Back-to-School E-Bike and E-Scooter Safety: Colorado State Patrol Reminds Students of Road Rules

Description: Colorado State Patrol urges parents and students to review e-bike and e-scooter laws, helmet requirements and traffic safety rules before riding to school...

Back to School on an E-Bike or E-Scooter

Colorado State Patrol wants you to study up on the rules of the road

(COLO) – Parents and caregivers, the first lesson of the school year is here for your students heading back to school on a bike, e-bike, e-scooter or any other micromobility device. Regulations vary by county and municipality, and it is up to parents and riders to know what is legal. Plus, your student is subject to the same rules of the road as cars and trucks.

"When a child receives an e-bike, it needs to be paired with knowledge about traffic rules and safety gear," stated Col. Mathew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. "Parents should never assume that their child understands traffic signs or what to do in more complex traffic situations, like intersections. Get involved early and check in to see how your child rides when he thinks you aren't watching."

Start by researching whether or not your child's e-bike or e-device is permitted on sidewalks or multi-use trails. Cities and counties have the authority to create rules on where these devices can be ridden, and it is up to you to understand and follow those regulations.

Once you know where your device is allowed, then you can practice the following skills in real-life settings.

1. Ride with Traffic – if your device is used on the road, ride in the same direction as cars and use designated bike lanes wherever available.
2. Yield to Pedestrians – if your device is allowed on sidewalks or multi-use paths, you must yield to pedestrians. If you must ride on the road, yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
3. Obey all signs and signals – come to a full stop at red lights and stop signs
   • Obey one-way streets
   • No Entry - do not enter restricted roadways or areas
   • Yield - give the right-of-way to oncoming traffic or pedestrians
   • No U-Turns
   • Detours – avoid closed areas
4. Use Hand signals - clearly signal left turns, right turns, and stops so drivers and pedestrians know what to expect.
5. Ride Predictably – stay to the far right of the road or in the bicycle lane. Do not weave around traffic or other devices in the bicycle lane.
6. Wear a helmet - Colorado law and safety experts require all riders under 18 to wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet.
7. Be Visible - Place lights and reflectors on your e-device and wear light or reflective clothing.

"Before purchasing an e-device, parents need to consider their child's physical readiness, maturity and ability to follow traffic rules," stated Col. Packard. "Many of these devices can reach speeds similar to a slow-moving car, requiring fast decisions and advanced coordination. Yet, these devices don't offer the same protections as a car."

Red Flags to Watch:

1. Riding with friends who skip safety gear

2. Taking rides on busy streets or traffic

3. Using devices beyond their skill level

4. Attempting stunts or risky maneuvers

5. Carrying passengers on an e-bike or e-scooter when it is not designed for that.

E-devices are popular, but they aren't right for every child. Wait until the right stage for your child to focus on riding skills and safety awareness. There are many ways to get to and from school. So pick the right way for your child that supports their growing independence while protecting their health and well-being. Visit the Colorado State Patrol micromobility website for more information.

The Colorado State Patrol is raising awareness of the risks and requirements associated with micromobility devices. Riders and caregivers should know the rules and local ordinances of where they ride to ensure they are operating both legally and safely. Don't be an e-DIOT, be safe, and be seen as a responsible e-device rider.

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