Steamboat Springs Police is sending a reminder, with the Routt County Sheriff’s Office and Routt County Riders, to keep E-Motorbikes and Motorcycles off the trails and sidewalks. They’ve seen a big increase of students doing this since school started. Depending on the power of the vehicle, it might only be allowed on the road. Another rule is that anyone 15 or younger must legally wear a helmet when operating or riding a bike or e-bike.
Here’s more from the City of Steamboat Springs on how to tell the difference from different levels of bikes, e-bikes, and motorbikes, and what the rules are.
Press release from the City of Steamboat Springs; Sept. 6, 2023.
E-Motorbikes/Motorcycles Not Permitted On Trails
Vehicles/Bikes Over 750 Watts Require License, Registration & Insurance
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-September 6, 2023-The Steamboat Springs Police Department, Routt County Sheriff’s Office, and Routt County Riders (RCR) are seeing an increasing number of e-motorcycles/dirt-bikes being ridden on area roadways and trails including by students to schools. Motor vehicles of any kind are not permitted on trails or sidewalks.
Many e-motorbikes can be 1,000 to 18,000 watts and do not have pedals. The watts are well above e-bike standards in Colorado. E-motorbikes are considered vehicles under the law and some popular brands include Light Bee SUR-RON, KTM Freeride E-XC, Segway Dirt eBike X260.
Vehicles exceeding 750 watts and less than 4,446 watts (or 50cc) are considered a Low Power Scooter (CRS42-1-102 (48.2)). These are required by Colorado law to be operated on roadways or highways only with a valid license, state registration, and must be insured. This type of vehicle is not allowed on trails or sidewalks.
Vehicles exceeding 4,476 watts or 50cc are considered motorcycles/motor vehicles by the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (CRS42-1-102(55)). They are not allowed to be ridden on streets or highways across Colorado unless registered with the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles, endorsed with a driver’s license, and insured. In addition, these vehicles are required to have features to be considered roadworthy. They cannot be operated on sidewalks or trails.
Electric bikes, also known as e-bikes, are bicycles with an integrated electric motor not exceeding 750 watts and have pedals. E-bikes are defined by Colorado statute as Class 1, 2, or 3. Only Class 1 or Class 2 can be operated on trails or sidewalks in Steamboat Springs. However, all bicycles/e-bikes must be walked on sidewalks along Lincoln Avenue between 3rd & 12th Streets.
E-bikes fall into three different classes:
- Class 1: An electric bicycle that only provides assistance when the rider is pedaling; the motor ceases at 20 mph.
- Class 2: An electric bicycle that provides assistance regardless of whether the rider is pedaling; the motor ceases at 20 mph.
- Class 3: An electric bicycle that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling; the motor ceases at 28 mph. Class 3 electric bicycles must have a speedometer.
All pedal/standard bicycles and e-bikes:
- All bicycles must follow trail and road laws and etiquette and abide by posted signs and trail closures.
- Maximum speed limit on all trails (including Yampa River Core Path) is 15 mph.
- Any person who is 15 years of age or younger is legally required to wear a protective helmet when operating, or riding as a passenger, on any e-bike or standard bicycle.
- RCR provides a local resource for bike/e-bike users at org/bike-commuting/