Boulder County, CO Mobility & Curb Rules: E-Bike Classes (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing rule
- Rule 8, Bicycles
- E-bikes on Open Space
- prohibited unless area designated
- Human-powered bicycles
- restricted to designated trails only
- Exempted from restriction
- strollers, wheelchairs
- Related powered-mobility ban
- Rule 9(a), electric unicycles/one-wheels
- Standard fine
- $100 penalty assessment
Summary
Boulder County bans gas and electric-assisted bicycles and unicycles on all Parks & Open Space land except where an area is specifically designated to allow them, under Rule 8 of its Rules and Regulations. Plain human-powered bicycles are also restricted to trails where riding is designated.
8. Bicycles
No person shall ride a bicycle or unicycle within any Boulder County Parks & Open Space area except on trails where such use is designated, including day-of-use and directional designations, and at the Boulder County Fairgrounds. Unless otherwise stated, the definition of bicycle shall include all exclusively human-powered wheeled vehicles. Gas and electric assisted bicycles and unicycles are prohibited within any County Parks & Open Space area except where such use is specifically designated. Strollers and wheelchairs are exempted from this regulation and are permitted within any Boulder County Parks & Open Space area.
Full Breakdown
Rule 8 of the Boulder County Parks & Open Space Rules and Regulations (Resolution No. 2023-024) states that no person may ride a bicycle or unicycle within any Parks & Open Space area except on trails where such use is designated, including day-of-use and directional restrictions, plus at the Boulder County Fairgrounds. The rule defines 'bicycle' broadly to include all exclusively human-powered wheeled vehicles, but then draws a hard line for anything with a motor: gas and electric-assisted bicycles and unicycles are prohibited within any County Parks & Open Space area except where such use is specifically designated, meaning the county doesn't distinguish among motor wattage or assist type.
Instead it treats every e-bike as banned by default, with individual trails opened only by specific posting or Board/Director action. The rule does carve out strollers and wheelchairs, which are exempted and permitted throughout Parks & Open Space areas regardless of this restriction. Rule 9(a) reinforces the same default-off approach for other powered mobility, separately naming 'electric assisted bicycle,' 'electric assisted unicycle,' and 'electric assisted one-wheel' among the motorized devices barred from Open Space unless the area is specifically designated and posted to permit them, with an exception only for Boulder County and emergency vehicles on official business.
Violations & Fines
Riding an e-bike or gas-assisted bicycle where not designated is a civil infraction under Rule 32, authorized by § 29-7-101(2) and § 30-15-402, C.R.S. Enforcement staff may issue a citation, summons, or use the state's Penalty Assessment Procedure under § 16-2-201, C.R.S., with a standard $100 fine under Rule 32(c) for violations not otherwise scheduled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride an e-bike on Boulder County Open Space trails?
Does the county distinguish between different classes of e-bikes (Class 1, 2, 3)?
Are regular, non-electric bicycles also restricted?
What's the penalty for riding a prohibited e-bike on Open Space land?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Boulder County
Compare Boulder County to another location·View the Colorado mobility & curb rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.