Electric Assist Bicycles || City of Fort Collins

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Dept Head: Tessa Greegor

281 N College
Fort Collins, CO 80524

FCBikes Momentum E-newsletterFCBikes Momentum E-newsletter

Electric Assist Bicycles (E-bikes) Pilot Program

Between May 1, 2019 and April 30, 2020, Fort Collins will allow Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on paved trails as part of a one-year pilot program. Learn more below.

Thank you for your feedback!

Over the past 9 months, we have been collecting feedback from the community about the e-bike pilot program. We are in the process of summarizing this information and will be presenting the findings to City Boards and Commissions beginning in January. Preliminary results from the pilot program will be shared on this website. City Staff will take a recommendation to City Council in March to seek their direction on future e-bike regulations.

Report a safety concern

In addition to seeking feedback on the e-bike pilot program, we would like to know if you've experienced a near-miss or a safety concern related to electric assist bicycles on Fort Collins' paved trails. Please use the link below to submit this information using Access Fort Collins. If you have been involved in a crash or if this is an emergency, please contact Fort Collins Police Services.

Report a near miss or safety concern

E-bike Pilot Program Overview

On April 19 the Fort Collins City Council approved a one-year electric assist bicycle pilot program that will allow e-bikes on paved trails in Fort Collins beginning May 1, 2019.

The change is 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 Tessa Greegor: dGdyZWVnb3JAZmNnb3YuY29t

Schedule for City Staff presentations to City Boards and Commissions

Bicycle Advisory Committee - December 11
Senior Advisory Board - January 8
Land Conservation & Stewardship Board - January 8
Commission on Disability - January 9
Transportation Board - January 15
Parks & Recreation Board - January 22
Bicycle Advisory Committee - January 27
Youth Advisory Board - February 5
Natural Resources Advisory Board - February 19
City Council - March 17

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	Provides electrical assistance regardless if the rider is pedaling or not, up to 20 mph	Provides electrical assistance while the rider is pedaling, up to 28 mph. Class 3 e-bikes 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.