e-Bikes in Louisville

One thing we all know and love about Louisville is that it's a glorious place to ride a bike.

Whether you're cruising our vast trail system, running your errands, or meeting friends for a quick bite, it's a great way to get some exercise and spend time exploring our city.

Lately, many of our residents and visitors have made the switch to E-bikes, or electric bicycles. If you don't own one, you probably know someone who does. E-bikes look like regular bikes, but they have an electric motor to assist riders.

The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office and the Louisville Police Department are working together to promote E-Bike safety in our communities. As E-Bikes become more popular, it is important to understand the laws and
classifications that apply to them. Class 1, 2, and 3 E-Bikes are a good way for riders to get around, but Low Power Scooters and Electric Motorcycles are NOT considered E-Bikes and follow different rules and regulations. We encourage adults and youth riders to be in compliance with the law.

e-Bike fast facts

Any electric bicycle/scooter over 750 watts is NOT a classified E-Bike and is NOT allowed on sidewalks. You must 16 years of age, have a driver's license, insurance, ad registration to operate a low-power scooter.
Class 1, 2, and 3 E-Bikes are permitted in Louisville.
E-Bikes must YIELD to pedestrians. Whether you're on a bike or an e-bike, you must yield to pedestrians.
The rules of the road still apply. Posted speed limits and traffic signals should be observed regardless of what mode of transportation you're using. Electric bicycles must follow many of the same state laws as conventional bicycles.

Purchasing an E-Bike: Know your classes

class 1,2,3 E-bikes

Class 1 e-Bikes

Pedal-assist only
20 MPH max speed
Allowed on bicycle/pedestrian paths

Class 2 e-Bikes

Pedal-assist & throttle
20 MPH max speed
Allowed on bicycle/pedestrian paths

Class 3 e-Bikes

Pedal-assist only
28 MPH max speed
Speedometer required
Not allowed on City trails, paths, or parks
Age 16+ to operate
Under 18 years of age must wear a helmet

Bicycle Registration

The Louisville Police Department is partnering with Bike Index to help recover your bicycle if it is lost or stolen.

By registering your bike through the Louisville Police Department Bike Index, you are enlisting not only law enforcement but also a national biking community to help return your bike to you.

Register my bike