Centennial joined a growing number of local governments seeking to regulate high-powered electric vehicles that officials say have contributed to rising safety concerns and injuries.
The Centennial City Council unanimously approved an updated ordinance on Tuesday, creating new rules governing electric motorcycles, electric dirt bikes and e-bikes.
Assistant City Manager Eric Eddy said the ordinance is designed to address vehicles that fall outside Colorado’s established three-class e-bike system.
“It’s not necessarily the Class 1, 2 or 3 bikes that are the issue. It is the things that are not included in the state’s three-category system or regulated in other ways,” Eddy said.
Centennial joined a growing number of local governments seeking to regulate high-powered electric vehicles after approving an updated ordinance August 20, 2026. (Courtesy of Centennial)
Instead, the ordinance focuses on higher-powered vehicles, including electric motorcycles, electric dirt bikes and modified e-bikes that can exceed legal speed limits.
The ordinance also follows reports from South Metro Fire Rescue of increasing injuries involving e-bikes and e-scooters. Fire officials told city leaders that nearly half of injured riders were not wearing helmets.
Electric motorcycles and electric dirt bikes face the most extensive restrictions and are the most common vehicles causing issues for law enforcement, officials said.
Vehicles that lack functional pedals, exceed 750 watts of power or are capable of traveling faster than 28 mph under motor power alone are classified as electric motorcycles under the ordinance.
Those vehicles are prohibited from operating on city-managed trails, sidewalks, parks and open-space areas. To operate legally on public streets, riders must meet state requirements, including registration, licensing, insurance and equipment standards. Operators must be at least 16 years old, and riders younger than 18 must wear a Department of Transportation-approved helmet.
Under the rules, Class 3 e-bikes, which can provide pedal-assist speeds up to 28 mph, are prohibited on sidewalks, multiuse trails, park trails and pedestrian paths unless those routes are specifically designated for their use.
Officials noted some parks and trails are designed to handle Class 3 e-bikes and, under the ordinance, can continue to be used. They will continue to be allowed on roadways and in on-street bike lanes.
The ordinance also prohibits off-highway vehicles, including ATVs and electric off-road vehicles, from operating on public streets, parks, trails and other city-managed property.
Law enforcement officers may also cite riders and impound vehicles if modifications cause an e-bike to exceed its legal classification.
Violations will be treated as traffic offenses and may result in fines, municipal court proceedings and vehicle impoundment. The ordinance also allows a $250 fine for parents or guardians who knowingly permit minors to operate prohibited electric motorcycles, off-highway vehicles or illegally modified e-bikes.
The measure was developed with input from the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, South Suburban Parks and Recreation District and Trails Park and Recreation District. Officials said the goal is to create consistent rules across parks and trails throughout the region and make enforcement easier for law enforcement agencies.
The action mirrors similar efforts across the south metro area, including recent enforcement initiatives in Douglas County.