The purpose of this information is make sure you're informed about laws that may effect you as an EUC rider, not to enforce the law or even take sides. Most of us break the law by speeding to work everyday...
Disclaimer: Laws and policies can change at any time rendering the information below may be outdated and non-applicable. We strongly encourages checking with City, County, State and other local agencies for the most recent laws governing the proper, legal use of Personal Electric Vehicles (PEV's) (e.g., e-bikes, one wheels, EUCs, etc..) in your area. This guidance is primarily based on e-bike laws, since they are the only relevant reference available...
Generally Speaking:
- Trails and paths which are designated (e.g., there is a sign at the trail head) being open to motorized use are also open to PEVs; PEVs are not supposed to be on trails designated for non-motorized activities.
- If you are not on a road (e.g., trail, path, etc.), we recommend to stay under 5 mph when others are present, 15 mph if no one is around; avoid crowded areas. Please keep in mind you can always take another route (you are riding the most agile PEV on earth).
- Federal, state, county and local trail guidance for PEVs varies significantly. When in doubt, ask your local authorities about access to specific trails; local rules change frequently.
- We recommend not riding PEVs in areas where the local rules are unclear. We encourage everyone to ride legally and only in authorized areas to establish that PEV riders are responsible users. This will hopefully will encourage changing laws permitting PEV use eventually.
Applicable(ish) Laws:
- Sidewalks: Bikes, tricycles, PEVs, etc. are not supposed to be on sidewalks. If you're on a sidewalk, dismount. Sorry everyone, sidewalks are for walking...
- Trails and paths (designated trails that are wide and often have names): If they say something along the lines of "..no motorized..", then PEVs are not supposed to there. Colorado Springs has "Multi-Use Urban Trails" which are limited to Class 1, pedal assisted e-bikes (a.k.a. Electrical Assisted Bicycles (EAB).
- State Law: Colorado calls PEVs Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Devices (EPAMD). In Colorado, PEVs are not supposed to go faster than 28mph and/or not have an electric motor exceeding 750 watts of power. Class III PEVs (Reference 1) require a helmet for both rider and passenger. Class 1 and 2 PEVs are allowed the same access as bikes, while class 3 PEVs are only to be allowed on roadways and designated bike lanes (Reference 5).
- BLM and National Park trails: In State Wildlife Areas, PEVs are allowed on designated roads and within designated camping or parking areas where motorized vehicles are allowed; they are prohibited in all other areas (Reference 5).
- On the road: If your on the road, follow applicable motor vehicle and bicycle laws.
- Colorado Springs:
- Colorado Springs calls one-wheels, EUC, etc, Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMD). If you are "disabled", use of OPDMDO in Parks, Trails and Open Space Areas is allowed with the a maximum speed 5 mph when other users are present. When other users are not present the maximum speed for a power driven device is 15 mph. (Reference 8).
- Colorado Springs E-Scooter Pilot Program has identified the following "No-Ride Zones":
- Sidewalks in busy pedestrian areas - e-scooters are not permitted on sidewalks in the Downtown core, Old Colorado City, and other no-ride areas as shown in the company’s e-scooter app.
- Parks & Trails – e-scooters are not permitted in City parks or on City trails.
- Other designated no-ride zones - other zones may be specified by signage or in the app, including Colorado College and University of Colorado Colorado Springs
So basically, we can only ride on roads; that's no fun and dangerous... now what?
- If your safety is a concern, do what you have to (e.g., ride on the sidewalk); but that shouldn't put others safety at risk.
- If you are somewhere you shouldn't be or are not sure you can legally ride, BE NICE to everyone! On the road, if someone cuts you off you will most likely not even remember what color the vehicle was in a few minutes; EUCs are not forgotten because there are so few of us.
- Observe trail etiquette. Pass on the left, let them know your coming (e.g., say "on your left" before you pass by), etc. Please keep in mind that most of the time, no one can hear you coming from behind; especially if you're coming up fast, avoid spooking people.
- Go with the flow, don't treat trails like a speedway; get your kicks on the road if speed is your thing.
Confrontations:
- Authorities: Don't argue with them (even if they are wrong), apologize for not being aware of the applicable law and get out of there. If you feel you were in the right, call the department and go through the process of resolving it. Getting in an argument with an officer is only going make them jaded against PEV riders, get you ticketed or worse..
- Everyone Else: They don't really matter, but you are more likely to have a confrontation with a cyclist than the authorities; they (i.e., not the authorities) more likely to be dangerous. Again, be nice (e.g., say "have a nice day") and move on knowing that you'll most likely never see them again; don't waste your time and what's the point? Recommend having your phone or action camera ready to record any encounter to temper any conversation and be used in your defense should charges occur.
References: