Things To Do on an eBike in El Paso County, CO
El Paso County riding here is built around a few long corridors. The Colorado Front Range Trail crosses the county as the New Santa Fe Regional Trail, the Pikes Peak Greenway and the Fountain Creek Regional Trail. The city also has the Legacy Loop and the Sand Creek Trail. This guide covers those five routes and what each manager says about eBikes.
The main thing to know is that two agencies set the rules. The city allows only Class 1 on designated trails. The county allows Class 1 and 2 on regional trails and bans Class 3. The manager pages give limited detail on lengths and surfaces, so check the manager page before you go.
Where to ride in El Paso County
The routes are in and around Colorado Springs. The New Santa Fe Regional Trail heads north toward the Palmer Lake area and USAFA. The Pikes Peak Greenway follows Monument and Fountain creeks through the urban core. The Fountain Creek Regional Trail heads south to Fountain. The Legacy Loop and Sand Creek Trail are city trails. Rental and tour businesses are listed in Manitou Springs and Colorado Springs.
The New Santa Fe Regional Trail is gravel and county managed, so it suits Class 1 and 2 bikes with wider tires. The Pikes Peak Greenway is paved and city managed, so only Class 1 is allowed where designated. The Fountain Creek Regional Trail is county managed with the same Class 1 and 2 rule. The manager pages do not list lengths for any of them, so check the manager map for distance.
eBike shop hubs
Find a shop near your route by browsing the city pages below. Colorado Springs has the most listings, and Manitou Springs, Green Mountain Falls and Monument each have one.
- eBike shops in Colorado Springs
- eBike shops in Manitou Springs
- eBike shops in Green Mountain Falls
- eBike shops in Monument
Rental and tour contacts
Rental and tour cards include Manitou E-bike Co and Amp'd Adventures, with Ebike Guided Tours in Manitou Springs and Hopper Adventures also listed. Ask each business which class of eBike you will get, since city trails allow only Class 1.
Manitou E-bike Co🚲 Rentals
Amp'd Adventures🚲 Rentals
Hopper Adventures🚲 Rentals
Named eBike routes and access checks
1. New Santa Fe Regional Trail, gravel north toward Palmer Lake
The New Santa Fe Regional Trail is the northern piece of the Colorado Front Range Trail in El Paso County. It is a gravel trail managed by the county, and it runs north toward the Palmer Lake area and USAFA. Because it is a county regional trail, the county eBike rule applies. Class 1 and Class 2 bikes are allowed, with a 20 mph limit, and Class 3 is prohibited. Gravel changes the ride, because loose surface slows you down and a heavy eBike can feel less steady in soft spots, so wider tires help. The county page does not list the trail length or specific trailheads. Before you go, check the county map and confirm that the segment you pick is county managed, since city and county rules differ by segment.
Distance: New Santa Fe Regional Trail: Length is not given on the manager page; check the county trail map; start: New Santa Fe Regional Trail: Several access points; check the manager map; surface: Gravel, per the Trails and Open Space Coalition.
eBike access: Class 1 and 2 are allowed at up to 20 mph on county regional trails, and Class 3 is prohibited. Confirm the county manages your segment. Etiquette and planning: Slow down on loose gravel and when passing. Keep to the right, signal before you overtake, and carry water, since services along a gravel trail may be far apart. Managing source: Pikes Peak Outdoors, e-biking.
2. Pikes Peak Greenway, paved creek corridor
The Pikes Peak Greenway is the paved urban corridor of the Colorado Front Range Trail. It follows Monument Creek and Fountain Creek through Colorado Springs and is managed by the city. That means the city rule applies. Class 1 eBikes are allowed on designated city trails, and Class 2 and Class 3 are prohibited. The city says to check its interactive map for which trails are eligible, so look up your exact segment. A paved urban trail is the easiest surface for a first eBike ride, but it is also where you meet walkers, runners and other cyclists. The city page does not list the Greenway length or named trailheads, so use the city map to plan.
