Community Cycles enthusiastically supports electric bicycles, which have democratized cycling for people of all ages and abilities. By enabling longer and more comfortable commutes, e-bikes offer a promising solution to reduce automobile traffic and its associated environmental impacts.
However, this technological advancement brings new safety challenges on our bike lanes and shared paths. In particular, the rise of “e-motos” is problematic. These high speed, high powered two wheeled vehicles are more akin to motorcycles than bicycles. The distinction between e-bikes and e-motos is important. Under Colorado law, e-bikes have smaller electric motors (under 750 watts) and the motor cuts out when speeds of 20 or 28 mph are exceeded. Yes, it’s complicated, but the point is that e-bikes are limited in power and speed.
Advances in technology have spawned a plethora of other small electric mobility devices (scooters, skateboards, one wheelers, etc). These light weight vehicles are governed similarly to e-bikes if the speed is limited to 20mph.
But e-motos are more powerful and often much faster than e-bikes. They are often marketed as “e-bikes”, but they are not. They are illegal on all bike paths, sidewalks as well as streets.
Community Cycles strongly supports responsible use of e-bikes. We understand that e-bikes, or any bicycles, can be intimidating to pedestrians and other pathways users if not ridden responsibly.
We believe in balancing innovation with responsibility through these principles:
Responsible Use of E-Bikes We support embracing e-bike adoption while prioritizing safety. E-bikes operated recklessly endanger everyone on community paths. We strongly oppose tampering with built-in speed limiters that manufacturers include for safety.
Classification and Regulation E-motos should be regulated as motor vehicles and require appropriate licensing, registration, and insurance. Otherwise, by law, e-motos are not legal on our streets, bikelanes or paths. We advocate that e-bikes operating outside their intended classification should be treated as e-motos and regulated as such.
Our laws should not deter the use of bicycles and e-bikes encourage more bicycling. Community Cycles opposes licensing, insurance of other regulatory burdens on e-bikes that fall within one of the existing three classes adopted by Colorado law.
Enforcement The enforcement of rules concerning e-motos falls into three broad categories: riders, parents, and retailers.
Enforcement against people who use e-motos illegally on bike paths and streets is valid, but difficult. Community Cycles does not support nor believe in high-speed chases involving law enforcement and use of e-motos by minors. They should issue citations when enforcement is practical. In addition, state law should authorize confiscation of illegally operated e-motos. The process should mirror Colorado's existing framework for other unlawfully operated vehicles.
Both the rider and, if a minor, the enabling parents, should be charged for e-moto offences, including injuries to third parties. Parents should be held responsible and liable for any injuries to others committed by their children.
In 2025 the Colorado Legislature made illegal the sale of e-motos that are marketed as e-bikes. This needs vigorous enforcement by the state Attorney General.
Education A big part of the issue is unsafe behaviors of children on high-powered e-motos, especially with multiple passengers. We need more education campaigns directed at both children and their parents regarding the safety and illegality of these vehicles.
Online Availability of e-motos The ease and relative affordability of e-motos online, coupled with youth peer pressure exacerbates the problem. The state needs to force online retailers to discontinue the sale of these vehicles in Colorado. Amazon stopped selling e-motos in California.
Community Cycles remains committed to ensuring that all path users—cyclists, pedestrians, and e-bike riders alike—can enjoy safe, accessible, and pleasant experiences on our community's bicycle and pedestrian facilities..