E-Bike, Off-Highway Vehicle, and Other Recreational Vehicle Safety

The Castle Pines City Council approved Ordinance 26-04 at the City Council meeting on April 28, 2026, which added new regulations  for low-speed electric vehicles and off-highway vehicles, including adding parental responsibilities for parents or guardians who allow their children to drive or ride an off-highway vehicle in Castle Pines city limits.

All off-highway vehicles ― to include dirt bikes, unlicensed electric motorcycles, and other similar recreational vehicles — are prohibited from being operated on City of Castle Pines streets, paths, trails, and sidewalks. Class 1 and Class 2 electric bicycles are currently the only e-bike classifications allowed on Castle Pines bike, pedestrian, and multi-use paths.

Visit the Off-Highway Vehicle and Low-Speed Electric Vehicle Safety Ordinance webpage for more information on the ordinance and associated restrictions and fines.

Micromobility Vehicle Regulations & Safety

When purchasing an e-bike, it’s important to note the different classifications and rules associated with each to comply with local and State laws. E-bikes fall into different classifications. Each e-bike should have a label showing its classification and other relevant information, including top-assisted speed and motor wattage. E-bikes require operable pedals, a motor not exceeding 750 watts, and compliance with the following classes:

Class 1 electric bike

  • Pedal-assist only
  • Electric motor turns off when the bike reaches 20 mph
  • No minimum age requirement to operate
  • Allowed on Castle Pines sidewalks, paths, and trails

Class 2 electric bike

  • Pedal-assist and throttle
  • Electric motor turns off when the bike reaches 20 mph
  • No minimum age requirement to operate
  • Allowed on Castle Pines sidewalks, paths, and trails

Class 3 electric bike

  • Pedal-assist only
  • Electric motor turns off when the bike reaches 28 mph
  • Speedometer required
  • Rider must be 16 years or older to operate
  • Riders under 18 years old must wear a helmet
  • NOT allowed on Castle Pines sidewalks, paths, or trails

Electric scooter

  • Weighs less than 100 pounds
  • Maximum speed of 20 mph when on a paved, level surface
  • Has handlebars and an electric motor
  • NOT considered an electric bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, motorcycle, or low-powered scooter
  • Allowed on Castle Pines sidewalks, paths, or trails

Learn more about e-bike classifications from the Colorado State Legislature website.

All off-highway vehicles, including electric dirt bikes, dirt bikes, unlicensed electric motorcycles, and other similar recreational vehicles, are prohibited on City of Castle Pines streets, paths, trails, and sidewalks. Learn more about some of these vehicles below:

Electric dirt bikes 

  • No pedals (please note, installing pedal kits on e-motorcycles or e-dirt bikes does not transition them into e-bikes, and they will still be subject to penalties and fines)
    To make a dirt bike street legal, it must undergo several modifications, and owners must contact the Colorado DMV and Colorado State Patrol for inspections and appropriate registration
  • NOT allowed on Castle Pines streets, sidewalks, paths, or trails
  • Parents and guardians of minors utilizing these vehicles on public property (streets, sidewalks, trails, etc.) in Castle Pines are subject to a minimum $250 penalty

Electric motorcycles  

  • Over 4,476 watts (electric motorcycles only)
  • Drivers must be 18 years or older
  • Driver's license, motorcycle endorsement, and motor vehicle registration required
  • Insurance required

Low-power scooters are self-propelled vehicles designed primarily for use on roadways, with no more than three wheels in contact with the ground, and no manual clutch. They do not include toy vehicles, bicycles, electric bicycles, wheelchairs, or any device designed to assist individuals with mobility impairments who use pedestrian rights-of-way.

  • Driver's license and State of Colorado Low Power Scooter registration required
  • Insurance required
  • Can be electric (up to 4,476 watts) or gas (up to 50cc)
  • NOT allowed on Castle Pines sidewalks, paths, or trails

Golf carts are prohibited from being operated on Castle Pines streets, paths, trails, and sidewalks. In Castle Pines, golf carts may only be operated on golf courses.

Golf carts

  • Only allowed on golf courses
  • NOT allowed on Castle Pines roads, sidewalks, paths, or trails

Low-speed electric vehicles 

Low-speed electric vehicles (LSEVs) look like golf carts, but have a 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and certain manufacturing requirements. LSEVs, unlike golf carts, are allowed on City streets.

