Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS) is launching a public process to gather feedback on the potential use of e-bikes on trails in the city. An online survey is now open through Aug. 4 for residents to share their thoughts on e-bike access on trails in city parks and open spaces. The input received will help inform the City’s decision-making process and the next steps regarding e-bike regulations and policies in the City of Colorado Springs. As an advocate for the outdoor industry and also access for all users, PPORA is in favor of Class 1 e-bikes (pedal assist) being allowed on trails that currently allow biking. This is consistent with Colorado Parks and Wildlife policy as well as a number of neighboring communities. Not allowing this restricts access for our aging population and those with disabilities who require the pedal-assist. In addition, many new cyclists, people with/recovering from injuries, and even our region’s athletes utilize e-bikes for their unique needs. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- E-Bikes have 3 types and are not all the same. Class 1 e-bikes are also called “pedal-assist”, as they are not self-propelled but only move when the biker is pedaling. Both types 2 and 3 are self-propelled through a throttle. (See definitions at the City website.)
- Most land managers do not treat all e-bikes the same. PPORA does not believe e-bikes should all be considered and lumped in with motorized use such as ATVs, scooters, motorbikes, etc.
- In the state of Colorado, e-bikes are classified as bicycles (as opposed to motorized vehicles) and have the same rights of the road as traditional bicycles. Class 1 e-bikes are allowed on all Colorado State Park trails where bicycles are permitted.
- The greatest user base for e-bikes is those who are aging because it provides mobility and access to seniors who could not otherwise enjoy biking trails.
“How does/doesn’t the current City of Colorado Springs Policy effect your business?”
Our local bike industry is impacted by e-bike policy. They have seen significant growth from e-bike users, but many also encounter challenges including limiting sales due to restrictions on places where e-bikes can legally be used as well as challenges related to informing users where they can use their new e-bikes. PPORA polled local bike shops (20 of them) to learn how e-bikes and policies related to e-bikes affect them. Of the 13 respondents, 100% have seen an increase in e-bike sales over the last 2-3 years. Over half of respondents said e-bikes make up 35% or greater of their total sales. E-bikes are no longer a trend – they are here to stay!
In addition, we also asked “How does/doesn’t the current City of Colorado Springs Policy affect your business?” Here are the responses:
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- Ultimately, the hard part … when we’re selling an e-bike… if it’s intended use is off-trail use, current restrictions limit them to very few trails, in a lot of the spaces, it’s pretty vague. Ambiguity creates situation where people just ride them anywhere, even if it’s legal or not – frustrating. We held off on carrying many mountain e-bikes because we were waiting for the city to make clear cut policy. We had to meet demand though. Customers wanted them – couldn’t miss out on hundreds of thousands of sales. Ultimately, unfortunately, until the city has some good guidelines, and supplies places to ride, people are going to ride them wherever they want – good, bad, or indifferent.
- To be honest, we don’t sell single track e-bikes because of the policy in place. [Having a new policy] would only help us sell more.
- * don’t quote* In that regard, I would say it decreases the location that bikes are able to go just like every other e-bike. Options are reduced.
- “I don’t know.”
- Not yet… incentive program right now with re-bate. A lot of that has come in… probably about a third of the sales has been from that program.
- City policy is generally not very impactful – most are used in the Midwest, Alaska, or western Colorado. I would say any limitation to e-bike access has limited our sales. People don’t want to use them because there’s not enough infrastructure/nowhere to ride.
- No, I don’t know
- It hasn’t affected ours too much. We do try to keep people aware of the laws. more signs are being posted. As far as inventory, more people come in for e-bikes for around the city; we’re partnered with city for e-bikes rebate. Less interest/sales for mountain e-bikes.
- People definitely notice when demo program for e-bikes gets shut down. Back and forth and lack of communication has been frustrating for customers. If policy was different, it would help sales on certain bikes. People would be more interested.
- Conversation – let people know where they can ride e-bikes. City parks being open to class 1 mountain biking would definitely help.
- Not currently carrying e-bike mountain bikes – so the stuff that’s legal on streets is all we sell.
- People are curious what bikes you can ride in what places… some people avoid throttle bikes because of this.
- Not sure… we haven’t seen push back though. We aren’t selling many e-bike mountain bikes.
- off-trail use, current restrictions limit them to very few trails, in a lot of the spaces, it’s pretty vague. Ambiguity creates situation where people just ride them anywhere, even if it’s legal or not – frustrating. We held off on carrying many mountain e-bikes because we were waiting for the city to make clear cut policy. We had to meet demand though. Customers wanted them – couldn’t miss out on hundreds of thousands of sales. Ultimately, unfortunately, until the city has some good guidelines, and supplies places to ride, people are going to ride them wherever they want – good, bad, or indifferent.
Neighboring Communities and their Policies
Although the following does not represent all of the communities in Colorado that could be looked at to compare policies, this sample can help the reader understand what communities nearby have determined to be good e-bike policy, and perhaps it can inform both the City of Colorado Springs’ policy and help you complete the survey.
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While the Town of Castle Rock does not have a specific ordinance on electric bikes, according to State law, electric bikes or e-bikes that reach 20 miles per hour or less (designated as Class 1 and 2) can be ridden on bike, pedestrian or multi-use paths. Motorized recreation vehicles, such as motorbikes, motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles are not allowed on trails or open spaces.
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In Lakewood Parks and Jefferson County Open Spaces, Class 1 e-bikes are allowed on natural surface trails and Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are allowed on paved trails.
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To the question of WHY e-bikes are allowed on Parker trails, the Town posted “Because neighboring jurisdictions allow Class I and Class II e-bikes, those who ride long distances are likely unaware of each jurisdiction’s specific rules. Rather than asking these users to use the streets through Parker, the safer approach would be to allow this mode of transportation on the trail system in Parker. Also, e-bikes encourage those who may have trouble commuting via conventional bicycle to get out and use the trail system. E-bikes also provide a means to participate in the lifelong sport of cycling and stay active in a way that would not otherwise be possible. The Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department is committed to providing these opportunities to recreate to all residents of every skill, ability and life stage. This provides a great opportunity to reaffirm that commitment.”
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A Pueblo ordinance permits Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes, e-scooters, and other electric devices to be operated on bike and pedestrian trails and paths. However, Class 3 e-bikes are prohibited and unlawful because of the high speed of 28 mph or more at which they can operate.
E-bikes have provided more recreational access to a broad range of users, as described here. This growing trend has become more than that over the last few years, and we need good, clear, consistent policies to ensure this user group is supported while existing user group needs and considerations are also valued. Make your voice heard by completing the City’s survey and adding your comments before the August 4th deadline!