Wheat Ridge council directs staff to draft e-bike, e-moto rules for trails
The proposed framework would distinguish standard e-bikes from higher-powered devices, require licenses for devices capable of exceeding 20 mph and enforce a 15-mph multi-use-trail limit.
Wheat Ridge City Council directed staff Monday to draft rules distinguishing standard class 1-3 e-bikes from higher-powered e-motos and requiring a license for devices capable of exceeding 20 mph. The council adopted no ordinance at its Aug. 17 study session.
The proposed framework would use Colorado’s e-bike classes and 750-watt limit. Devices above 750 watts and up to the state motorcycle threshold — described during the meeting as about 4,500 watts — would be treated as e-motos. The rules also would cover lower-speed scooters, electric unicycles, electric skateboards and other personal mobility devices.
The proposed 20-mph threshold is broader than Colorado’s standard class 3 e-bike classification, which permits pedal assistance up to 28 mph. The local rule therefore could require licenses for class 3 e-bike riders as well as operators of modified or higher-powered devices.
The council’s proposed safety provisions include:
- Enforcing the existing 15-mph limit on multi-use trails for all trail users, not only motorized-device riders.
- Requiring helmets for riders younger than 18.
- Seeking parental or guardian accountability when minors use noncompliant devices.
- Creating event-specific dismount zones around crowded special events.
Pedestrian-yield language was discussed but was not clearly included in the final consensus list read back by the mayor pro tem. Jefferson County Open Space regulations provide a regional comparison: Class 1 e-bikes are allowed on authorized natural-surface and paved trails, Class 2 e-bikes on authorized paved trails, and Class 3 e-bikes generally only on roads or in parking lots where motor vehicles are authorized. The county rules also require most bicyclists and other wheeled visitors to yield to pedestrians.
Enforcement remains unresolved. Police and staff said officers may have difficulty determining a device’s class, wattage, modifications or a rider’s age. They discussed using radar, pacing and police e-bikes to establish speed, with initial enforcement focused on obvious violations. Staff also emphasized education, signage and outreach through schools, bike shops, social media and community partners.
The Aug. 17 council study session ended with consensus for staff to develop regulatory language and return it to the council. The record does not provide a drafting deadline, first-reading date, public-hearing date or adoption schedule. The council also discussed coordinating with Jefferson County and other partners.
Final pedestrian-yield language, penalties, enforcement procedures and the treatment of devices above roughly 4,500 watts, gas-powered devices and modified vehicles remain open. Any licensing requirement would be a proposed Wheat Ridge rule, not a blanket Colorado requirement for class 3 e-bike riders.