Welcome to the world of electric biking in Denver! With its hilly terrain and picturesque neighborhoods, Denver is an ideal location to explore on an e-bike. Our e-bike guide to Denver lays out the city's best trails, shops, rental options, and the current state of e-bike regulations.
Denver's Best Electric Bike Trails
Denver offers a plethora of scenic trails that are perfect for electric biking enthusiasts. Here are some of the best electric bike trails in Denver that you can explore:
Cherry Creek Bike Path
The 22-mile paved Cherry Creek Bike Path takes you through downtown Denver, past Cherry Creek State Park, and out to the suburbs. It's a great way to see the city and enjoy the outdoors.
South Platte River Trail
This 18.5-mile trail follows the South Platte River and takes you through downtown Denver, past several parks, and out to the suburbs. You'll enjoy beautiful views of the river and the city.
Clear Creek Trail
This 20-mile trail follows Clear Creek and takes you through historic Golden, Colorado. You'll enjoy scenic views of the mountains and several parks along the way.
High Line Canal Trail
This 71-mile trail follows the historic High Line Canal and takes you through several suburbs of Denver. It's a great way to experience the natural beauty of Colorado.
Bear Creek Trail
This 17-mile trail takes you through Bear Creek Lake Park and offers stunning views of the foothills. It's a great option for those looking for a more challenging ride.
Denver's Electric Bike Infrastructure
Denver has been working to improve its infrastructure for cyclists, including electric bike riders. Here are some of the features of Denver's electric bike infrastructure:
- Bike Lanes and Shared Lanes: Denver has over 160 miles of bike lanes and shared lanes on its streets, providing safer routes for cyclists, including electric bike riders.
- Protected Bike Lanes: Denver has also installed several miles of protected bike lanes, which are separated from vehicle traffic by physical barriers like curbs or planters. These protected lanes offer even greater safety for electric bike riders.
- Bike Racks and Lockers: Denver has installed bike racks and lockers throughout the city, making it easy for electric bike riders to secure their bikes while they're out and about.
- E-Bike Charging Stations: Denver has started installing e-bike charging stations throughout the city to help electric bike riders charge their bikes while they're out and about.
Denver's Electric Bike Tours
Renting an Electric Bike in Denver
Renting an electric bike in Denver is a great way to explore the city and its surrounding areas. Here's what you need to know:
There are some great guided e-bike tours of Denver. You can see all of the city of Denver highlights by e-bike on any one of these great independent tours.
There are some companies that offer e-bike rental options or tours including In City Wheels and Pedego.
Denver's Best Electric Bike Shops
Denver has many great electric bike shops that offer a wide variety of electric bikes and accessories. Here are some of the best electric bike shops in Denver:
Small Planet E Vehicles
Small Planet EVehicles is located in Cherry Creek and offers a variety of electric bikes, including commuters, cargo bikes, and mountain bikes. They also offer accessories, repairs, and rentals.
The Bicycle Broker
The Bicycle Broker offers a variety of electric bikes, including commuters, folding bikes, and cruisers. They also offer repairs and maintenance services.
SloHi Bike Co
Located in the Highlands neighborhood, SloHi Bike Co offers a variety of electric bikes, including mountain bikes, commuters, and fat tire bikes. They also offer rentals and repairs.
Pedego Denver
Pedego is a national chain of electric bike shops that offers a variety of electric bikes, including cruisers, commuters, and trikes. They also offer rentals, tours, and repairs.
Denver's E-Bike Rules and Regulations
- Safety Equipment: Riders of Class 3 e-bikes under the age of 21 are required to wear a helmet.
- Road Rules: Electric bikes are regulated in a similar way to traditional bikes.
- Bike Specifications: Electric bikes are classified by the Class 1, 2, or 3 system. Class 1 e-bikes are pedal assist with a max speed of 20 mph. Class 2 e-bikes are throttle assist with a max speed of 20 mph. Class 3 e-bikes are pedal assist with a max speed of 28 mph.
- Where to Ride: In Denver, electric bikes are allowed on bike paths and multi-use trails, but not on sidewalks. Class 1 and Class 2 electric bikes are allowed on paths, trails, and in Colorado State Parks unless specifically prohibited by local ordinances. Class 3 electric bikes are generally not allowed on paths and trails unless they are specifically designated for electric bike use.
- Age Restrictions: You cannot ride a Class 3 electric bike if you are under 16.
- Administrative Regulations: Electric bikes in Denver do not require a license, insurance, or registration.
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