Town of Eagle reminds residents to emphasize on safety, mindfulness while embracing e-bikes

E-bikes help cyclists get around mountain towns without spending all of their energy on the commute.
Anna Stonehouse/Vail Daily archive

As the popularity of electric bikes (e-bikes) continues to grow, the Town of Eagle urges all community cyclists to prioritize safety and mindfulness when considering upgrading to an e-bike. With the laws and regulations in Colorado and the Town of Eagle, ensuring the safety of all road, pathway, and sidewalk users is of utmost importance.

Addressing residents’ e-bike concerns

The Town of Eagle is actively listening to residents’ e-bike concerns, reviewing policies and seeking input from key stakeholders to ensure a safe environment for cyclists and pedestrians. The goal is to foster a safe and harmonious environment for all cyclists and pedestrians in the community.

Know the code: Current e-bike regulations

To ensure safe travel on roadways, pathways, sidewalks, and trails, the Town of Eagle reminds all e-bike riders to familiarize themselves with the current laws and regulations. Electric bikes in Colorado are classified into three distinct classes, each with unique regulations. Understanding these laws is essential for all e-bike riders to prevent accidents and enjoy a safe riding experience.

• Class 1 E-Bikes: e-bikes provide motor assistance to the rider only while the rider works the pedals. The motor stops operating at a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour.
• Class 2 E-Bikes: e-bikes provide motor assistance at all times, even if the rider ceases pedaling. The motor stops operating at a speed of 20 miles per hour.
• Class 3 E-Bikes: provide motor assistance to the rider only while the rider pedals. The motor stops operating at a speed of 28 miles per hour. By law, Class 3 electric bikes must have speedometers.

Class 1 and Class 2 electric bicycles, and scooters are allowed on the same bicycle and pedestrian paths as conventional bicycles. Class 3 electric bicycles may not be on a bicycle or pedestrian path. Therefore, following all traffic signs and signals and yielding to pedestrians are essential when riding on the street.

No one under the age of 16 may ride a Class 3 electric bicycle, except as a passenger. Anyone on a Class 3 electric bicycle who is under the age of 18 must wear a helmet. 

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In the Town of Eagle and surrounding Bureau of Land Management lands, all classes of e-bikes are prohibited on non-motorized natural surface (dirt) trails.

Before riding on any road, pathway or trail, it is essential to research the laws specific to the State of Colorado and the Town of Eagle. For more information on e-bikes on dirt trails in the area, visit the e-bike page on the Town of Eagle website.

Essential safety tips for e-bike riders

To ensure a safe and enjoyable e-biking experience, the Eagle Town Council advises all e-bike riders to follow these essential safety tips:

1. Wear a helmet: Always wear a helmet to minimize the risk of head injuries in accidents.
2. Know your bike and riding locations: Understand the type of e-bike you have and where you are permitted to ride. Follow all traffic signs and signals, and yield to pedestrians when riding on streets.
3. Practice good trail and road etiquette: On trails and pathways, e-bikes and bikes must always yield to pedestrians and equestrians. Uphill users should yield to downhill users, and clear communication is key to avoid accidents. On roads, e-bikes must obey all traffic laws that apply to bicycles.
4. Plan your route: Research details such as elevation, length, and opening times of the route you intend to ride on.
5. Select the right bike for the terrain: Choose an e-bike that is suitable for the terrain you plan to ride on.

By prioritizing safety and adhering to these guidelines, e-bike riders can enjoy their rides while ensuring the safety of themselves and others.

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