
E-Bikes on Colorado Springs Trails: New Ballot Measure Discussion Delayed
Multiple e-bike trail access ballot measures were discussed at the Jan 27th Colorado Springs City Council working session. While initially scheduled for the Jan 28th City Council meeting, Colorado Springs city council seems aligned to withdraw discussion about any proposed E-Bike ballot measures. This means that a ballot measure about E-Bike Trail access will not appear on the April Ballot.
View City Council Discussion on E-Bike Ordinance
On February 11 2025 Colorado Springs City Council voted 6-3 in favor of a proposed E-Bike ordinance identifying Class 1 E -bikes as a Non-Motorized use making them legal on all Parks trails where bikes are allowed today – Link to ordinance here
Second reading is scheduled for Feb 25 2025
Opportunities available to speak in-person or call in
Watch and view documents from meeting at links below:
Colorado Springs City Council Facebook page
The City Website – Agenda/Parks Presentation/video
SpringsTV
Both ballot measures were regarding e-bike trail access in Colorado Springs:
One was submitted by Wayne Williams & Richard Skorman
The official proposed Ballot Language was submitted by Nancy Henjum
Future E-Bike Policy meetings
Tentatively scheduled for the February 11th City Council meeting, council plans to discuss the proposed TOPS & Parks Board recommended Ordnance to City Council in November we will link to this meeting and agenda once available.
Attend meeting or comment on proposals
Email comments on E-Bike access to allcouncil@coloradosprings.gov to contact your council representative directly visit the city’s Get to Know Your Council members website. This upcoming meeting and future meetings can be attended in person at Colorado Springs City Hall or viewed online through the Colorado Springs city council Facebook page or the City of Colorado Springs website.
Current E-Bike Allowances and TOPS impacts
Since 2018 Class 1 E-bikes have been allowed on urban trails. However, many believe that allowing e-bikes on our trails is restricted due to the language within the Trails, Open Space, and Parks (TOPS) ordinance (Link to TOPS ordinance), a voter-approved measure that has been crucial for acquiring and maintaining Colorado Springs’ park assets. Many of our city’s urban trails were acquired, built, and/or maintained using TOPS funding; this could potentially disconnect many urban trails from e-bike riders, limiting recreational opportunities and potentially discouraging e-bike use as a mode of transportation.
What is a Class 1 E-Bike?
City definition below:
CLASS 1 ELECTRICAL ASSISTED BICYCLE: An electrical assisted bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of twenty miles per hour.
E-bikes are defined by Local, State, and Federal laws
Where E-Bikes are allowed currently within the Pikes Peak region:
Class 1 E-Bikes are allowed on Urban Trails throughout the city. – Colorado Springs Ebike page
Class 1 & 2 E-Bikes are allowed on El Paso County Parks regional trails. – El Paso County Parks FAQ
Class 1 & 2 E-Bikes are allowed on State Park trails including Cheyenne Mountain State Park and 11 Mile State Park – CPW Biking and Horseback riding page
For more information on rules throughout the pikes peak region related electrically assisted devices visit our E-Bikes, E-Scooters & E-Mobility Devices page.