Know Before You Ride

  • There are different classes of e-bikes, but the most important thing to know in Thornton is this: if your motor is running, you cannot be on a bike path or pedestrian trail. You can pedal through — motor off — but the moment that motor kicks in, you need to be on the road. (City of Thornton Municipal Code 38-641 / 38-642)

    • Class 1: Pedal assist only, max 20 mph. No throttle. Okay on paths or sidewalks as long as motor is not engaged.

    • Class 2: Pedal assist + throttle, max 20 mph. Roads only, no paths or sidewalks in the City of Thornton.

    • Class 3: Pedal assist + throttle, max 28 mph. Helmets required under 18. Drivers must be 16+. Roads only, no paths or sidewalks.

  • Low-powered scooters are self-propelled vehicles designed for street use. They have no manual clutch — that's one of the key things that separates them from a motorcycle. They are NOT allowed on sidewalks, bike paths, or pedestrian trails.

    If it's not properly registered, insured, and equipped — and not ridden by a licensed driver — it stays on private property only.oes here

  • The key detail that pushes something into motorcycle territory: a manual clutch automatically disqualifies it from being a low-powered scooter, even if the engine is small. Roads only — NO sidewalks, NO paths, NO stunting or racing in residential areas. All state and municipal traffic laws, and licensing requirements apply to motorcycles when operated on the roadway.

    Keep it safe and keep it quiet: Revving, racing, and stunting are prohibited citywide. Dangerous maneuvers that put yourself, your passenger, or anyone else at risk are a violation.

  • These are private property only in Thornton. That means NO roads, NO sidewalks, NO trails, NO parks, NO parking lots, and NO city property of any kind.

PARENTS & GUARDIANS: Under Thornton Municipal Code 38-645, it is a violation, subject to a fine up to $2,650, for any parent or adult to allow, help, encourage, or permit a minor to operate a motor vehicle or recreational vehicle in a prohibited area.

RULES THAT APPLY TO EVERYONE, regardless of what you're riding!

  • Follow all traffic signs and signals — e-bike, scooter, motorcycle, all of it

  • Yield to pedestrians — always

  • Only carry as many passengers as the vehicle is designed for

  • Careless riding or driving can result of a citation, same as a car — this applies to bicycles, e-bikes, scooters, and low-powered scooters equally

  • No riding on playgrounds, game courts, sports courts, pavilions, park lawns, fields, or trails — wheeled vehicles of any kind are prohibited in those areas

  • No stunting, racing, or operating in a way that's dangerous to yourself or others

Quick reference table showing where e-bikes, scooters, motorcycles, and recreational vehicles are allowed to operate in Thornton, Colorado.