Trail News - E-bike rules on Boulder County trails

There seems to be some confusion about the type of e-bikes that are permitted on public open spaces and trails in Boulder County. Not all trails allow all e-bikes.

According to Boulder County Open Space Management:

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

Anne U. White

Bald Mountain Scenic Area

Betasso Preserve

Caribou Ranch

Hall Ranch

Heil Valley Ranch

Mud Lake

Ron Stewart Preserve at Rabbit Mountain

Walker Ranch

Trails that do permit Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are:

Regional Trails

Coal Creek Trail

LoBo Trail (except signed area near Twin Lakes)

Rock Creek Trail

US 36 Bikeway

Plains

Boulder Canyon Trail

Carolyn Holmberg Preserve at Rock Creek Farm

Coalton Trailhead

Harney-Lastoka

Lagerman Agricultural Preserve

Legion Park

Meadowlark Trail

Niwot Trails

Pella Crossing

Twin Lakes (except for signed area)

Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat

Class 3 e-bikes are prohibited on all open space trails. Only Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed on open space trails, and then only where permitted.

Here are the definitions for each class as defined by Boulder County Open Space Management:

•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.

It has become an increasing problem for hikers to encounter fast moving Class 3 e-bikes on local regional corridors such as the Lobo Trail. Many teenagers have also been seen speeding along on sidewalks and trails on Class 3 e-bikes. Even bikes with noisy gas engines have been encountered on regional trails.

An inquiry to park rangers regarding enforcement of the rules has not yet been answered.

Check out the Boulder County Open Space Management Page here for all the rules and regulations concerning e-bikes.