As the use of electric-powered and recreational vehicles has increased, the City has seen growing concern about unsafe riding behavior, especially when these vehicles are operated by minors on public streets, trails, alleys, and other public property.

On April 28, 2026, the Castle Pines City Council approved Ordinance 26-04, establishing new local rules for certain motorized vehicles. These updates are intended to improve safety for riders, drivers, pedestrians, and neighbors throughout the community. The new rules apply to off-highway vehicles and low-speed electric vehicles operating within Castle Pines and give the City and law enforcement clearer rules to address unsafe operation and to help prevent injuries and property damage.

Learn more about e-bikes and other recreational vehicles, including what is allowed or not allowed on public streets and trails, by visiting the E-Bike, Off-Highway Vehicle, and Other Recreational Vehicle Safety webpage.

What vehicles are covered by Ordinance 26-04?

The ordinance covers two general categories of vehicles (note: the ordinance does not apply to electric bikes or scooters):

Off-highway vehicles

• Off-highway vehicles, often called OHVs, are self-propelled vehicles designed mainly for off-road recreational use.
• Common examples include electric dirt bikes, ATVs, and UTVs. These vehicles are generally not intended for normal on-road travel.

Low-speed electric vehicles

• Low-speed electric vehicles, or LSEVs, are electric vehicles with at least three wheels, a steering mechanism other than handlebars, and a 17-character vehicle identification number.
• The ordinance does not apply to e-bikes or electric scooters.

New rules for off-highway vehicles

Under state law, off-highway vehicles may not be driven on City streets, sidewalks, or trails. If someone operates an OHV on a city street, sidewalk, or trail, they may be issued a citation for violating state law. In addition to the prohibition of the operation on streets, sidewalks, or trails, the ordinance adds new requirements that will add additional penalties:

• Parent responsibility: If a minor illegally operates an off-highway vehicle on a public street, road, alley, trail, or other public property in the City, or violates one of the regulations of the ordinance, a parent or legal guardian may be held financially responsible. This provision is intended to encourage parents and guardians to take accountability for supervising their minor children when they allow their children to use these vehicles. The fine for this type of violation ranges from a minimum of $250 up to $2,650.
• Reckless driving: This provision mirrors the prohibition of reckless driving when operating a motor vehicle. A person may be charged with reckless driving under the ordinance if they operate an off-highway vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of people or property. This means operating an OHV in a way that the operator knew, or should have known, created a serious and unjustifiable risk. Like with motor vehicles, reckless driving is considered a serious offense, and fines range from $1,000 to $2,650.
• Careless driving: This provision mirrors the prohibition of careless driving when operating a motor vehicle. A person may be charged with careless driving if they operate an off-highway vehicle without proper care for road width, curves, intersections, traffic, and surrounding conditions. This is a less serious offense compared to reckless driving. Penalties include:

• • $150 to $300 if no injury occurs
  • $300 to $1,000 if the conduct results in injury or property damage 
• Evading: The ordinance prohibits a rider from willfully failing to stop or trying to evade a police officer after receiving a lawful order to stop. Examples can include speeding up to get away, turning off lights, leaving the roadway, or taking other actions that show an intent to avoid the stop. Penalty can include a fine of up to $2,650, up to 364 days in jail, or both.
• Helmet requirement for riders under 18: Anyone under 18 who operates an off-highway vehicle in Castle Pines must wear a safety helmet that is properly fitted and securely fastened. If the rider is not wearing a helmet, a police officer may order them to stop operating the vehicle until they comply. Fines for a helmet violation range from $75 to $250.
• Vehicles may be impounded: The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is authorized, though not required, to impound an off-highway vehicle when there is probable cause to believe it is being operated in violation of state law or the ordinance. If a vehicle is impounded, it may be held until the underlying case is resolved. The City may also collect impound and storage fees, with those amounts to be set separately by resolution. A vehicle held for 90 days or more may eventually be considered abandoned and disposed of if certain conditions are met.

New rules for low-speed electric vehicles

The ordinance also adds safety requirements for low-speed electric vehicles operating on City streets.

• Drivers must be licensed: A low-speed electric vehicle may not be operated on City streets unless the driver has a valid driver’s license. While required under state law, the Ordinance adds the prohibition into the municipal code so the City can enforce it in its own courts.
• Seat belts and child restraints must be used: If a low-speed electric vehicle was originally equipped with seat belts by the manufacturer, all occupants must use them. In addition, children must be secured in the proper child restraint system when required by law.
  • The ordinance specifically states:
    • A child under 1 year old and under 20 pounds must be secured in a rear-facing child restraint seat
    • A child who is 1 to 4 years old and weighs less than 40 pounds must be secured in a front-facing child restraint seat

What is not covered by this ordinance?

This ordinance does not regulate electric bikes or electric scooters. Under state law, electric scooters are permitted on public roadways. Schools may regulate scooters on school property through their own policies or conduct rules.

Why the City adopted these rules

When discussing the increased use of micromobility vehicles in our community, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office stated that their use by minors is becoming the number one safety concern in Douglas County. The purpose of the ordinance is simple: to improve public safety. Castle Pines wants to reduce dangerous vehicle use in neighborhoods and on public property, especially situations involving reckless riding, minors operating vehicles in unsafe ways, and vehicles being used where they should not be. The rules also make it easier for law enforcement to respond when unsafe conduct occurs.