Did you know bicycles, e-bikes, mopeds, e-mopeds, motorcycles, and e-motorcycles (e-motos) are considered vehicles? And not every one of these vehicles you see on the street or on the Broomfield trail system is legal to ride or drive there. Always check city and county ordinances and Colorado State law before buying or using these vehicles on the streets, in open spaces, or in parks. Read below and use the E-Ride Guide at Broomfield.org/ElectricRideGuide to understand what is legal and safe for each rider.
E-Bike or E-Motorcycle – Know the Difference
Many popular high-performance electric ‘dirt bikes’ sold today do not meet the legal definition of an e-bike. In Colorado, any vehicle with a motor exceeding 750 watts or a top speed over 28 mph is classified as a low-power scooter or a motorcycle and requires a driver’s license, registration, and insurance to operate.
Know before you buy!
Under Federal, Colorado, and Broomfield law, the following rules apply to high-powered electric vehicles:
- Motorcycles are not bicycles: If it lacks functional pedals, exceeds 750 watts or powers past 28 mph, it is a moped or motorcycle.
- Restricted Access: Electric mopeds and motorcycles are strictly prohibited on Broomfield sidewalks, bike paths, trails, pump tracks, and in all city parks.
- Road Requirements: To be on public streets, they must be street-legal, registered, insured, and operated by a driver with a valid license and, if over 50cc or 4,447 watts or more, a motorcycle endorsement.
- Parental Responsibility: Per Broomfield Municipal Code 10-16-040, it is unlawful for a parent or guardian to knowingly permit a minor to operate a motorized
vehicle in violation of these safety laws and you can be held personally responsible for any injuries or property damage your child causes.
Safety for All is a Shared Responsibility
Broomfield has seen a marked increase in the use of motorcycles, e-motos, mopeds, and off-highway vehicles on the streets, trails, and parks. Since these high-powered vehicles are often operated by unlicensed minors, there has been a rise in preventable crashes and life-altering injuries.
Broomfield is committed to Vision Zero: the goal of zero deaths or serious injuries on the transportation network. To help achieve this, Broomfield is addressing the rise of high-powered e-motos and mopeds being operated unlawfully by minors in the Broomfield community. Ensuring every resident, whether walking, biking, or driving, arrives safely is the highest priority.
E-Ride Guide
Whether you are commuting or recreating, knowing the law keeps the Broomfield community safe. In Broomfield, if a vehicle has a motor over 750 watts or lacks operational pedals, it is likely a motor vehicle, not a bicycle. Visit Broomfield.org/ElectricRideGuide to learn more about the classifications of all different types of vehicles, where they can and cannot be ridden, and important safety information.
Visit Broomfield.org/ElectricRideGuide to learn more.
