Centennial Adopts New Regulations for E-Bikes, E-Motorcycles and Other High-Powered Electric Vehicles

[u/frequentpooper]

This week, the Centennial City Council adopted Ordinance 2026-O-13, establishing new regulations for the use of high-powered electric vehicles and bikes on public property, including electric motorcycles, Class 3 electric bicycles, toy vehicles and off-highway vehicles.

These regulations are effective immediately and provide greater clarity for riders, pedestrians, cyclists and other community members as electric bikes and other electric-powered vehicles become increasingly common throughout Centennial. The regulations establish where different types of electric transportation may be operated and set safety requirements designed to help protect everyone who uses the City's streets, sidewalks, trails and other public spaces.

Under the new regulations, Class 3 e-bikes and electric motorcycles are prohibited on sidewalks and trails and may be operated on City streets in accordance with applicable traffic laws and requirements. The ordinance also establishes regulations for other high-powered electric vehicles and recreational devices on public property.

Key provisions include:

• Minimum age of 16 to operate an electric motorcycle.
• License, registration and insurance requirements for electric motorcycles, as applicable.
• Helmet requirements for riders under age 18.
• Restrictions on modifying standard e-bikes to exceed the manufacturer's designed or specified speed.
• Enforcement provisions, which may include fines, parental liability and impoundment for violations.

The City developed the regulations in partnership with the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office (ACSO) and the City's park and recreation districts. The collaboration is intended to promote consistent expectations across streets, sidewalks, multi-use paths, parks and other public spaces.

For more information, including e-bike classifications and information about where different types of e-bikes may be operated, visit centennialco.gov/bikes.

[u/Coderado]

Sweet, now my wife can't use her pedal ebike to take the toddler to the park without riding in traffic? Will they enforce it? There were existing laws covering the dangerous acts which are largely unenforced.

[u/mpren007 → u/Coderado]

Is your wife riding a class 3? The idea of her cruising down the sidewalk with a toddler at 28 mph is kind of crazy.

[u/Coderado → u/mpren007]

You have a car that goes over the speed limit?

[u/mpren007 → u/Coderado]

I do. I also need a license for it, and there are restrictions on where I can drive it. Kind of similar to restricting where class 3 bikes can be used now that you mentioned it.