Colorado Updates Statewide E-Bike Class Definitions

Colorado has updated its statewide definitions to match the three-class model used by most states, and clarified exactly how much authority local land managers hold over natural surface trails.

The three classes

Class 1 is pedal assist to 20 mph, Class 2 adds a throttle to 20 mph, and Class 3 is pedal assist to 28 mph. Manufacturers must apply a permanent class label.

Local authority preserved

Cities, counties and open space districts retain the power to restrict any class on natural surface trails. That means a bike legal on the road may be prohibited a mile away on singletrack.

Bottom line

The statewide statute settles what your bike is; the county page settles where you can ride it.