New Colorado Laws to Know About for 2026
Two new Colorado laws effective January 1, 2026 are relevant to bike and brain injury cases: e-bike class labeling (HB25-1197) and car seat replacement (HB25-1179).
By Attorney Dan D'Angelo
Trial Lawyer · Brain Injury Advocate · Avid Cyclist
Starting January 1, 2026, there are a few new Colorado laws in effect applicable to bike and brain injury law.
HB25-1197: E-Bike Class Labeling
HB25-1197 changes Colorado Revised Statute § 42-4-221 to require manufacturers of electric assisted bicycles to label the e-bike with the highest class it is capable of operating in, and prohibits false labeling. The law clarifies that vehicles are not electric assisted bicycles if they are modified so that they no longer meet the requirements for an e-bike class, or if they are designed, manufactured, or intended by the manufacturer or seller to be easily configured so as not to meet all the requirements of an e-bike class. The act also defines 'multiple mode electrical assisted bicycle' to account for e-bikes that can switch between different classes.
HB25-1179: Car Seat Replacement Coverage
HB25-1179 changes Colorado Revised Statute § 10-4-644 to require car insurance companies to include the replacement cost of a car seat or other restraint system in the vehicle at the time of a crash.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does HB25-1197 require for e-bikes in Colorado?
Manufacturers must label each electric assisted bicycle with the highest class it's capable of operating in, and false labeling is prohibited. E-bikes modified to no longer meet class requirements — or designed to be easily reconfigured out of them — don't qualify as electric assisted bicycles. The law also defines "multiple mode" e-bikes that switch between classes.
Why does e-bike class labeling matter after a crash?
Class determines where the e-bike can legally be ridden, how fast it can go, and which traffic rules apply. A mislabeled or modified e-bike can complicate fault, insurance coverage, and liability — so the label on the bike matters more than most riders realize.
What does HB25-1179 change about car seat coverage?
Starting January 1, 2026, Colorado car insurance must include the replacement cost of a car seat or other child restraint system that was in the vehicle at the time of a crash — even if the seat looks undamaged.
When do these laws take effect?
Both take effect January 1, 2026. If you're in a crash involving an e-bike or a child car seat after that date, these rules apply to your claim — call me and I'll walk you through it.
Have a question about your case?
Attorney Dan D'Angelo offers free consultations for brain injury and cycling accident victims throughout Colorado.
About the Author
Attorney Dan D'Angelo
Trial Lawyer · Brain Injury Advocate · Avid Cyclist
Attorney Dan D'Angelo founded D'Angelo Law Office, P.C. in 2009 and Bike Brain Law to focus exclusively on traumatic brain injury and cycling injury cases in Colorado. An avid cyclist himself, Dan combines deep TBI science knowledge with hands-on cycling experience to build winning cases against insurance companies and corporations that put profits over safety.
- Practicing Colorado personal injury attorney since 2009
- Focused practice in TBI and bicycle injury litigation
- Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for injury victims
- Avid road and commuter cyclist