Distance: Pikes Peak Greenway: Length is not given on the manager page; check the city trail map; start: Pikes Peak Greenway: Several access points; check the manager map; surface: Paved, per the Trails and Open Space Coalition.
eBike access: Only Class 1 on designated city trails. Class 2 and 3 are prohibited. Check the city interactive map for eligible segments. Etiquette and planning: Expect foot traffic in town. Ring a bell or call out when passing, keep speed down near others, and stay right except to pass. Managing source: City of Colorado Springs, E-Bikes.
3. Fountain Creek Regional Trail, county trail south to Fountain
The Fountain Creek Regional Trail is the southern piece of the Colorado Front Range Trail in the county. It is managed by El Paso County and runs south to the town of Fountain. As a county regional trail, it follows the county rule. Class 1 and Class 2 eBikes are allowed at up to 20 mph, and Class 3 is prohibited. That makes it a better choice than the city Greenway if you ride a throttle (Class 2) bike. The county page does not list the length, surface or named trailheads for this trail, so check it before you go. Because the trail connects with city corridors, confirm which agency manages each segment as you ride.
Distance: Fountain Creek Regional Trail: Length is not given on the manager page; check the county trail map; start: Fountain Creek Regional Trail: Several access points; check the manager map; surface: Fountain Creek Regional Trail: Check the manager page for current surface.
eBike access: Class 1 and 2 are allowed at up to 20 mph on county regional trails, and Class 3 is prohibited. City segments may differ, so check the manager. Etiquette and planning: Watch for the point where county trail meets city trail, since the class rule can change. Yield to walkers and keep your speed in check. Managing source: Pikes Peak Outdoors, e-biking.
4. Legacy Loop, city trail, Class 1 where designated
The Legacy Loop is a city of Colorado Springs trail, and the city rule applies in full. Class 1 eBikes are allowed only where the trail is designated for them, and Class 2 and Class 3 are prohibited. That is why the interactive map matters here. Do not assume that every part of the loop is open to eBikes just because the loop is a city trail. The city page does not list the length, surface or access points for the Legacy Loop, so do not guess. Use the city map to confirm your section before you ride, and ask a local shop if you are unsure. If you are renting, ask for a Class 1 bike.
Distance: Legacy Loop: Class 1 where designated, length is not given on the manager page; check the city trail map; start: Legacy Loop: Class 1 where designated, several access points; check the manager map; surface: Legacy Loop: Class 1 where designated, check the manager page for current surface.
eBike access: Class 1 only, and only where designated. Class 2 and 3 are prohibited on city trails. Etiquette and planning: Treat it as a shared city trail. Pass slowly, give a verbal warning, and obey any posted signs for your section. Managing source: City of Colorado Springs, E-Bikes.
5. Sand Creek Trail, city trail, Class 1 where designated
The Sand Creek Trail is another city of Colorado Springs trail. It follows the same rule as the Legacy Loop. Class 1 eBikes are allowed only where designated, and Class 2 and Class 3 are prohibited. If you ride a throttle bike, this is not the trail for you under current city rules. The city page does not list the length, surface or trailheads for the Sand Creek Trail. It only confirms this is a city trail with the Class 1 designation rule. Check the city interactive map to see whether the section you want is eligible, and plan a county regional trail if you need Class 2.
Distance: Sand Creek Trail: Class 1 where designated, length is not given on the manager page; check the city trail map; start: Sand Creek Trail: Class 1 where designated, several access points; check the manager map; surface: Sand Creek Trail: Class 1 where designated, check the manager page for current surface.
eBike access: Class 1 only, and only where designated. Class 2 and 3 are prohibited on city trails. Etiquette and planning: Keep speed moderate and pass with warning. Check the city map before each ride in case designations change. Managing source: City of Colorado Springs, E-Bikes.
Planning a El Paso County ride
The city and county pages do not list charging locations, crowd levels or closures for these trails, so plan around that. Charge your battery fully before you leave, and carry a spare if you plan a long gravel ride such as the New Santa Fe Regional Trail. Check the city and county pages for closures before each ride, since trail conditions can change.
