Iowa is already talking heavily about e-bikes, e-motos, and enforcement… how long before this becomes our reality too?
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From an April 3rd 2026
FB post from the Lakewood Police Department in Lakewood CO:
Earlier this week, a group of eight juveniles were witnessed riding in the streets, sidewalks and in Addenbrooke Park. The juveniles were seen on these electric dirt bikes, performing wheelies in traffic, and driving in oncoming lanes. All juveniles were issued summonses, and the electric dirt bikes were impounded.
As we enter into spring and summer, we want to remind everyone about the rules involving e-bikes. In Lakewood, Electric bikes typically fall into one of three classes, depending on speed thresholds and the type of motor assist:
- Class 1: Pedal assist only, with motor assistance up to 20 mph. (After top speed is reached, the motor will stop helping.)
- Class 2: Pedal assist or throttle power up to 20 mph. (Bike can operate with or without cyclist pedaling.)
- Class 3: Pedal assist only, with motor assistance up to 28 mph.
In the state of Colorado, e-bikes are classified as bicycles (as opposed to motorized vehicles) and have the same rights of the road as traditional bicycles. Class 1 e-bikes are allowed on all Colorado State Park trails where bicycles are permitted.
In Lakewood parks and Jefferson County Open Spaces, Class 1 e-bikes are allowed on natural surface trails and Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are allowed on paved trails. Class 3 e-bikes are not permitted on Lakewood paths or trails. The maximum speed for all bicycles on city park paths is 15 mph.