CSP warns parents: Know the difference between e-bikes and electric motorcycles before buying

STATEWIDE, Colo. (KRDO) -- Colorado State Patrol (CSP) is warning parents and guardians to use caution before buying electric bikes (e-bikes) as retailers have "blurred the lines, selling heavy, high-speed electric motorcycles while marketing them as standard e-bikes."

CSP stresses the importance of buyers checking the specs of a bike before purchasing.

“Sometimes what a retailer is calling an ‘e-bike’ is not a bike at all,” stated Col. Mathew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Any two-wheeled vehicle that has a motor exceeding 750 watts, speeds exceeding 28 mph, or no functional pedals may be reclassified as a moped or motorcycle.”

According to law enforcement, e-bikes and electric motorcycles have different legal and safety requirements, and knowing the difference is crucial.

For example, e-bikes can be ridden by younger teens while electric motorcycles require riders to be at least 16, says CSP. In addition to age limits for different bikes, CSP says that vehicle registration and a driver's license are required for electric motorcycles.

“One of the biggest oversights we are presently seeing is that kids under the age of 16 are riding two-wheeled vehicles that are classified as mopeds or motorcycles,” explained Col. Packard. “In Colorado, you must be at least 16 years old to obtain a full motorcycle endorsement (Class M) on your driver's license. These devices also must be registered and licensed.”

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