FAQs • City and County of Broomfield, CO • CivicEngage

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Police - Low-Power Scooters

1. Are riders of low-power scooters 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.

2. 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.

3. Are these vehicles required to be insured?: YES. Colorado Revised Statute 42-4-1409 requires all motor vehicles and low-power scooters to have a complying policy or certificate of self-insurance in full force and effect.

4. 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 42-4-1502(4.5)(a) requires persons under 18 years of age not operate or carry a passenger who is under 18 years of age on a low-power scooter on a highway in Colorado unless the person and passenger are wearing protective helmets designed for use by operators of motorcycles, and the helmet is secured properly on the person's head with a chin strap while the low-power scooter is in motion.
• Colorado Revised Statue 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.

5. Are riders of low-power scooters 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 low-power scooter upon a roadway where low-power scooter 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.