Motorized Bicycles / Motor-Driven Cycles / Motorscooters / Motorbicycles Under 50 cc

How does the law define these vehicles?

Colorado Revised Statute 42-1-102 and Model Traffic Code 102 state:

• "Motorized Bicycle" means a vehicle having two or three wheels, a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cc, and an automatic transmission that produces a maximum design speed of not more than 30 mph on a flat surface.
• "Motor-driven Cycle" means every motorcycle, including every motor scooter, with a motor that produces not more than six-brake horsepower, and every bicycle with motor attached, but not trail bikes, minibikes, go-carts, and similar vehicles that are not designed for or approved for use on public roads or highways, and not motorized bicycles.
• "Motorscooter and Motorbicycle" mean every motor vehicle designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, except any such vehicle that may be included within the term "farm tractor", and any motorized bicycle with a motor powered by an engine not exceeding six-brake horsepower. 

This classification includes all two- and three-wheeled vehicles with under 50 cc engines, regardless of whether they are gas or electric powered, and are equipped with the mandatory safety equipment necessary for vehicles to travel on public roadways.  Both Colorado Revised Statute 42-4-201 et seq. and Model Traffic Code Part 2 address the various equipment requirements for motor vehicles permitted to travel on public roadways.  The following are examples of these vehicles.  This list is not all inclusive:

• Scooters

• Mopeds (Kinetic or Hybrids)

• Motor Assisted Bike

Summary of laws regarding the use of under 50cc motorized vehicles in Broomfield:

·   Motorized Bicycles MAY be ridden on public roadways.

·   Motorized Bicycle riders must have a valid driver's license, but are not required to have a motorcycle endorsement.

·   Motorized Bicycles ridden on public roadways must have a valid registration decal.

·   Motorized Bicycles ridden on public roadways are not required to have insurance. 

·   Motorized Bicycle riders and passengers must wear eye protection.  Colorado currently has no helmet law.

·   Motorized Bicycle riders must obey all laws applicable to other motor vehicles.   

·   Motorized Bicycles MAY NOT be ridden on sidewalks, bike trails, parks, fields or any other areas commonly used by pedestrians and bicycles.

Are riders of Motorized Bicycles, Motor-driven Cycles, Motorscooters and Motorbicycles required to have a driver's license?

YES.  If the engine size is under 50 cc, the rider is required to have a valid driver's license, but not a motorcycle endorsement, to operate it on a public roadway.   Colorado Revised Statute 42-2-103 not only requires motorized bicycle riders to possess a valid driver's license, but it also prohibits them from riding on interstate systems, except where bicycles are allowed.

Are these vehicles required to be registered? 

YES.  Colorado Revised Statute 42-3-311(1) requires these vehicles be registered through the Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles Registration Section.  Upon registering the vehicle, a number decal shall be securely affixed to the motorized bicycle frame in a conspicuous place.  The registration is valid for 3 years.  Further information and necessary forms can be found at http://www.revenue.state.co.us/mv_dir/formspdf/2579.pdf.

Are these vehicles required to be insured?

NO.  If the engine is under 50 cc, it is not considered a "motor vehicle".  Colorado Revised Statute 42-4-1409 and Model Traffic Code 1409 require only "motor vehicles" carry a current insurance policy.

Are riders of these vehicles required to wear a helmet and eye protection? 

• In Colorado there is currently no law requiring riders or passengers to wear a helmet, although it is always recommended.
• Colorado Revised Statute 42-4-232(1) and Model Traffic Code 232(1) require that both riders and passengers wear goggles or eye glasses with lenses made of safety glass or plastic.

Are riders of Motorized Bicycles, Motor-driven Cycles, Motorscooters, and Motorbicycles required to abide by traffic laws?

YES.  Colorado Revised Statute 42-4-109(1) and Model Traffic Code 109(1) state in part:

Every person riding a motorized bicycle upon a roadway where motorized bicycle travel is permitted shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties and penalties applicable to the driver of a vehicle. 

For more information on Broomfield Municipal Ordinance, please visit Title 10, Chapter 16 of the Broomfield Municipal Code.