Town of Eagle e-Bike Information

2023 MESSAGE TO THE EAGLE COMMUNITY 

As the popularity of electric bikes (e-bikes) continues to grow, the Eagle Town Council is urging all community cyclists to employ mindfulness and prioritize safety first when considering upgrading to an e-bike. With the laws and regulations in Colorado and the Town of Eagle, it is essential to ensure the safety of all road, pathway, and sidewalk users.

In the Town of Eagle and surrounding Bureau of Land Management lands, all classes of e-bikes are prohibited on non-motorized natural surface (dirt) trails. This includes most bike trails in the Town of Eagle trail system with the exception of Second Gulch, as it is open to motorized use. 

Electric bikes in Colorado are categorized into three distinct classes, each with unique regulations. Understanding these laws is essential for all e-bike riders to ensure safe travel on roadways, pathways, sidewalks, , and trails. As of January 1, 2018, Colorado has defined three classes of electric bikes based on the type of motor assistance and maximum speed allowed. Riders must identify the class their e-bike falls under and adhere to the specific regulations for that class to prevent accidents and enjoy a safe riding experience.

  • Class 1 – e-bikes provide motor assistance to the rider only while the rider works the pedals. The motor stops operating at a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour.
  • Class 2 e-bikes provide motor assistance at all times, even if the rider ceases pedaling. The motor stops operating at a speed of 20 miles per hour.
  • Class 3 e-bikes provide motor assistance to the rider only while the rider pedals. The motor stops operating at a speed of 28 miles per hour. By law, Class 3 electric bikes must have speedometers.

Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are typically allowed on paved pathways and sidewalks, but Class 3 is not. Therefore, following all traffic signs and signals and yielding to pedestrians are essential when riding on the street.

In the Town of Eagle and surrounding Bureau of Land Management lands, all classes of e-bikes are prohibited on non-motorized natural surface (dirt) trails. 

Before riding on any road, pathway or trail, it is essential to research the laws specific to the State of Colorado and the Town of Eagle. e-Bike Information links to our code sections that address motorized and e-bike use in Town open space. 

To ensure a safe and enjoyable e-biking experience, the Eagle Town Council advises all e-bike riders to follow these essential safety tips:

  • Wear a helmet to minimize the risk of head injuries in accidents.
  • Know the type of bike you have and where you are permitted to ride.
  • Practice good trail and road etiquette. On trails and pathways, e-bikes and bikes always yield to pedestrians and equestrians. Downhill users should yield to uphill users, and finally, communication is key. Let hikers or downhill rider know if you are alone or have others coming behind you. On roads, bikes must obey traffic laws that apply to them. 
  • Plan your route and research details like elevation, length, and opening times.
  • Pick the right bike for the terrain you plan to ride on.

By following these safety first tips, e-bike riders can enjoy the ride while prioritizing safety for themselves and others.

For additional information about e-bike use on natural surface single-track trails in open space properties, please get in touch with Brian Lieberman, Open Space and Trails Manager for the Town of Eagle, at 970-404-9710 or openspace@townofeagle.org.

For additional information about e-bike use on paved paths, sidewalks, streets, and around town, please get in touch with the Eagle Police Department at 970-479-2200. 

 

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The regulations for electric bikes are in place for the safety of all cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers. The Eagle Town Council encourages all e-bike riders to employ mindfulness, prioritize safety first, and follow the rules of the roadways, pathways, sidewalks, open spaces, and trails. Remember, your safety comes first!


Here are the links to our Code Sections that address motorized and e-bike use in Town open space: Section 6.03.020 Use of open space areas, general and 6.03.030 Motorized use in open space areas.