E-Bike & Off-Highway Vehicles

To support public safety, the Town of Mead prohibits the operation of off-highway vehicles on Town streets, sidewalks, and public property. 

All bicycles, electric bicycles, and electric scooters must yield to pedestrians. 

Toy Vehicles

Toy vehicles are wheeled modes of transportation not designed for use on public highways or for off-road use. The most commonly known toy vehicles are mini-bikes, pocket bikes, kamikaze boards, go-peds, and stand-up scooters that exceed 20 mph. Toy vehicles are prohibited on roadways.

Safety Tips 

Riders are urged to follow traffic laws, wear appropriate safety gear, and remain aware of their surroundings to ensure both their safety and that of others. 

Wear a well-fitted helmet. Always wear a fitted bicycle helmet, regardless of your age or the type of bike you’re riding. Helmets are required by law for cyclists under 18. 

E-bikes are heavier and harder to control with or without a passenger. Carrying a passenger is legal only if your e-bike is designed to carry another person; regardless, the extra weight can make it difficult to maneuver, slow down, and stop. 

Know your traffic laws, including stopping at stop signs and following speed limits. Ride in the same direction as traffic. Wear bright clothing and use lights. Always use hand or electronic turn signals. Slow down and announce yourself before passing on the left of a nearby group or person. 

The higher the speed, the higher the risk of injury. Depending on the weight of your bicycle, your skill level, and the road surface, from 20 mph it will take approximately 30 feet to fully stop. Get comfortable with your e-bike’s speed controller and brakes. 

Always stay aware of other riders and cars, and never assume they see you. Limit distractions like cell phones and earbuds. Make eye contact with drivers and others when you enter and exit intersections.

For more information, visit: https://content.leg.colorado.gov/content/electric-bicycles 

There are 3 classifications of electric bicycles (e-bikes). All e-bikes must be labeled with their classification, top assisted speed, and motor wattage

All three classes must have an electric motor that does not exceed 750 watts. If the motor exceeds 750 watts, it may be a toy vehicle or off-highway vehicle, which has different rules and regulations than an e-bike.

Class 1: Pedal-assist only (no throttle), with a top speed of 20 mph. These have the same rules and access as regular bicycles.
Class 2: Throttle-assisted (you don’t have to pedal), also with a top speed of 20 mph. These also follow the same rules and have the same access as regular bikes.
Class 3: Pedal-assist only (no throttle), with a top speed of 28 mph. Riders must be 16 or older due to higher speeds. These e-bikes are restricted in some areas, and riders and passengers under 18 must wear a helmet with a chin strap.

All e-bikes must be labeled with their classification, top assisted speed, and motor wattage. 

An electric scooter is typically a smaller, lightweight device intended for short-distance travel. By definition, it:

  • Weighs less than 100 pounds
  • Has handlebars and an electric motor
  • Is powered solely by electricity
  • Has a maximum speed of 20 mph on a paved, level surface

Examples include shared scooters or personal scooters made by brands like Segway or Razor.

Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs) can be electric or gas-powered vehicles such as dirt bikes, e-dirt bikes, ATVs, side-by-sides, etc. 

Off highway vehicles (OHV) include motorized vehicles designed primarily for off-road recreational use, such as ATVs and dirt bikes. These vehicles are intended for use on trails and off-road terrain, not on paved streets or public pathways. Off-highway vehicles may not be operated on or within any Town-owned or Town-controlled areas, including:

  • Streets, alleys, roadways, and highways
  • Shoulders, medians, and public rights-of-way
  • Sidewalks and pedestrian pathways
  • Multi-use paths, bicycle lanes, and trails
  • Parks and open space areas

E-dirt bikes and e-motorcycles, also called e-motos, are machines that operate at 4,477 watts and higher and have no pedals. Before riding an e-dirt bike or e-moto, make sure you’re legal to ride: 

  • Require a driver’s license with motorcycle endorsement
  • Must be a registered vehicle with a license plate
  • Must maintain current insurance
  • NOT allowed on sidewalks or pedestrian paths, trails, and open space
  • Many of these vehicles are designed for off-road use only
  • Owners must contact Colorado DMV and Colorado State Patrol for registration and inspection to ride legally

A low-power scooter, sometimes referred to as a low-power motorcycle under state law, is generally larger and more powerful. These scooters:

  • Often exceed 20 mph
  • May have significantly higher wattage or engine capacity
  • Require registration, insurance, and a driver’s license
  • May be designed more like a moped or small motorcycle

Examples include certain Vespa models and larger seated electric scooters or mopeds capable of traveling on roadways.

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