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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Class 1/2 e-bikes
Treated as bicycles citywide
Class 3 e-bikes
Excluded from bicycle-path allowance
Class 1 cutoff
20 mph, pedal-assist only
Class 2 cutoff
20 mph, throttle allowed
Class 3 cutoff
28 mph, pedal-assist only

Summary

Denver treats Class 1 and Class 2 electric bikes as ordinary bicycles on streets, roadways and bike paths, but carves Class 3 e-bikes out of that allowance and routes them to a separate section of the traffic code.

The provisions of this article applicable to bicycles shall apply whenever a bicycle or Class 1 or Class 2 electrical assisted bicycle is operated upon any street, roadway, highway or upon any public path set aside for the exclusive operation and use of bicycles, subject to those exceptions contained herein. Class 3 electrical assisted bicycles shall be subject to the provisions of article X of this chapter 54.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 147 Update 3).

Full Breakdown

Denver Revised Municipal Code § 54-564 puts Class 1 and Class 2 electrical assisted bicycles, motors that cut off at 20 mph, one pedal-assist-only and one throttle-capable, under the same rules as ordinary bicycles: they may operate on any street, roadway, highway, or public path set aside for bicycle use. Class 3 e-bikes, which assist only while pedaling up to 28 mph, are excluded from that bicycle-path allowance; the section instead directs them to article X of chapter 54. All three classes are defined at § 54-1(19.5).

Violations & Fines

Violating any bicycle-division section, §§ 54-564 through 54-583, including riding a Class 3 e-bike where only Class 1/2 are allowed, is a criminal traffic violation under § 54-3(a), not a civil infraction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ride a Class 3 e-bike on Denver's bike paths?
Not under the bicycle rules in §§ 54-564–54-583: that division only extends bicycle-path access to Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes; Class 3 is handled under a different article of chapter 54.
What's the top speed difference between the classes?
Class 1 and Class 2 motors cut off at 20 mph; Class 3 motors keep assisting pedaling up to 28 mph, per Denver Revised Municipal Code § 54-1(19.5).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Denver

Red-Light CamerasSome RestrictionsBike Lane RulesSome RestrictionsShared E-Scooter RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingFew RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome Restrictions

All Denver rules

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