Centennial Bikes & E-Bikes: Where Can You Actually Ride Without Breaking the Rules?

The short answer is: there's a very useful map, but you'll need one additional piece of information before you ride.

And with Centennial's e-bike rules changing just last month, this is a question worth answering.

Start With the Arapahoe County Bike & Trail Map

Arapahoe County publishes an Explore Arapahoe County Bike and Trail Map that covers Centennial and the surrounding area.

It identifies:

• Hard-surface and soft-surface trails

• Bike lanes

• Buffered and separated bike lanes

• Shared roadways

• Shared-use sidewalks

• Trailheads

• Planned trails

• Bike repair stations

It's an excellent tool for planning your route. (Arapahoe County Files)

Open the Arapahoe County Bike & Trail Map

Here's the wrinkle: the map tells you what kind of route you're looking at, but not necessarily which class of e-bike is legal on that route.

For that, you need to know your bike's class.

Centennial's Three E-Bike Classes

Colorado recognizes three basic e-bike classes. A legal e-bike has functional pedals and a motor of 750 watts or less. (Colorado General Assembly)

That little class number matters quite a bit in Centennial.

Class 1 and Class 2: The Easiest Rules to Remember

Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are generally permitted anywhere conventional bicycles are permitted, including many sidewalks, paths and shared-use trails, unless signs say otherwise. (Centennial)

South Suburban Parks and Recreation, which manages many trails in our area, likewise allows Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on district trails where bicycles are normally allowed. South Suburban also sets a 15 mph maximum speed on its trails. (SSPRD)

That last point is easy to miss. Your Class 2 bike may be capable of assisting you to 20 mph, but that does not automatically mean you're permitted to travel 20 mph on every trail.

Class 3: This Is Where Centennial's New Rule Matters

Centennial adopted Ordinance 2026-O-13 in August 2026, and the ordinance became effective immediately. (Centennial)

Under the new rule, Class 3 e-bikes generally cannot be operated on Centennial bicycle or pedestrian paths, multi-use trails, sidewalks or park trails.

There are exceptions when the route is directly associated with a roadway and functions as a designated bike lane, or when official signage specifically says Class 3 e-bikes are allowed.

Class 3 e-bikes remain permitted on public roadways and designated on-street bicycle lanes, consistent with traffic laws. (Centennial)

So if you own a Class 3, don't simply assume that a green line on the trail map means “go.”

And That Fast Electric Dirt Bike May Not Be an E-Bike at All

This is another important distinction.

An electric vehicle with a motor over 750 watts, one that lacks functional pedals, or certain vehicles capable of speeds beyond the legal e-bike limits may be classified as an electric motorcycle, dirt bike or other motor vehicle rather than an e-bike. (Centennial)

Those vehicles face much stricter rules. Centennial prohibits electric motorcycles and dirt bikes on city-managed sidewalks, trails, parks and similar public spaces, and roadway operation can require licensing, registration, insurance and appropriate equipment. (Centennial)

The Centennial “Before You Ride” Check

Here's probably the simplest way to stay on the right side of the rules:

1. Check the label on your e-bike. Know whether you're riding Class 1, 2 or 3.

2. Look at the Arapahoe County Bike & Trail Map. Determine whether you're entering a trail, shared-use path, bike lane or roadway.

3. Check the trailhead signs. Local park and recreation districts can manage particular properties, and posted restrictions matter.

4. When in doubt, check Centennial's official e-bike page before heading out.

Centennial's Official E-Bike, E-Motorcycle & Small Electric Vehicle Guide

Residents can also call the City of Centennial Citizen Response Center at 303-325-8000 with questions about where a particular vehicle may be operated. (Centennial)

Centennial Pulse Bottom Line

Think of it this way: the map tells you where the pavement goes. Your e-bike class tells you whether you're allowed to follow it.

For most Class 1 and Class 2 riders, Centennial remains wonderfully rideable. Class 3 owners need to pay considerably more attention to whether they're on a roadway, bike lane, sidewalk or recreational trail.

And whatever you're riding, slow down around walkers, families, dogs and other cyclists. Knowing who has the right of way is important. Making sure everyone gets home safely is even better. 🚲🍂