Laws Struggling to Keep Pace with the Increasing Popularity of E-Bikes

E-bikes have quickly become a popular way to travel through communities, offering riders an affordable, convenient, and enjoyable alternative to cars. But as their use grows, so do concerns about safety, particularly when young riders travel at high speeds, ignore traffic laws, or ride without proper protective gear.

 Recent reports in Eagle County highlight the challenge of e-bikes facing law enforcement, and lawmakers. There are reports of riders sometimes failing to stop at intersections, carrying passengers unsafely, and riding without helmets. In fact, Children’s Hospital Colorado, reported “a 184% increase in traumatic injuries related to e-bikes between 2024-2025.” Campaigns such as CDOT’s “Go Safe Go Far” and Eagle County’s “Own the Ride” are important first steps as they focus on helmets, visibility, and speed management.

Colorado lawmakers have attempted to address these safety concerns through HB25-1197, which imposes disclosure, labeling, and safety-related requirements on e-bike sellers, manufacturers, and distributors. However, because many of these bikes are purchased online or shipped from outside the state, local regulations may have limited practical effect.

Notably, there are 3 “classes” of e-bikes. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes cannot travel in excess of 20mph, however there are apps that allow them to be modified. Class 3 e-bikes can reach speeds of 28mph, most importantly if a parent purchases a class 3 e-bike for their kid that is less than 17 years old, and they get into an accident, it is not covered by insurance.

If you’ve been injured on an e-bike, or by the rider of an e-bike, the experienced injury attorneys at Vail Justice can help you recover the money you are entitled to receive. Call Vail Justice today at (970) 926-1700 to speak directly to an attorney.

This information for this post was sourced from Vail Daily: https://www.vaildaily.com/news/e-bikes-explode-in-popularity-in-eagle-county-and-colorado-but-laws-arent-keeping-pace/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_source_platform=pinpoint&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=TheDaily&utm_id=VGhlRGFpbHkyMDI2LTA2LTExIDA2OjAwOjAw&utm_term=2026-06-11