Teenagers looking to hit the road on two wheels are going to have to jump over a few new hurdles in one state. Colorado officials say they are looking to increase safety training for teens in the state who are hoping to obtain their motorcycle endorsements.
According to local ABC News station Denver 7, the plan includes increased training as well as a new step that requires a buy-in from the teens’ parents, too. The state says it’s increasing the requirements after seeing a spike in accidents from e-bike and dirt bike riders.
The new law takes effect this summer and will replace the existing regulations that didn’t require parental support. It comes from House Bill 26-1079, which was passed in April 2026.
Here’s what Colorado teens (and their parents) need to know about the changes.
Previously, Teens Could Have Anyone Over 21 Vouch for Them
According to Denver 7, teens over the age of 16 used to be able to get their motorcycle endorsement as long as they had a letter from anyone over the age of 21. But come Aug. 12, 2026, that letter will have to come directly from a parent or guardian instead.
CBS Colorado also notes that HB24-1021, which was passed in 2024, will require teens to take a 30-hour education course, a four-hour awareness program, and anyone under the age of 21 will need to participate in a motorcycle training safety program beginning Jan. 1, 2027.
Accidents Are on the Rise in Colorado
Colorado State Patrol said they supported the law due to the rise in electric motorcycles and dirt bikes taking to the streets in the state, which has caused more crashes, according to Denver 7.
In May 2026, the Children’s Hospital Colorado released a statement saying that they had seen a 184 percent increase in traumatic injuries due to e-bikes between 2024-2025. The hospital said that there had also been an 84 percent increase in traumatic injuries from scooters in the same time frame, and a 33 percent increase in injuries on e-bikes or e-scooters that also involved an automobile.
“For e-bikes, head, neck and facial injuries are among the most common injuries we see,” Dr. Mandt said in the statement. “When kids fall, they tend to lead with their heads. If we now place them on a bike that is going faster than what they are used to riding, they can easily lose control and catapult off the bike.”
It Seems Like the Change Has Support, But Critics Say It Doesn’t Go Far Enough
On the Facebook post from Denver 7, many people appeared in favor of the change, but also pointed out that it would do little to govern the e-bikes causing all the trouble.