Fort Collins Police Report Spike in Crashes Involving Bicycles, E-Scooters and Small Wheeled Vehicles
Fort Collins Police Services warned residents November 4 about an increase in crashes involving bicycles, e-scooters and motorized toy vehicles, urging riders to follow city regulations designed to prevent collisions and injuries.
The police department emphasized that riders must understand where different types of wheeled vehicles are legally permitted throughout the city, particularly noting that toy vehicles like pocket bikes are restricted to sidewalks and designated trails.
Crash data shows Fort Collins experienced 200 incidents involving small wheeled vehicles in 2024, an 11 percent increase from 180 crashes in 2023, according to Fort Collins Police Services crash records. The city has recorded steady annual increases since 2020, when 120 such crashes occurred.
Vehicle Regulations Vary by Type and Location
Bicycles, e-bikes and e-scooters are permitted on roadways and bike lanes throughout Fort Collins. However, toy vehicles—including mini bikes and pocket bikes—are only allowed on sidewalks, paved trails and a portion of Mason Trail north of Drake Road unless motorized.
All wheeled vehicles must be dismounted in designated Dismount Zones, which include downtown Fort Collins along College Avenue between Laporte Avenue and Maple Street, and portions of the Colorado State University campus during weekday business hours.
The downtown dismount zone was expanded in 2019 to improve pedestrian safety after concerns about conflicts between riders and pedestrians in high-traffic areas. Fort Collins City Council reviewed and updated micromobility regulations in 2023 and 2024 to address the rapid growth of e-bikes and e-scooters.
E-bike classifications determine where riders may operate. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are permitted on most trails and bike infrastructure, while Class 3 e-bikes face greater restrictions and are prohibited on Mason Trail and most city trails.
Helmet Requirements Apply to Young Riders
Fort Collins requires children under 18 to wear helmets when riding bicycles, e-bikes or e-scooters, though no requirement exists for adults. Colorado state law mirrors this age-based helmet requirement.
Police recommended all riders wear helmets and protective clothing regardless of age, emphasizing that approximately 60 percent of small wheeled vehicle crashes result in minor injuries while 10 percent cause severe injuries, according to crash severity data.
Helmets must meet Consumer Product Safety Commission or American Society for Testing and Materials standards. Reflective equipment and lights are required for nighttime riding under city regulations.
Downtown and Campus Areas See Highest Crash Rates
The highest concentration of crashes occurs in downtown Fort Collins along College Avenue and Linden Street, on the CSU campus near Plaza and Johnson Hall, and on Mason Trail north of Drake Road, according to police crash data analysis.
Fort Collins recorded the highest per capita rate of small wheeled vehicle crashes in Northern Colorado in 2024. Larimer County outside Fort Collins experienced 80 crashes involving these vehicles, while Weld County recorded 60 incidents.
The police department operates public education initiatives and safety workshops through partnerships with Fort Collins Parks and Recreation and community organizations. These programs include bike safety classes and helmet distribution events.
Residents can review complete regulations and safety guidance at fcgov.com/bicycling/rules and fcgov.com/bicycling/electric-assist-bicycles. The city maintains an interactive map showing where different vehicle types are permitted at fcgov.com/fcmoves/which-wheels-go-where.