There is a lot of confusion amongst the eBike community regarding which trails eBikes are allowed to ride on. Can you ride Class 1, 2, and 3 eBikes on all trails? The answer is NO.
Cargo e-Bikes are Class 3, pedal-assisted vehicles that can go up to 28 MPH with assist. They are those larger sized eBikes that have a carrier in front or behind the rider and are capable of carrying up to 2 small kids.
The bike and eBike speed limit is 15 MPH within the City of Boulder Limits. Consistent with state law, Class 3 e-Bikes are prohibited on all multi-use paths and open space trails managed by the City of Boulder.
However, there is no signage to inform riders of the local ordinance prohibiting Class 3 eBikes on trails and no stated speed limit signs on any multi-use trails. There is no on-trail enforcement and it’s generally not known by most users.
Due to the increasing popularity and sale of eBikes, Colorado multi-use trails are getting more crowded. The 8 foot wide “bike paths” now share the trail with pedestrians, bicycles, eBikes, e-scoters, and whatever it is that goes like a bat out of hell with one powered wheel.
We need to nip this problem in the bud before we start seeing the dangerous crashes on multi-use paths like we are seeing on roads with vehicles.
If we build it, they will follow and at least be informed. Please install signage on multi-use trails in Boulder ASAP.