The city and county pages do not mention transit or ferries, so plan your own way to the trailhead. Use the city map and county page to find access points. If you rent, ask the business which class of eBike you get and whether a lock or helmet is included. Confirm the answer before you head for a city trail.
Half-day and full-day eBike plans
Half day: Ride the Pikes Peak Greenway on a Class 1 eBike. It is paved and city managed, so it is the simplest option. Check the city interactive map first to confirm your segment is designated, then turn around when you want. Pick up a rental from Colorado Springs or Manitou Springs if you need one.
Full day: Ride the Fountain Creek Regional Trail south toward Fountain on a Class 1 or 2 bike, and return the same way. The county page does not list a distance, so check the county map and carry water and a charged battery. Add a Greenway section if you are on Class 1.
Rainy-season backup: If the weather turns, skip gravel. The New Santa Fe Regional Trail is gravel, so loose surface is a worse bet when wet. Use a paved city trail such as the Pikes Peak Greenway, or choose a shop visit or a guided tour from the rental cards.
What not to ride in El Paso County
Class 2 and 3 on city trails: The City of Colorado Springs prohibits Class 2 and Class 3 eBikes on its trails. That includes the Pikes Peak Greenway, Legacy Loop and Sand Creek Trail. If you ride a throttle bike, use county regional trails instead and check the manager for each segment.
Class 3 on county trails: El Paso County Parks prohibits Class 3 eBikes on its primary and secondary regional trails. State law also bars Class 3 from bike or pedestrian paths unless the path is within a street or the local authority permits it.
Undesignated city trail segments: Even Class 1 is allowed only on designated city trails. Do not assume a city trail is open. Check the city interactive map before you ride, especially on the Legacy Loop and Sand Creek Trail.
State Wildlife Areas and State Trust Lands: According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, eBikes on State Wildlife Areas and State Trust Lands are limited to designated roads, camping areas and parking where motor vehicles are allowed. Trails there are not open to eBikes.
When to ride El Paso County
The city and county pages list no season or hours for these trails, so check each manager before you go. Colorado Springs sits at high elevation along the Front Range, and weather can change fast, so carry layers and water. Summer afternoons can be hot and storms can arrive quickly, so ride early. Weekends are likely busier on paved urban trails like the Greenway. Gravel trails may be soft after rain. Confirm closures on the city and county pages.
Colorado eBike laws and route permission
Colorado defines an electrical assisted bicycle in C.R.S. 42-1-102 as a two or three wheeled bike with fully operable pedals and an electric motor not over 750 watts. There are three classes. Class 1 gives assist only while you pedal and stops assisting at 20 mph. Class 2 can assist without pedaling and also stops at 20 mph. Class 3 assists only while you pedal and stops at 28 mph. A bike that has been modified out of every class, or that is built or sold to be easily configured past the class limits, does not count as an e-bike.
Under C.R.S. 42-4-1412, e-bike riders have the same rights and duties as drivers, subject to local ordinances. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes may use a bike or pedestrian path where bicycles are authorized. A local authority may prohibit them there. Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed on those paths unless the path is within a street or highway or the local authority permits it. Riders under 16 may not ride Class 3, though they can be passengers on a bike designed for passengers. HB25-1197 was signed May 28, 2025 and took effect Aug 6, 2025. It adds seller disclosures and multiple mode e-bike rules. From Jan 1, 2027, multiple-mode labels must show the highest class or each class.
Colorado has no statewide helmet rule for Class 1 or 2 riders. Class 3 operators and passengers under 18 must wear a CPSC or ASTM bicycle helmet with a chin strap. Compliant e-bikes need no license or registration. Labels must show class, top assisted speed and wattage, and must be updated after any modification (C.R.S. 42-4-221). Under HB25-1197, falsely labeling a non-e-bike as an e-bike is a deceptive trade practice. For more detail, see our guide to Colorado eBike laws.
