Northglenn, Colorado, Advances Class 3 E-Bike Restrictions for Parks and Trails

October 17, 2026 — Northglenn, Colorado. Electric bike riders in Northglenn could soon face additional restrictions on where certain types of e-bikes are allowed.

On October 12, the Northglenn City Council advanced Council Bill CB-2044, a proposed ordinance addressing electric bicycles and more powerful electric motorized devices.

According to coverage of the council meeting, the proposal would restrict Class 3 electric bicycles from parks, trails, and school grounds while generally allowing Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes in many of those locations.

The proposal also targets high-powered electric motorcycles, often called e-motos, that fall outside Colorado’s legal electric bicycle classifications.

The ordinance advanced on first reading. As of this report, final adoption has not been confirmed.

For riders who regularly use Northglenn’s parks and recreational paths, understanding the difference between e-bike classes is especially important.

For more information about Colorado’s electric bicycle classifications, helmet requirements, age limits, and trail access, read our Colorado E-Bike Laws Guide.

What Is Northglenn Proposing?

Council Bill CB-2044, titled Electrical Assisted Bicycles (E-Bikes) Amendments, would establish additional local rules for electric bicycles and certain motorized electric devices.

According to the October 12 council meeting summary, the proposal would:

• Generally continue allowing Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on streets and trails where permitted.
• Restrict Class 3 e-bikes from parks, trails, and school grounds.
• Address electric motorcycles and other high-powered devices that do not qualify as legal electric bicycles.
• Establish clearer distinctions between conventional e-bikes and more powerful motorized vehicles.

The meeting summary describes a proposed citywide prohibition on e-motos. However, the precise legal definitions, locations covered, and any exemptions need to be confirmed against the complete ordinance text.

That distinction matters because not every electric vehicle marketed as an e-bike qualifies as one under Colorado law.

Why Is Northglenn Considering New E-Bike Restrictions?

According to the October 12 council meeting summary, the proposal followed weeks of resident complaints about electric bicycles and other motorized devices.

The summary also references a serious e-bike collision that contributed to local safety concerns. Police Chief Jim May presented the ordinance during the meeting.

The proposal reflects concerns about faster-moving electric vehicles sharing public spaces with pedestrians, families, and traditional cyclists.

Anyone who regularly walks or rides on a busy trail understands why speed differences can become a concern. A rider traveling too quickly around a blind corner or passing pedestrians without enough room can create a dangerous situation.

However, it is important to distinguish between the capabilities of an electric bicycle and how responsibly someone operates it.

Understanding Colorado’s Three E-Bike Classes

Colorado recognizes three main classifications of electric bicycles.

E-Bike Class	How the Motor Works	Maximum Motor-Assisted Speed
Class 1	Pedal assistance only	20 mph
Class 2	Motor assistance available without pedaling	20 mph
Class 3	Pedal assistance only	28 mph

These limits describe when motor assistance stops. They do not mean a bicycle always travels at its maximum assisted speed.

For example, someone riding a Class 3 commuter bike can travel at 10 or 12 mph even though the motor can provide assistance up to 28 mph.

Additional Colorado Class 3 Requirements

Colorado also has specific requirements for Class 3 electric bicycles.

• Class 3 e-bikes must have a speedometer.
• Riders generally must be at least 16 years old to operate a Class 3 e-bike.
• Anyone younger than 18 riding a Class 3 e-bike must wear an approved bicycle helmet.
• A child younger than 16 may ride as a passenger on a Class 3 e-bike designed to carry passengers, subject to applicable safety requirements.

These are statewide requirements, separate from Northglenn’s proposed local ordinance.

Colorado Already Restricts Class 3 E-Bikes on Many Paths

This is an important part of the story. Colorado already places additional restrictions on Class 3 electric bicycles.

Under state law, Class 3 e-bikes generally cannot operate on bicycle or pedestrian paths unless:

1. The path is within a street or highway; or
2. The local authority specifically permits Class 3 e-bikes on that path.

Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes generally have broader access to bicycle and pedestrian paths, although local governments may impose restrictions.

That means Northglenn’s proposal should not be interpreted as introducing Colorado’s first restrictions on Class 3 trail riding.

Instead, the city is considering additional local rules concerning parks, trails, school grounds, and other electric motorized devices. The final ordinance language will determine how those local restrictions interact with existing state law.

