class 1 and 2 eBikes with Class 3 allowable under certain circumstances. If you’re taking your Class 3 eBike on a bike trail always:
- Follow trail speed limits. Trail limits in Denver vary from 15 to 25 mph with no speed restrictions on some trail portions.
- Don’t ride aggressively. If you’re passing cyclists and pedestrians every few feet you need to find a safer avenue.
- Check sign markers to be sure your Class 3 eBike is allowed.
Are Electric Bikes Legal on Trails?
Like bike paths, Class 1 and 2 eBikes are allowed on all Denver and Colorado multi-use trails. Some multi-use trails allow Class 3 eBikes, but it depends on the individual trail. If Class 3 eBikes are not allowed there will be a signed indicator at trail entrances.
Like bike paths, eBike riders must ride safely and follow all posted multiuse trail regulations to avoid accident or injury.
Can You Ride Electric Bikes on the Sidewalk?
Here’s where Denver eBike laws get tricky. Not all Denver roads have bike lanes, so what happens when your choices are the street or the sidewalk?
- If your Class 3 eBike will keep up with the flow of traffic, maintain a safe distance on the side of the road, and not impede right of way flow you should ride your Class 3 eBike in the street. In cases where it’s unsafe to you or motorists to ride on the road – you should ride on the sidewalk.
- Because Class 1 and 2 eBikes are normally slower than Class 3, you should stick to the sidewalk but always use bike lanes when available. If you do ride on the sidewalk it’s recommended to cut off pedal and power assist options for a safer ride for everyone.
Do You Need a License for eBikes?
No. You are not required to have any registered driving license to operate any class of eBike in Denver. Although a license isn’t required, some common sense and safety is a must. Here’s a few Denver eBike safety tips.
- Always wear a federally certified helmet
- Don’t ride if you’re mentally or physically fatigued
- Wear polarized sunglasses to reduce glare
- Don’t ride at night without proper lights
- Keep your eBike maintained and in good repair
- Don’t ridge aggressively, i.e. weave in and out of foot or vehicle traffic
- Stay away from highways even with a wide shoulder.
- Stay away from pedestrian heavy areas like outdoor shopping areas.
- Follow all traffic regulations. When riding in the road treat your eBike like a motorcycle. Don’t cut through traffic, don’t run stop signs or red lights, and follow all other rules of the road. Not following traffic regulations is one of the top causes of eBike accident and injury.
Getting Out Safely in Denver on Your eBike
Denver has one of the best bike trail systems in the country, and those trails are open to Class 1 and 2 eBikes without restriction and Class 3 if you follow the respective trail rules and speed limits. Denver encourages eBikes to stay in the road unless it’s dangerous in which case you should ride carefully on sidewalks.
Always look for your any specific signage to make sure you can ride your eBike and if you’re ever confused – play it on the safe side. Denver is filling up with more eBikes every day but if you follow local regulations, you’ll have a safe and enjoyable ride.To get the most out of your ride, follow all Denver eBike laws, use safety to your advantage, and start with a quality eBike from VoltaCycles – eBikes Denver.
