New Louisville law: Maximum speed limit on our trails and bikepaths is 15 mph, effective Sept. 11
 Cyclists enjoying our trails. Photo credit: Megan Sweeney/ Big Heart Film
Effective September 11, new law establishes a maximum speed limit of 15 mph on all officially designated bikepaths and trails in the City
On August 8, City Council approved an ordinance establishing maximum speed limits on city bike paths and trails. This ordinance amends Titles 4 and 14 of the Louisville Municipal Code to establish a maximum speed limit of 15 miles per hour (mph) for bicycles and electric-assisted bicycles (e-bikes) on all officially designated bike paths and trails within the city. The goal is to promote safe riding practices and accommodate a wide range of users on shared paths.
What you need to know
- The ordinance is effective September 11.
- The maximum speed limit of 15 mph applies to all City-owned lands including but not limited to parks, City-owned paths or trails, and the Louisville Cemetery, and all buildings, recreation facilities, and lakes, reservoirs, or other bodies of water within the City.
- The ordinance does not apply to public sidewalks or public roadways within the City.
- The City is working to update signage on trails to reflect this change as part of our wayfinding project.
Use caution and common sense
While the posted maximum speed limit is 15 mph, that doesn’t mean you should aim to hit it. Our trails and bike paths are shared spaces, and 15 mph can feel quite fast when others are walking, running, or pushing strollers nearby. Please ride responsibly, adjust your speed based on conditions, and prioritize safety for everyone.
Understanding different E-Bike classes
E-Bikes come in different classes, and it’s not always easy to tell them apart. Before you buy one for yourself or your family, make sure you know what class it is so you can follow the rules for using it.
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Class 1
- Pedal Assist only
- 20 mph max speed
- Allowed on trails, bike paths/pedestrian paths
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Class 2
- Pedal Assist & Throttle
- 20 mph max speed
- Allowed on trails, bike paths/pedestrian paths
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Class 3
- Pedal Assist only
- 28 mph max speed
- Speedometer required
- Not allowed on pedestrian pathways including City trails, paths, or parks
- Age 16+ to operate
- Under 18 years of age must wear a helmet
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Any electric bicycle or scooter over 750 watts is NOT considered a classified e-bike and is NOT allowed on sidewalks or trails. These higher-powered vehicles fall into other categories and have different legal requirements.
Over 750 Watts (Low-Power Scooters)
- Driver’s license required
- State of Colorado low-power scooter registration required
- Insurance required
Over 4,500 Watts (Motorcycles)
- Driver’s license with motorcycle endorsement required
- Motor vehicle registration required
- Insurance required
Know what you’re riding—understanding e-bike classifications helps keep everyone safe and in compliance.
E-Bikes: Did you know?
- E-Bikes make cycling more accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels, encouraging more individuals to enjoy the outdoors and stay active.
- E-Bikes must follow many of the same state laws as conventional bicycles.
- E-Bikes are allowed on Louisville trails if motors do not exceed 750 watts, and power assistance ceases at 20 mph (designated as Class 1 and 2 E-Bikes).
- Per Colorado State Law, Class 3 electric bicycles are restricted to riding on public roads only (no bike paths or pedestrian paths) and cannot be operated by a person under 16 years of age.
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