Thornton Police Department | Know Before You Ride

Where can you ride in Thornton?

Bike/ped paths (Class 1/2 motor on): Thornton Municipal Code prohibits motor-assisted riding on bike and pedestrian paths. State law is less restrictive, but Thornton's local rule applies.

Roads (scooter/motorcyle): Must be properly registered, insured, and equipped per state law. Must be operated by a licensed driver. If not, private property only.

Private property (toy/rec vehicles): Must be non-public private property with owner permission. Parking lots and spaces open to the public do not qualify.

E-BIKES

There are different classes of e-bikes, but the most important thing to know in Thornton is this: If your motor is running, you cannot be on a bike path or pedestrian trail. You can pedal through - motor off - but the moment that motor kicks in, you need to be on the road. (City of Thornton Municipal Code 38-641/38-642)

• Class 1: Pedal assist only, max 20 mph. No throttle. Okay on paths or sidewalks as long as motor is not engaged.
• Class 2: Pedal assist + throttle, max 20 mph. Roads only, no paths or sidewalks in the City of Thornton.
• Class 3: Pedal assist + throttle, max 28 mph. Helmets required under 18. Drivers must be 16+. Roads only, no paths or sidewalks.

LOW POWERED SCOOTERS

(under 50cc gas/under 4,476 watts electric - about 6 horsepower)

Low-powered scooters are self-propelled vehicles designed for street use. They have no manual clutch - that's one of the key things that separates them from a motorcycle. They are NOT allowed on sidewalks, bike paths, or pedestrian trails.

If it's not properly registered, insured, and equipped - and not ridden by a licensed driver - it stays on private property only. 

MOTORCYCLES

(generally over 4,476 watts electric / any gas engine with a manual clutch)

The key detail that pushes something into motorcycle territory: a manual clutch automatically disqualifies it from being a low-powered scooter, even if the engine is small. Roads only - NO sidewalks, NO paths, NO stunting or racing in residential areas. All state and municipal traffic laws, and licensing requirements apply to motorcycles when operated on the roadway.

Keep it safe and keep it quiet. Revving, racing, and stunting are prohibited citywide. Dangerous maneuvers that put yourself, your passenger, or anyone else at risk are a violation.

TOY & RECREATIONAL VEHICLES

(mini bikes, pocket bikes, go-peds, go-karts, dirt bikes, golf carts, etc.)

These are private property only in Thornton. That means NO roads, NO sidewalks, NO trails, NO parks, NO parking lots, and NO city property of any kind.

Parents & Guardians: Under Thornton Municipal Code 38-645, it is a violation, subject to a fine up to $2,650, for any parent or adult to allow, help, encourage, or permit a minor to operate a motor vehicle or recreational vehicle in a prohibited area.

Rules That Apply to Everyone, regardless of what you're riding!

• Follow all traffic signs and signals - e-bike, scooter, motorcycle, all of it
• Yield to pedestrians - always
• Only carry as many passengers as the vehicle is designed for
• Careless riding or driving can result of a citation, same as a car - this applies to bicycles, e-bikes, scooters, and low-powered scooters equally
• No riding on playgrounds, game courts, sports courts, pavilions, park lawns, fields, or trails - wheeled vehicles of any kind are prohibited in those areas
• No stunting, racing, or operating in a way that's dangerous to yourself or others