11/04/2026
🚲 E-BIKES vs. ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLES – KNOW THE DIFFERENCE! ⚡
The Cedaredge Police Department has been receiving questions about electric bicycles, electric dirt bikes, and other electric-powered vehicles. It's important for riders and parents to understand that not every electric powered two-wheeler is legally considered an e-bike in Colorado.
Here are a few things to know:
🚲 ELECTRIC BICYCLES (E-BIKES)
Colorado recognizes three classes of e-bikes:
Class 1: Pedal assist only, with assistance up to 20 mph.
Class 2: May use a throttle without pedaling, with assistance up to 20 mph.
Class 3: Pedal assist only, with assistance up to 28 mph.
A qualifying e-bike must have fully operable pedals, no more than three wheels, and an electric motor rated at no more than 750 watts.
E-bikes generally do not require a driver's license, vehicle registration, or motor vehicle insurance.
🏍️ ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLES & DIRT BIKES
Many electric vehicles, including popular Sur-Ron and Talaria-style bikes, do not meet Colorado's definition of an e-bike. Depending on their design and specifications, they may be classified as motorcycles, low-power scooters, or off-highway vehicles (OHVs).
These classifications have different requirements for licensing, registration, insurance, and where the vehicles may legally be operated.
⚠️ A FEW IMPORTANT REMINDERS
Adding pedals to an electric dirt bike does not automatically make it a legal e-bike.
An OHV registration does not make an electric dirt bike street legal.
Vehicles that do not qualify as e-bikes cannot automatically be operated under bicycle rules.
Parents should know what type of electric vehicle their children are operating and understand the applicable laws.
All riders should follow traffic laws, respect pedestrians, and obey posted restrictions on streets, sidewalks, paths, and trails.
WHY DOES THIS MATTER?
The classification of an electric vehicle determines where it can be operated and what legal requirements apply. This is an important public safety issue for riders, pedestrians, motorists, and our community.
The Cedaredge Police Department encourages everyone to take a few minutes to understand the vehicle they are purchasing or operating.
For additional information, Colorado law addresses these classifications under C.R.S. § 42-1-102. You can also visit the Colorado DMV website for additional guidance.
Our goal is not to discourage the use of electric bicycles, but to help ensure everyone is operating their vehicles safely and legally.
Please share this information with other riders and parents. A little knowledge can prevent confusion and help keep our community safe!
— Chief Sanders Cedaredge Police Department
