Arvada, CO Mobility & Curb Rules: E-Bike Classes (2026)

Arvada's amended Model Traffic Code appendix, Sec. 5), defines an electrical assisted bicycle as a two- or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals and a motor no larger than 750 watts, then splits it into three classes: Class 1 assists only while pedaling and cuts off at 20 mph; Class 2 assists with or without pedaling but also cuts off at 20 mph; Class 3 assists only while pedaling and cuts off at 28 mph, the fastest of the three. Where each class may operate is set by Sec.

54-41's amendment of MTC Section 1412(14)-(15). Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes may ride any bike or pedestrian path where regular bicycles are authorized. A Class 3 e-bike may use such a path only if the path runs within a street or highway, or if the local authority with jurisdiction over that specific path has separately permitted Class 3 use. A person under sixteen may not operate a Class 3 e-bike on any street, highway, or path, though a person under sixteen may ride as a passenger if the e-bike is designed to carry one.

Every rider or passenger under eighteen operating or riding a Class 3 e-bike must wear a protective helmet meeting CPSC or ASTM standards, secured with a chin strap while the bike is moving; a helmet violation is not treated as negligence or negligence per se in a civil injury claim. General bicycle rules in the same amended section, such as not riding more than two abreast except on bicycle-exclusive paths and signaling turns at least 100 feet in advance, apply to e-bike riders of every class equally.