Don't be a Speed Demon
Slow Down. Ride Smart. Share Boise.
E-mobility is changing the way Boise moves. E-bikes and e-motos make it easy to get around Boise in a climate-friendly way, but higher speeds mean less time to react to people and conditions around you. Whether you’re riding on a street, pathway or the Boise River Greenbelt, choose a speed that’s safe for where you are.
Slow Your Roll.
Slow down around people. Reduce your speed near people walking, biking, children, pets and crowded areas.
Give a Heads-up Before You Pass.
Pass with care. Give an audible warning, allow plenty of space and wait until it’s safe to pass.
Know Your Ride. Know Where it Belongs.
Know what you ride. Where you can legally ride depends on whether you have an e-bike, e-scooter or e-moto.
E-bikes commonly reach 15 to 28 mph, and e-motos can go even faster. Falling at even the lowest speed, will cause substantial injuries (broken bones, head injuries, or worse). Together we can prevent crashes before they happen.
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.
Class 1
- Pedal assist only
- Motor assists while pedaling
- Assistance stops at 20 mph
Allowed:
- Boise streets
- Bike lanes
- Sidewalks
- Crosswalks
- Pathways
- Boise River Greenbelt
Class 2
- Equipped with a throttle
- Can move without pedaling
- Maximum assisted speed of 20 mph
Allowed:
- Boise streets
- Bike lanes
- Sidewalks
- Crosswalks
- Pathways
- Boise River Greenbelt
Class 3
- Pedal assist only
- Assistance continues up to 28 mph
- Fastest e-bike classification
Allowed:
- Public streets and highways
Not Allowed:
- Bike lanes
- Sidewalks
- Crosswalks
- Pathways
- Boise River Greenbelt
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.
The volunteer task force has brought together residents and representatives from healthcare, public safety and education, as well as parents and youth. Members collaborate monthly with city officials to develop educational outreach strategies and help inform potential policy updates related to e-mobility transportation.
Task Force Members
Joleen Evans, Boise Bicycle Project
Bryan Keen, Disability Community
David Peterman, Medical Professional
Lieutenant Corey Turner, Boise Police Department
Linda Lloyd, Local Bike Business
Gabe Finkelstein, Boise State Transportation
Lisa Brady, Safe Routes to School
Lanette Daw, Boise School District
Fabiola Urena-Boeck, Parent Representative
Zoraida Juarez, Parent Representative
Zander Barnes, Youth Representative
Max Alloway, Youth Representative
Randi Walkins, City of Boise, Public Works
Sarai Ambert-Pompey, At Large
Jeannie McConnell, At Large
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.