Douglas County advances ordinance to curb off-highway vehicles and high-powered scooters on roads, trails and parks

Douglas County commissioners voted on first reading June 9 to advance an ordinance aimed at reducing unsafe operation of off-highway vehicles (OVs) and high-powered scooters on county roadways, trails, sidewalks and parks.

Commander Alan Stanton of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said the proposal responds to a growing volume of complaints and crash videos showing OVs and modified scooters traveling at high speeds in pedestrian and vehicle areas. “We want to change behavior,” Stanton said, describing incidents captured by intersection cameras and patrol observations and noting that some retail-purchased vehicles can reach 35–50 mph once modified.

Chief Joe White, Stanton’s division chief, told commissioners the ordinance targets vehicles that are designed for off-road use yet are increasingly driven on paved roads and trails. He said the county drafted a narrow ordinance to avoid overregulation while giving law enforcement tools for public safety, including fines for violations, mandatory court appearances for infractions, parent-liability provisions when a parent knowingly allows a minor to operate a prohibited vehicle, and impoundment authority for repeatedly offending vehicles.

The proposal draws a distinction between OVs and common electric bicycles and scooters. The presentation clarified the ordinance does not apply to class 1 and 2 e-bikes or typical consumer electric scooters; those remain subject to state traffic law. “This is not about electric scooters,” Stanton said, “it’s about off-road vehicles that are not intended for the roadway.”

Public commenters described trail and neighborhood impacts. Highlands Ranch resident Rudy Luks said he sees electric dirt-bike–style vehicles on trails and roads nearly every day and called the problem “an epidemic” that damages trails and endangers users. “This problem is getting bigger every day,” Luks said. Several commenters urged stronger helmet standards for minors and requested an easier way to report incidents online.

County counsel and the sheriff’s office confirmed penalties would be handled as traffic infractions for most cases, reserving criminal charges for severe incidents (for example, eluding or crashes with serious injury). The ordinance explicitly covers unincorporated-county trails, sidewalks and parks, the presenters said.

Commissioners discussed communication and education plans before enforcement. One commissioner urged clear public messaging because technical definitions (wattage, speed classes) can confuse residents. County staff said the sheriff’s public information team and the county communications office will coordinate outreach and a reporting channel.

Motion and vote: Commissioner Leaden moved to approve the ordinance on first reading; a second commissioner supported the motion. The board passed the ordinance on first reading by unanimous voice vote (3–0). The ordinance will return for second reading and final vote after additional public outreach and any legal refinements.

What happens next: Because this was first reading, county staff will refine ordinance language (including possible clarifications on helmet certification for minors), carry out public education, and schedule second reading where the board will consider any amendments and a final vote.