By Shannon Lukens.
Steamboat Springs Police says they’re concerned about electric motorcycles and dirt bikes. They’ve caused damage and youth have been fleeing from officers. The vehicles can only be operated with a valid license, registration and plates, and they must be insured.
They are different from E-bikes which can only be operated on trails and sidewalks in Steamboat Springs. Anyone 15 or younger has to wear a helmet. No riding on sidewalks on Lincoln Ave. between 3rd and 12th.
There’s a lot to it, which is all below in the press release from the City of Steamboat Springs.
Press Release from the City of Steamboat Springs; June 4, 2025
Recent Electric Motorbike/Motorcycle Incidents Raise Concerns
E-Motorcycles/Dirt Bikes Require License, Registration & Insurance
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-June 4, 2025-The Steamboat Springs Police Department (SSPD) has observed a noticeable rise in the use of electric motorcycles/dirt bikes-distinct from e-bikes-including recent incidents involving damage to city parks and unsafe behavior, such as youths fleeing from officers.
“We take these incidents seriously and violating the law on an electric motorcycle will result in consequences including possible criminal charges and vehicle impoundment,” said Police Chief Mark Beckett. “More importantly, fleeing from police, in any vehicle, is a crime and can have unintended consequences such as serious collisions resulting in life-changing injuries. It won’t be tolerated.”
SSPD urges parents, guardians, and riders to understand the differences between electric motorcycles/dirt bikes and the standard electric bicycles/e-bike, and the need to ensure these vehicles are being used legally and responsibly.
Electric Motorcycles also known as Electric Dirt Bikes are required by Colorado law to be operated on roadways or highways only with a valid motorcycle endorsed driver’s license, state registration and plates, and must be insured. (CRS 42-1-102 (55). They are not allowed to be ridden on streets or highways across Colorado unless registered with the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles.
In addition, these vehicles are required to have features to be considered roadworthy (CRS 42-6-102 (15) DR2686. E- Motorcycles must meet several requirements to be approved for street use. They cannot be operated on sidewalks or trails.
Electric Motorcycles/Dirt bikes may be used in Colorado as Off Highway Vehicles (OHVs) and must be registered with Colorado Parks and Wildlife for this use. All OHVs owned and operated in Colorado must display current registration stickers when in an OHV staging area or operated on designated trails or routes or public lands in Colorado.
Electric Bicycles, also known as e-bikes, are bicycles with an integrated electric motor to assist with pedaling, and have pedals not pegs. 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. In addition, 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. The maximum speed limit on the trails (including Yampa River Core Path) is between 10 to 15 mph. All bicycles/e-bikes must be walked on sidewalks along Lincoln Avenue between 3rd & 12th Streets.