What About Electric Dirt Bikes and E-Motos?

Another important part of Northglenn’s proposal concerns electric motorcycles and high-powered electric vehicles.

Some products look similar to bicycles but have motors or performance capabilities that place them outside Colorado’s legal e-bike classifications.

For example, a high-powered electric dirt bike does not automatically become a Class 2 e-bike simply because a retailer advertises it that way.

Colorado law distinguishes compliant electric bicycles from vehicles that exceed the legal classification requirements.

According to the October 12 meeting summary, Northglenn’s proposal includes a citywide prohibition targeting e-motos.

However, without the complete ordinance text, it would be premature to say that every electric motorcycle would be prohibited in every circumstance, including on private property.

The exact scope, definitions, and exceptions should be confirmed before treating those restrictions as enforceable.

Would Class 3 E-Bikes Be Banned Throughout Northglenn?

No. Based on the available meeting coverage, the proposal should not be described as a complete citywide ban on Class 3 electric bicycles.

The reported restrictions focus on parks, trails, and school grounds. That is different from prohibiting ownership of a Class 3 e-bike or banning all Class 3 riding throughout Northglenn.

Riders should also remember that Colorado’s existing Class 3 path restrictions remain relevant regardless of whether Northglenn adopts additional rules.

Until the final ordinance is available, the precise boundaries and any exceptions should not be assumed.

How Could the Proposed Rules Affect Riders?

If Northglenn adopts CB-2044, riders may need to pay closer attention to the classification of their electric bicycles and the routes they use.

Someone who owns a Class 3 commuter e-bike may find certain park connections or recreational routes restricted.

However, some of those paths may already be unavailable to Class 3 riders under Colorado law unless local permission has been granted.

Meanwhile, riders with compliant Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes would generally retain broader access, subject to local restrictions and posted signs.

This is especially relevant for anyone considering purchasing an e-bike for both commuting and recreational riding.

A bike capable of higher assisted speeds may be convenient on roads but less suitable for certain shared-use paths.

Before purchasing, I recommend checking not only the bike’s motor, range, and comfort but also where its classification allows you to ride.

What Happens Next With CB-2044?

The Northglenn City Council advanced CB-2044 on first reading during its October 12 meeting.

The city’s official voting records identify the measure as Electrical Assisted Bicycles (E-Bikes) Amendments and record affirmative votes.

However, first-reading approval does not establish that the ordinance has completed the legislative process.

Until final adoption and an effective date are confirmed, these proposed local restrictions should not be presented as newly enacted law.

Riders should continue following Colorado law and Northglenn’s existing regulations while watching for official updates.

Electric Bike Explorer will continue following the proposal and report on any final council action.

What Colorado E-Bike Riders Should Know

Northglenn’s proposal is another reminder that statewide e-bike classifications do not guarantee access to every park, trail, or shared-use path.

Colorado establishes general requirements, but local governments can impose additional restrictions within their authority.

Before riding somewhere unfamiliar, check posted signs and applicable local rules.

My Thoughts on Northglenn’s Proposed Restrictions

I understand why Northglenn officials want to address dangerous riding, especially in parks and on trails where families, pedestrians, and cyclists share the same space.

Nobody should have to worry about someone speeding past them on an electric bike or motorcycle.

At the same time, I think it’s important to distinguish between a bicycle’s maximum capabilities and the way someone actually rides it.

A Class 3 e-bike can provide pedal assistance up to 28 mph, but that doesn’t mean every owner rides at that speed.

Someone traveling responsibly at 10 or 12 mph is behaving very differently from someone racing through a crowded park.

I also believe cities need to distinguish legitimate electric bicycles from powerful electric motorcycles that may look similar but are designed for entirely different riding conditions.

Clear rules and appropriate enforcement are important. So is making sure riders understand which paths they can legally use.

Ultimately, I hope Northglenn finds a balance that protects pedestrians while recognizing that many people rely on electric bicycles for transportation, recreation, and independence.

For more news on electric bikes click here

Sources

• City of Northglenn — Official Public Meeting Records
• Northglenn City Council — October 12, 2026 Meeting Summary and Video
• Colorado General Assembly — Electric Bicycles
• Colorado Department of Transportation — E-Bike Safety Campaign