Colorado e-bike laws
Last checked Oct 23, 2026 ยท By EbikePost editors
Short answer
Three-class system: yes. Class 3: A Class 3 e-bike is pedal-assist only, stops assisting at 28 mph and needs a speedometer. Nobody under 16 may ride one except as a passenger, riders under 18 must wear a helmet, and it may not use a bike or pedestrian path unless the path is within a street or highway or the local jurisdiction permits it.
| Minimum age | No minimum age for Class 1 or 2; Class 3 operators must be at least 16. |
|---|---|
| Helmets | Anyone on a Class 3 e-bike who is under 18 must wear a helmet. CDOT says helmets are strongly recommended for all classes but names no requirement for Class 1 or 2. |
| Bike paths | Unless restricted, Class 1 and 2 may use the same bicycle and pedestrian paths as regular bikes; local jurisdictions may prohibit e-bikes on any path they control. |
| Roads | E-bike riders are exempt from motor-vehicle registration and license requirements and ride under the bicycle rules. |
| Sidewalks | Not addressed on the pages reviewed; check local rules. |
Taken from the Colorado Legislative Council's e-bike summary and CDOT's e-bike safety page; the C.R.S. text (42-4-1412 and 42-1-102) could not be fetched because content.leg.colorado.gov returned a bot challenge, which was not bypassed. E-bikes must carry a class, speed and wattage label.
StatuteOfficial pageChecked Oct 23, 2026
Rebates in Colorado
- Colorado E-Bike Tax Credit (point-of-sale discount): $225 off per e-bike in 2026 (one discount per calendar year); the retailer claims a $250 tax credit (open)
- Colorado E-Bike Rebate (income-qualified voucher): $1,000 base; +$300 for e-cargo bikes; +$300 for adaptive e-bikes. Stackable with the tax credit at retailers in both programs. (open)
- Denver E-Bike Rebate: $675 for a standard e-bike in 2026; can be combined with the state tax credit ($225) for $900 total. Adaptive e-bike rebates are separate. (waitlist)
This is general information, not legal advice.