Electric Mobility

A person riding an electric scooter, wearing sunglasses and a helmet

Electric micromobility (e-bikes, e-scooters and other forms of micromobility) play an important role in Fort Collins’ transportation system. These vehicles help people reach destinations, reduce car trips and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Micromobility refers to small-wheeled vehicles:

  • Bicycles
  • Scooters
  • Skateboards
  • Roller skates and rollerblades
  • Other human-powered or electric mobility vehicles

Recent technology has rapidly expanded these options. The City’s Which Wheels Go Where? project is reviewing and simplifying the rules that determine which electric-powered vehicles are allowed on streets, bike lanes, sidewalks and paved trails.

Learn More about Which Wheels Go Where

The City of Fort Collins’ Active Modes Plan outlines a future that’s more electric, shared and sustainable. Electric mobility can help us reach our transportation and climate goals when vehicles are used in the right places and ridden safely.

Know What You’re Riding and Where You Can Ride

You’re responsible for knowing what type of vehicle you’re using and where it’s allowed.

Two wheels and electric power don’t automatically make a vehicle an e-bike.

What’s an e-bike?

An e-bike is an electric-assist bicycle that has:

  • Fully operable pedals
  • An electric motor not exceeding 750 watts
  • Two or three wheels

Colorado E-Bike Classes

The State of Colorado recognizes three classes of e-bikes:

  • Class 1 E-Bike
    • Pedal-assist only
    • Motor provides assistance only while pedaling
    • Assistance stops at 20 miles per hour
  • Class 2 E-Bike
    • Has a throttle
    • Motor can provide assistance without pedaling
    • Assistance stops at 20 miles per hour
  • Class 3 E-Bike
    • Pedal-assist only
    • Assistance stops at 28 miles per hour

 

Use the guide below to understand:

  • What your vehicle is classified as
  • Where it can be legally operated
Vehicle/Class Sidewalks Bike Lanes Streets Paved Trails Unpaved Trails*
Class 1 and Class 2 E-Bikes Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Class 3 E-Bikes Yes Yes Yes No No
E-Scooter Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Low Power Scooter (49cc/4,476 watts or less) No Yes Yes No No
Other Human-Powered Vehicles: Roller skates, roller blades, skateboards and kick scooters Yes No No Yes No
Other Electric Vehicles: Electric skateboards, hoverboards, One-wheels, electric unicycles No No No No No

*Inside City of Fort Collins Natural Areas.

The information in the table only applies when a rider is on and engaging the vehicle, not when they are dismounted.

Pursuant to Section 1503(2), a person operating a low-power scooter upon a roadway shall ride as close to the right side of the roadway as practicable, exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one (1) proceeding in the same direction.

Examples of Electric Vehicles

A person waits on an e-bike at a protected crossing in Fort Collins.

E-bike

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A person stands on an electric skateboard in a bike parking area in Fort Collins.

E-skateboard

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A person rides an electric unicycle device in Fort Collins.

Electric unicycle

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Guidance for Other Electric Powered Two-Wheeled Vehicles

Commonly referred to as "e-motos" or electric dirt bikes, these vehicles have a power output of greater than 750 watts and can travel speeds of greater than 28 miles per hour. They're not considered e-bikes and don't fall under the State of Colorado’s e-bike classification of Class 1, 2 or 3.

E-motos aren't designed or intended for use on sidewalks, streets, bike lanes or trails. 

While Fort Collins Municipal Code does not specifically define “e-motos,” these devices may be classified as low-power scooters, toy vehicles or off-highway vehicles (OHV) depending on size of motor, watt output and other specifications.

It's the responsibility of the user to understand local and state laws.

Guidance for Toy Vehicles

A toy vehicle is any vehicle that:

  • Has wheels with an outside diameter of not more than fourteen (14) inches
  • Is not designed, approved or intended for use on public roadways or highways or off-road use.

Toy vehicles include (but are not limited to):

  • Gas-powered or electric-powered vehicles, commonly known as minibikes, "pocket" bikes, kamikaze boards, go-peds and stand-up scooters.

Toy vehicles do not include:

  • Electric scooters
  • Off-highway vehicles
  • Snowmobiles

Per state law, toy vehicles with motors are not allowed for use on sidewalks, streets, bike lanes or trails.

The City of Fort Collins is currently updating local laws to reflect state law to ensure consistency.

It's the responsibility of the user to understand local and state laws.

What are the differences between an e-bike and an e-moto?

Feature Class 1, 2 and 3 E-Bike Low Power Scooter (Majority of E-Motos)
Operable Pedals Yes
 No (often inoperable)
Motor Power
 Less than 750 watts
 More than 750 watts (some models up to 6,000 watts)
Top Speed
 20-28 miles per hour
 More than 30 miles per hour
Throttle
 Class 2 only (less than 20 miles per hour)
 Usually throttle only
Capable of switching between classes of e-bike
 Not a Class 1, 2, or 3 e-bike.
 Many e-motos can switch between classes
Licensing and Registration
 No
 Required
Product Category
 Consumer product
 Motor vehicle (requires license, registration and insurance).
Street Legal for Minors?
 Yes. All ages can operate a Class 1 and 2 e-bike; ages 16+ can operate a Class 3 e-bike on-streets and bike lanes only.
 No. Unless the device is registered, licensed and the rider meets minimum age requirements.

Rules for Riders

Age and Helmet Requirements for E-Bikes

E-Bike Type Age Requirements Helmet Requirements
Class 1 and 2 E-Bikes None
 None
Class 3 E-Bikes
 Riders must be 16 or older; passengers can be any age on e-bikes designed to carry passengers
 Helmets required for riders under age 18

The City encourages the use of helmets by everyone, even when not legally required.

Rules for All Riders

  1. Yield to pedestrians and slower-moving traffic. Share the space and be considerate of others.
  2. Use an audible signal before passing. Ring a bell or say “passing on the left.”
  3. Pass at a slow, safe speed. Courtesy and safety come first.
  4. Ride responsibly. You’re responsible for your own safety and the safety of others.
  5. Use lights at night. White light on the front, red light on the back.
  6. Obey speed limits. All riders must follow posted speed limits:
    1. Trails: Maximum courtesy speed limit of 15 miles per hour
    2. Residential streets: Maximum 25 miles per hour
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