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E-bikes on Open Space
E-bike

E-bikes on Open Space

Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed on designated regional and open space trails in the plains. E-bikes are prohibited on foothills and mountain trails.

E-bikes Prohibited

E-bikes are prohibited in the foothills and mountains which includes the following parks and trails:

Class 3 e-bikes are prohibited on all open space trails.

E-bikes Allowed

Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed on the following parks and trails:

Regional Trails

Plains

Map showing trails that allow e-bikes

Individuals With Mobility Disabilities

Individuals with mobility disabilities are allowed to use Other Power-Driven Mobility devices (OPDMDs), which can include e-bikes, on all trails open for pedestrian use unless a particular trail has been designated as inappropriate for use by OPDMDs based upon the assessment factors found in 28 CFR § 35.137(b)(2) of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

A current list of trails where OPDMDs are allowed is available on the Accessibility on Open Space page.

What is an E-bike?

e-bike

E-bike Definition & Classes

E-bikes, also known as electric bicycles, ebikes, powerbikes, pedelecs, or booster bikes, are bicycles with an integrated electric motor that does not exceed 750 watts of power.

  • Class 1: Low-speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches 20 mph.
  • Class 2: Low-speed throttle-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a throttle-actuated motor, that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches 20 mph.
  • Class 3: Pedal-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches 28 mph. Class 3 e-bikes are prohibited on all open space trails.

E-bikes Approval History

Passive Recreation Definition Updated

On Dec. 18, 2019, the Planning Commission voted to update the definition of passive recreation to include riding e-bikes.

E-bikes Approved by Commissioners

On Nov. 13, 2019, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved allowing class 1 and class 2 e-bikes on Boulder County trails on the plains where regular bikes are allowed, including regional trails and trails on open space parks, with certain exceptions. Those exceptions include anywhere e-bikes are not allowed due to underlying existing land restriction and three trails requested by the City of Boulder: The Boulder Canyon Trail (due to prohibition of motorized uses on a parcel owned by City of Boulder), Coalton Trail and Mayhoffer-Singletree Trail (because these two county trails lead to city-owned trails where e-bikes are not allowed, and there is no option to leave the trail). [NOTE: On July 1, 2023, e-bikes were approved on City of Boulder adjacent trails and the Coalton, Mayhoffer-Singletree, and Boulder Canyon trails.]

Other Meetings

On Oct. 24, 2019, the Parks & Open Space Advisory Committee voted 5-1 to recommend approval of the staff proposal to the Board of County Commissioners.

On Oct. 16, 2019, a study session was held with the Planning Commission to present the results of the pilot study and propose options for updating the passive recreation definition in the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan Open Space Element.

Three open houses were held to present results from the E-Bike Pilot Study and outline the recommendation to allow e-bikes.

  • Oct. 2, 2019
  • Oct. 3, 2019
  • Oct. 6, 2019

Pilot Period

On Nov. 8, 2018, the Board of County Commissioners approved a one-year pilot period starting Jan. 1, 2019, to allow e-bikes on certain trails, specifically the regional trails and the plains trails minus the Boulder Canyon Trail, the Coalton Trail, the Mayhoffer Singletree Trail north of Coal Creek Drive, and trails at Walden Ponds.

The decision also called for staff to study the mechanism by which the county might make such a policy permanent if so decided at a later date following robust discussion with the public and the Planning Commission who will help design the pilot study in coordination with the Board of Commissioners in order to collect the data necessary for that decision.

Please see the following documents for more details.

Other Past Public Meetings

March 5, 2019
The Board of County Commissioners and the Planning Commission held a joint study session on March 5 concerning the E-Bike Pilot Study for Open Space Trails. The meeting was open to the public, but public testimony was not be taken.

Dec. 19, 2018
Staff met with the Planning Commission on Dec. 19, 2018 and introduced the history and process of e-bike outreach in Boulder County, outlined a process for considering a revision to the passive recreation definition, and solicited Planning Commission input on design of the pilot study to ensure they get the information they will need for consideration of this question.

Contact Us

Parks & Open Space

8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Monday-Friday

Office Location

5201 St. Vrain Road
Longmont, CO 80503
Map and Directions
Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Monday-Thursday
Friday by phone, email, or appointment only.

Parks are open sunrise to sunset