Trail access is decided locally. Under C.R.S. 42-4-111, local authorities may authorize or prohibit e-bikes on bike or pedestrian paths. So a path that allows Class 1 and 2 in one town can be closed to them in the next. Class 3 riders have it tighter, since they need the local authority's permission on most paths. Check the posted rules or the managing agency before you ride, and do not assume a state rule overrides a local sign.
State parks have their own rule. Colorado Parks and Wildlife says Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed on roadways, designated bike lanes, and multi-use trails and other areas open to non-motorized biking. In State Wildlife Areas and State Trust Lands, e-bikes are limited to designated roads, camping and parking where motor vehicles are allowed. The sources conflict on one point: Jeffco and Lakewood pages still say Class 1 e-bikes are allowed in all state parks where bicycles are permitted, which is older wording than CPW's page. Follow CPW. Keep your class label accurate too. A modified bike may not legally count as an e-bike.
Two agencies set eBike rules on trails here. The City of Colorado Springs allows Class 1 on designated city urban and regional trails and prohibits Class 2 and 3, according to its eBike page and signed E-Bike Rules (2025-06). El Paso County Parks allows Class 1 and 2 on county primary and secondary regional trails at 20 mph and prohibits Class 3.
The sources conflict on one practical point: city and county rules differ by segment. We cannot give a full segment map. Check which agency manages the stretch you ride, using the city interactive map and the Pikes Peak Outdoors page. Colorado law lets local authorities allow or prohibit eBikes on bike or pedestrian paths, so each manager decides.
For state parks there is a second conflict. Colorado Parks and Wildlife says Class 1 and 2 are allowed on roadways, bike lanes and non-motorized biking trails in state parks. Older wording on Jeffco and Lakewood pages says Class 1 eBikes are allowed in all state parks where bicycles are permitted, but you should follow the CPW page. One dated change: from January 1, 2027, multiple-mode eBike labels must show the highest class or each class, under HB25-1197.
Frequently asked questions
Which El Paso County trail is gravel?
The New Santa Fe Regional Trail is gravel and county managed, according to the Trails and Open Space Coalition. It runs north toward the Palmer Lake area and USAFA. Class 1 and 2 are allowed on county regional trails, and Class 3 is prohibited.
Which trail is best for a Class 2 eBike?
County regional trails such as the Fountain Creek Regional Trail and New Santa Fe Regional Trail allow Class 2 at up to 20 mph. City trails prohibit Class 2. Confirm which agency manages your segment before you ride.
Is the Pikes Peak Greenway open to eBikes?
Yes, to Class 1 where the city has designated the trail. The Greenway is a paved city corridor along Monument and Fountain creeks. Class 2 and 3 are prohibited on city trails. Check the city interactive map for eligible segments.
Where do the city and county rules differ?
They differ by segment: the city allows only Class 1 on designated trails, and the county allows Class 1 and 2 on regional trails. Because the Front Range Trail crosses both, a ride can change rules partway. Check the manager of each segment.
Can I take an eBike on state park trails?
According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Class 1 and 2 eBikes are allowed on roadways, designated bike lanes and non-motorized biking trails in state parks. Older wording on some county pages says only Class 1. We follow the CPW page.
Can teenagers ride eBikes here?
Colorado law bars anyone under 16 from riding Class 3 eBikes, except as a passenger on a bike made for passengers. Class 3 is prohibited on city and county trails here anyway. Class 3 riders under 18 must wear a helmet.
Are there guided tours or rentals?
The directory lists Manitou E-bike Co, Ebike Guided Tours - Manitou Springs - Ride Colorado, Amp'd Adventures and Hopper Adventures. We do not have their hours or prices, so contact each directly and ask which bike class you will ride.
Do I need to register my eBike?
No, because Colorado does not require a license or registration for compliant eBikes. Sellers must label class, top assisted speed and wattage. Under HB25-1197, a bike modified out of every class is not legally an eBike. For more, see Colorado eBike laws.
All eBike shops in El Paso County
Ready to buy, rent or get a repair? Browse all El Paso County eBike shops.