Only Class 1 & 2 e-bikes, e-scooters and other e-vehicles are allowed on Metro District trails. These classes are designed to align closely with traditional bicycles in terms of speed and trail impact.

A helpful rule of thumb is to look for anything with a max speed of 20 mph or less, without the use of a speed limiter or governor, and power less than 750W.

Classifications

e-Bikes are generally classified on their maximum speed and how they give you power. According to a new Colorado law, e-bikes will be required to have a label depicting the e-bike’s classification, top speed and motor wattage by Jan. 1, 2027. 

Class 1:

• Pedal assist only
• Max speed of 20 mph unassisted
• Electric motor 750 watts or less
• Allowed on sidewalks, paths and trails

Class 2:

• Pedal-assist and throttle
• Max speed of 20 mph unassisted
• Electric motor of 750 watts or less
• Allowed on roads, sidewalks, paths or trails

Class 3: 

• Pedal assist only
• Max speed of 28 mph unassisted
• Electric motor of 750 watts or less
• Age 16+ to operate; riders younger than 18 years old must wear a helmet
• Speedometer required
• NOT allowed on sidewalks, paths or trails, but allowed on roads and dedicated bike lanes

There are some vehicles marketed as e-bikes that do not fall under these classifications.

• e-dirt bikes and e-motorcycles, also called e-motos, are machines that operate at 4,476 watts and higher and have no pedals (designed for off-road use)
  • Requires a driver's license with motorcycle endorsement
  • NOT allowed on sidewalks, paths or trails
• Low power e-scooters (like a Vespa) are machines that operate at 50 cc or between 751 to 4,476 watts. 
  • Requires a driver's license, registration and current insurance
  • NOT allowed on sidewalks, paths or trails
  • May be road legal if meets registration requirement by state law

Metro District Rules

During October 2025, the Metro District Board of Directors updated the Rules and Regulations to prohibit Off-highway Vehicles (OHVs) in parks and open space and at facilities owned or managed by the Metro District. OHVs include e-motos or e-dirt bikes.

Allowed on Metro District trails:

• Class I and II electrical assisted bikes as defined by C.R.S. 42-1-102
• Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMDs) – not a wheelchair as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Part 35 – are permitted subject to the following:
  • Electric Powered; Electric Personal Assistance Mobility Devices (EPAMDs):
    • EPAMDs are permitted to operate on Metro District-maintained concrete and crusher fine trails where bikes are allowed, provided resources are not damaged, and are restricted to the following:
      • EPAMDs cannot exceed 200 pounds
      • EPAMDs cannot exceed 36” maximum width
      • EPAMDs cannot exceed an unassisted speed of 20 mph

Prohibited on Metro District trails:

• Fuel-powered (internal combustion engines) OPDMDs are prohibited in parks and open spaces, and facilities owned or managed by the Metro District.
• Off-highway Vehicles (OHVs) are prohibited in parks and open space, and facilities owned or managed by the District. OHVs are self-propelled, wheeled or tracked vehicles primarily designed to be operated for recreational purposes on land or water, other than roads or highways, and include those motorcycles more commonly known as dirt bikes.

Riders must remain aware of, and adapt to avoid, inherent risks and hazards.

Additional enforcement by Douglas County on public roads, trails and county property:

For questions, please contact 303-791-2710 or info@highlandsranch.org.