E-Bikes on Trails#
2022 E-Bike Evaluation#
2022 E-Bike Evaluation
As electric-assist bicycles (e-bikes) are gaining more popularity we wanted to assess perceptions and impacts of allowing e-bikes and other e-devices on paved trails in Fort Collins. We collected information on trail utilization and experience, use of e-bikes, safety behaviors, speeds, and user perceptions.
What are E-bikes?#
| Under Colorado and Fort Collins law, e-bikes are defined as bicycles with two or three wheels, fully operable pedals, and an electric motor. | ||
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 E-bike | Class 2 E-bike | Class 3 E-bike |
|
Provides electrical assistance only while the rider is pedaling, up to 20 mph. Allowed on paved trails. Not permitted on soft-surface trails. |
Provides electrical assistance regardless if the rider is pedaling or not, up to 20 mph. Allowed on paved trails. Not permitted on soft-surface trails. |
Provides electrical assistance while the rider is pedaling, up to 28 mph. Must be equipped with a speedometer, and may not be ridden by people under 16 (unless as a passenger). People under 18 must wear a helmet. Not allowed on paved or soft-surface trails. Allowed on streets and in bike lanes. |
E-Bikes Allowed on Trails#
On April 21, 2020 the Fort Collins City Council approved City and Traffic Code updates to allow Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on paved trails following the completion of the 2019-2020 pilot program.
In 2021, Spin began an e-bike and e-scooter share program in Fort Collins. Spin e-bikes are geo-fenced to a maximum of 15 mph on paved trails and will not operate on soft/natural surface trails. Spin e-scooters are geo-fenced and will not operate on any paved trails.
Thank you for your feedback!
During the one-year 2019-2020 pilot program, City staff and volunteers collected data and feedback from the community to assess perceptions and impacts associated with allowing e-bikes on paved trails. A report summarizing the information collected and recommendations is available below.
E-bike Literature Review#
During the pilot program, the City of Fort Collins joined Boulder County, Larimer County, and the City of Boulder as a funding partner in the completion of a Literature Review to provide a snapshot of relevant research related to e-bikes and how they are being addressed in other jurisdictions. The literature review also assessed broader topics related to recreation conflict and emerging technology. The key findings from the literature review were:
Literature Review Key Findings:
- E-bikes provide increased access to recreation and transportation; older adults are more likely to use e-bikes for recreation and fitness whereas younger adults are more likely to use e-bikes for commuting, utilitarian trips, and to replace car trips.
- The addition of the electric-assist encourages people to take more and longer trips by bike, and offers individual health benefits.
- E-bike users indicate feeling safer on an e-bike than a conventional bike given the ability to travel through an intersection quickly or traverse challenging terrain.
- Safety, speed, crowding, and user conflict are common concerns related to bicycles, and even more so for e-bikes. However, e-bike research has shown that people tend to view e-bikes more favorably once they are exposed to or become familiar with e-bikes.
- The literature review found little research to suggest that e-bikes have greater negative impacts on trails or wildlife than regular bikes.
- Many Colorado jurisdictions have acted to allow some or all classes of e-bikes on their trails.
E-bike Pilot Program Overview (April 2019 - April 2020)#
On April 19 the Fort Collins City Council approved a one-year electric assist bicycle pilot program allowing e-bikes on paved trails from May 1, 2019 through April 30, 2020.
The change was prompted by a new state law allowing e-bikes on trails unless otherwise restricted by a local jurisdiction, and the growing popularity of e-bikes. The City’s Bicycle Advisory Committee, Transportation Board and six other City Boards passed recommendations in support of a pilot program to allow and evaluate e-bikes on paved trails.
The pilot program includes:
- One-year trial period beginning May 1, 2019
- Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes only (electric assist provided up to 20 mph)
- All paved trails (no unpaved trails)
- Extensive education and evaluation
For questions, please contact Cortney Geary: cgeary@fcgov.com