What is an E-Bike?
An e‑bike is a bicycle equipped with an electric motor that provides assistance while you ride, either through pedal‑assist or a throttle. It’s designed to make cycling easier by giving riders an added boost, especially on hills or longer distances.

We know e‑bike rules can be confusing, so the first step is identifying which class of e‑bike you have. Colorado recognizes three classes:

• Class 1 – Pedal assist only, up to 20 mph (includes e-scooters less than 750W)
• Class 2 – Throttle-assisted, up to 20 mph
• Class 3 – Pedal assist only, up to 28 mph, and requires a speedometer

What is an Electric Scooter?

A device weighing under 100 pounds, equipped with handlebars and an electric motor, and capable of a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour on a paved, level surface when driven only by the motor.

Where can I ride my E-Bike & Scooter?

• Electric Scooters, Class 1 and Class 2 e‑bikes can be used on public roadways, bike lanes, paved bike paths, paved pedestrian paths, and paved recreational trails, but they are not allowed on soft‑surface trails (a path made from natural, yielding materials like dirt, crushed gravel, wood chips, or grass).
• Class 3 e‑bikes are not allowed on bicycle or pedestrian paths, paved or soft‑surface, unless the path is within a street or highway or located in a designated bike lane.

On June 23rd, 2026 Town Council approved Ordinance No. 06 Series 2026 adopting the 2024 Model Traffic Code. This code addresses rules & regulations regarding e-bikes. 

E-Bike & E-Scooter Examples 

What is an E-Moto? 

E‑motos, high‑powered electric motorcycles, are becoming more common, and we know it can be confusing to understand what’s allowed. The concern are these larger, faster vehicles being ridden on streets, sidewalks, trails, and parks without meeting legal requirements.

• Any electric bicycle or scooter over 750 watts is not permitted on sidewalks, and riders under 18 must wear a helmet.
• Many e‑motos have motors between 1,000 and 6,000+ watts, can reach speeds of 30–65+ mph, operate mainly by throttle, and may include pedals that don’t function.
• E-Motos are generally considered Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV's), Motor-Driven Cycles or motorcycles.

Where can I ride my E-Moto?

• OHVs are only allowed on streets, roads, and alleys within the Town of Gypsum for the purpose of traveling to or from your residence, or place of storage, directly to or from any of the following recreational trails and amenities:
  • Hardscrabble Trails via trailhead access off of Spring Creek Road.
  • Gypsum Hills Rec Area via BLM access from Trail Gulch Road.
  • Red Hill via BLM access off of Cottonwood Pass Road, Legend Drive, and Highlands Road.
  • Dry Lake Motocross Park via Trail Gulch Road
• OHVs are not allowed to be used to run errands of any kind in the Town of Gypsum.
• OHVs are not allowed on Highway 6, east of Jules Drive to the Town’s eastern boundary or on any street or road which is part of the State highway system.
• Generally prohibited on sidewalks, bike paths, bike lanes & mountain bike trails.

According to CDOT and Colorado law, vehicles that exceed e-bike classifications may legally be considered motor vehicles or motorcycles and can require:

• Registration
• Insurance
• A valid driver’s license
• Compliance with motor vehicle laws and equipment requirements

OHV Municipal Code

E-Moto Examples 

E-Bike Helmet Guidance 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES