E-Bikes, E-Scooters & E-Motos

Before you ride on a Boise street, sidewalk, pathway, or the Boise River Greenbelt, it's important to know where you can legally ride your e-bike, e-scooter, or e-moto. The rules vary depending on what you're riding.

Safe riding starts with understanding the rules of the road, staying visible, and sharing public spaces responsibly.

Safety Tips:

Always wear a helmet
Use hand signals, be vocal when passing, obey traffic laws
Know where to ride

E-Motos in Boise

The City of Boise has implemented a new ordinance to address the growing use of high-powered electric motorcycles that do not qualify as e-bikes under Idaho law.

Person wearing a helmet riding an e-moto.

What is an E-Moto?

E-motos are two- or three-wheeled electric motorcycles that have motors over 750 watts or can reach speeds greater than 28 mph. Unlike bicycles, e-bikes, and e-scooters, e-motos are classified as motor vehicles and are subject to additional regulations.

If you ride an e-moto on public streets or highways in Boise, you must:

Have a valid license plate and vehicle title through the Idaho Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Carry valid insurance.
Have a valid driver’s license and motorcycle endorsement.

If an e-moto cannot be licensed, titled, and insured through the State of Idaho, it cannot be operated on public streets or highways in Boise.

Where E-Motos Can and Cannot Go

Allowed:

Public streets and highways (if all legal requirements are met).

Not allowed:

Sidewalks
Bicycle lanes
Shared pathways, including the Boise River Greenbelt
Trails, unless the trail is specifically designated for motorcycles or other motor vehicles.

Before purchasing or riding an e-moto, make sure you understand the licensing, registration, and equipment requirements that apply to motor vehicles.

Understanding E-Bike Classes

In Boise, E-bikes that can reach or exceed speeds of 28 miles per hour (Class 3) are not allowed on the Boise River Greenbelt, on sidewalks, in crosswalks, or in bike lanes.

Class 1

Pedal assist only
Motor assists while pedaling
Assistance stops at 20 mph

Class 2

Equipped with a throttle
Can move without pedaling
Maximum assisted speed of 20 mph

Class 3

Pedal assist only
Assistance continues up to 28 mph
Fastest e-bike classification

E-Bikes and E-Motos on Our Trails

You can ride e-bikes and e-motos on Ridge to Rivers trails and roads that allow motorized vehicles. There are nearly 52 miles of motorized trails and primitive roads that are open to e-bikes and e-motos.

E-Bike Trails

E-Moto Trails

E-Mobility Task Force

E-Mobility transportation, such as e-bikes and e-scooters, provide a additional choice for residents to move around and recreate in our city. As they’ve grown in prevalence, City of Boise aims to balance supporting the value they provide while ensuring our shared spaces can be enjoyed safely by everyone.

We are seeking two residents to participate on our newly established “E-Mobility Task Force”. Made up of representatives from healthcare, public safety and education as well as parents and youth, this volunteer group will collaborate monthly with city officials to develop educational outreach strategies and inform potential policy updates for this mode of transportation.

If you're interested in serving on the task force, please fill out the form below before August 2, 2026 for consideration.

The City of Boise is committed to ensuring equal access to all public meetings, programs, and services. Reasonable accommodations and effective communication—such as ASL interpretation, materials in alternative formats and language access—are available at no cost to facilitate participation. To request an accommodation, please contact us at CommunityEngagement@cityofboise.org or call 208-972-8500, TTY: 711.

Send a Message to Police

Thank you for contacting the Boise Police Department. Please fill out the form and someone from the department will be in touch with you.

If this is an emergency, please call 911.