Riding an e-scooter or e-bike is an environmentally-friendly alternative to driving a car and an accessible mode of transportation for people who are transport-dependent. If you live in Northern Colorado, you’ve probably seen one of the popular Spin e-scooters parked on a sidewalk or downtown. It’s tempting to grab a bicycle, e-bike, or e-scooter to get home when you’re impaired, but in Colorado, it’s not a legal alternative to driving a car if you’re under the influence of any substance.
At No DUI NoCo, we see increasing confusion around what counts as “driving under the influence” when it comes to newer or alternative modes of transportation – bicycles, e-bikes, e-scooters, ATVs, dirt bikes, and boats (BUIs), to name a few. And that confusion can have serious consequences.
Impaired Riding is Still Illegal in Colorado
One of the most common and dangerous misconceptions we see in Northern Colorado is the belief that DUI laws only apply to motor vehicles. In Colorado, DUI laws apply broadly to “vehicles,” not just cars and trucks. That means you can still be charged with DUI or DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) if you are operating certain types of transportation while under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs.
This includes:
- Bicycles
- E-scooters (like shared dockless scooters)
- E-bikes (electric bicycles)
- Dirt bikes
- ATVs
- Boats
- Jet skis
- Snowmobiles
- Kayaks
- Canoes
- Other motorized mobility devices not mentioned, depending on classification and use
The purpose of these laws is to protect riders and pedestrians. In recent years, about one-quarter of bicyclists killed in traffic crashes had alcohol involvement (typically defined as a BAC of 0.08 mg/dL or higher for the bicyclist) (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). In 2025, U.S. emergency departments found 8.6% of injured e-scooter riders involved alcohol use by the rider (PubMed).
The key legal concept is control and operation. If you are impaired and operating a device that moves you through public space, you may be subject to impaired driving laws.
Bicycles, E-Bikes & Scooters: Yes, You Can Get a DUI
One of the biggest misconceptions we see is that e-scooters are “just toys” or are not treated like vehicles.
In Colorado, e-scooters are generally treated as motorized vehicles when operated on public roads, bike lanes, and sidewalks where permitted. That means:
- You can be stopped for erratic or unsafe riding
- You can be tested for impairment
- You can be charged with DUI or DWAI
Depending on the situation, the penalties may differ slightly from a standard vehicle DUI case; consequences can still include fines, court appearances, and a criminal record.
Legal consequences aside, injury risk increases dramatically when impaired, especially at the higher speeds reached by electric bikes and scooters versus traditional bicycles.
Why This Matters in Northern Colorado
Communities across Northern Colorado have seen rapid growth in micromobility use, especially in college areas, downtown districts, and recreational trails. With that growth comes a risk trend:
People who would never consider driving a car after drinking or using substances sometimes assume e-scooters or e-bikes are a safe workaround. They’re not.
Here’s what we’re seeing:
- Higher crash risk due to balance and reaction impairment
- Less protective equipment compared to vehicles
- Increased nighttime use after social events
- Casual use vs. planned use – fewer people wearing helmets while traveling faster
- Misunderstanding of legal exposure
The Bottom Line: Safety First, Every Time
You don’t need to memorize every statute; just use common sense. If you are impaired, do not operate anything that moves you through public space where other people could be walking, biking, scootering, or driving. That includes cars, bikes, scooters, and any motorized mobility device.
Safer alternatives include:
- Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft, local options)
- Designated sober drivers
- Staying where you are until sober
- Walking only when fully capable and in safe conditions
Remember: Smaller vehicles don’t necessarily equal less risk.
They are actually more risky for the rider and still capable of severely injuring pedestrians. Protect yourself. Protect others. Make the call.
No DUI NoCo is committed to preventing impaired driving and riding across our Northern Colorado communities – because one bad decision shouldn’t define your life.
No DUI NoCo is a regional coalition working to end impaired driving in Northern Colorado through education, outreach, and community partnerships.
Follow No DUI NoCo on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for more ways you can combat impaired driving in our community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get a DUI on an e-bike in Colorado?
Yes. In Colorado, you may receive a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) if you operate an e-bike while impaired by alcohol, cannabis, prescription medication, or other drugs. Many people assume e-bikes are exempt because they feel more like bicycles than motor vehicles, but impairment laws can still apply.
Can you get a DUI on a regular bicycle in Colorado?
Yes. Colorado law applies to bicycle riders who operate while impaired. A common misconception is that DUI laws only apply to cars and trucks, but bicycles may also fall under impaired operation laws depending on the circumstances.
Can you get a DUI on an electric scooter in Colorado?
Yes. Riding an e-scooter while impaired can lead to DUI or DWAI charges in Colorado. Shared scooters and personal scooters are not considered a safe or legal workaround after drinking or using substances.
Can you get a DUI for riding a Spin scooter?
Yes. Shared e-scooters are not exempt from Colorado impairment laws. If you operate a Spin scooter while impaired, law enforcement may investigate and issue charges depending on the circumstances.
Can I get a DUI for riding an e-bike or scooter after consuming cannabis?
Yes. Colorado impairment laws are not limited to alcohol. You may receive a DUI or DWAI if you operate a bicycle, e-bike, e-scooter, or other qualifying vehicle while impaired by cannabis. A common misconception is that because cannabis is legal for adults in Colorado, riding after using it is automatically legal, too. It isn’t. Legal substances can still result in impairment-related charges if they affect your ability to operate safely.
Is riding an e-bike after drinking safer than driving a car?
No. Riding an e-bike instead of driving may reduce certain risks to others, but it does not eliminate legal consequences or injury risk. Riders have less physical protection, and impaired balance, reaction time, and judgment can lead to serious crashes.
Can a police officer stop you for riding an e-bike or scooter while impaired?
Yes. If an officer observes unsafe riding behavior – such as swerving, ignoring traffic controls, riding unpredictably, or creating a safety hazard – they must conduct a stop and investigate possible impairment.
