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.
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