  • Required to be registered
  • Driver’s license required
  • Insurance required
  • NOT allowed on Castle Pines sidewalks, paths, or trails

Riders should follow traffic laws, wear appropriate safety gear, and remain aware of their surroundings to ensure both their safety and the safety of others. Additional tips can be found below:

  • Riders should wear the proper safety equipment, including a well-fitted helmet
  • Wear bright clothing and use lights. Use turn signals or hand signals when riding
  • Know your traffic laws, including stopping at stop signs and following speed limits
  • Be aware of your surroundings. Never assume a car or other rider will see you
  • Limit distractions like cell phones and earbuds

E-Bike Classifications & Electric Scooters

When purchasing an e-bike, it’s important to note the different classifications and rules associated with each to comply with local and State laws. E-bikes fall into different classifications. Each e-bike should have a label showing its classification and other relevant information, including top-assisted speed and motor wattage. E-bikes require operable pedals, a motor not exceeding 750 watts, and compliance with the following classes:

Class 1 electric bike

  • Pedal-assist only
  • Electric motor turns off when the bike reaches 20 mph
  • No minimum age requirement to operate
  • Allowed on Castle Pines sidewalks, paths, and trails

Class 2 electric bike

  • Pedal-assist and throttle
  • Electric motor turns off when the bike reaches 20 mph
  • No minimum age requirement to operate
  • Allowed on Castle Pines sidewalks, paths, and trails

Class 3 electric bike

  • Pedal-assist only
  • Electric motor turns off when the bike reaches 28 mph
  • Speedometer required
  • Rider must be 16 years or older to operate
  • Riders under 18 years old must wear a helmet
  • NOT allowed on Castle Pines sidewalks, paths, or trails

Electric scooter

  • Weighs less than 100 pounds
  • Maximum speed of 20 mph when on a paved, level surface
  • Has handlebars and an electric motor
  • NOT considered an electric bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, motorcycle, or low-powered scooter
  • Allowed on Castle Pines sidewalks, paths, or trails

Learn more about e-bike classifications from the Colorado State Legislature website.

Off-Highway Vehicles

All off-highway vehicles, including electric dirt bikes, dirt bikes, unlicensed electric motorcycles, and other similar recreational vehicles, are prohibited on City of Castle Pines streets, paths, trails, and sidewalks. Learn more about some of these vehicles below:

Electric dirt bikes 

  • No pedals (please note, installing pedal kits on e-motorcycles or e-dirt bikes does not transition them into e-bikes, and they will still be subject to penalties and fines)
    To make a dirt bike street legal, it must undergo several modifications, and owners must contact the Colorado DMV and Colorado State Patrol for inspections and appropriate registration
  • NOT allowed on Castle Pines streets, sidewalks, paths, or trails
  • Parents and guardians of minors utilizing these vehicles on public property (streets, sidewalks, trails, etc.) in Castle Pines are subject to a minimum $250 penalty

Electric motorcycles  

  • Over 4,476 watts (electric motorcycles only)
  • Drivers must be 18 years or older
  • Driver's license, motorcycle endorsement, and motor vehicle registration required
  • Insurance required

Low-Power Scooters

Low-power scooters are self-propelled vehicles designed primarily for use on roadways, with no more than three wheels in contact with the ground, and no manual clutch. They do not include toy vehicles, bicycles, electric bicycles, wheelchairs, or any device designed to assist individuals with mobility impairments who use pedestrian rights-of-way.

  • Driver's license and State of Colorado Low Power Scooter registration required
  • Insurance required
  • Can be electric (up to 4,476 watts) or gas (up to 50cc)
  • NOT allowed on Castle Pines sidewalks, paths, or trails

Golf Carts & Low-Speed Electric Vehicles

Golf carts are prohibited from being operated on Castle Pines streets, paths, trails, and sidewalks. In Castle Pines, golf carts may only be operated on golf courses.

Golf carts

  • Only allowed on golf courses
  • NOT allowed on Castle Pines roads, sidewalks, paths, or trails

Low-speed electric vehicles 

Low-speed electric vehicles (LSEVs) look like golf carts, but have a 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and certain manufacturing requirements. LSEVs, unlike golf carts, are allowed on City streets.

  • Required to be registered
  • Driver’s license required
  • Insurance required
  • NOT allowed on Castle Pines sidewalks, paths, or trails

Safety Tips

Riders should follow traffic laws, wear appropriate safety gear, and remain aware of their surroundings to ensure both their safety and the safety of others. Additional tips can be found below:

  • Riders should wear the proper safety equipment, including a well-fitted helmet
  • Wear bright clothing and use lights. Use turn signals or hand signals when riding
  • Know your traffic laws, including stopping at stop signs and following speed limits
  • Be aware of your surroundings. Never assume a car or other rider will see you
  • Limit distractions like cell phones and earbuds