The Top 10 Myths About Scooters, Mopeds, and Scooter Laws in Colorado

Over the past five years scooters and mopeds have become much more visible around Colorado. The myths about scooters and the Colorado laws governing scooters them have only become more confusing to the general public. A careful reading of the Colorado Revised Statutes in the signed 2009 Colorado House Bill HB09-1026 dispels many of the myths about Colorado scooter and moped laws.

Myth 1 - They don't require a driver's license.

Colorado Revised Statutes have always required low-power scooter (aka moped, motorized bicycle) operators to have a driver's license in the state of Colorado to drive on state roads. Any motorized vehicle on Colorado state roads requires a licensed driver to operate it. Scooter operators riding scooters classified as motorcycles have always been required to have a motorcycle endorsement in Colorado.

In 2009, Colorado House Bill HB09-1026 changed the name of 49cc and under scooters and mopeds from 'motorized bicycle' to 'low-power scooter'. Mopeds are considered a low-power scooter. It did not change any driver's license requirement. Colorado laws have always required a driver's license for them.

Myth 2 - They aren't very fast.

As law enforcement has found out the past few years, even low-power scooters can go well beyond the 40 mph restriction. Stock and kitted scooter riders became more noticeable on roadways and so did their infractions.

Colorado House Bill HB09-1026 changed the speed limit for low-power scooters from 'not exceeding thirty miles per hour on a flat roadway' to 'speed in excess of forty miles per hour'. Scooters that are classified as motorcycles can have engines above 300cc. Scooter motorcycles can easily attain highway speeds.

Myth 3 - You don't need insurance.

Scooters that are motorcycles have always been required to carry liability insurance in Colorado. The passage of Colorado House Bill HB09-1026 now requires low-power scooters to carry liability insurance. A number of accidents between cars and low-power scooters in the Denver area prompted legislators to enact changes.

Myth 4 - You can't ride them in the bike lane.

Low-power scooters have always been legal to ride in the bike lane in Colorado. Scooters that are motorcycles (have tags) are not allowed to operate in the bike lane. Consult Section 23, 42-2-103 for all legal places to ride a low-power scooter. Low power scooter can be ridden on Interstates that allow bicycles on them in Colorado.

Myth 5 - They don't pay road use taxes.

Just like cars, most scooters use gasoline. Cars pay most of their road use taxes through gasoline taxes. Scooters are not exempt from gasoline taxes. Scooters pay road use taxes through the gasoline taxes like everyone else.

Myth 6 - You can't take them on the Interstate.

Scooters that are motorcycles have always been allowed on the interstate system in Colorado. Low-power scooters are only allowed on interstates in Colorado that allow bicycles.

Myth 7 - All scooters need a license plate tag.

Only scooters that are classified as motorcycles need a license plate. Low-power scooters must be registered and display their decal.

Myth 8 - Children and teenagers are allowed to ride scooters on public roads.

Only licensed motor vehicle operators may drive low-power scooters on Colorado state roads.

Myth 9 - A scooter and a moped are the same thing.

The scooter body style and moped body style are two different things. A scooter does not have pedals attached to it. A moped has pedals. The 'ped' part of the word is derived from 'pedal'.

Myth 10 - Scooters are maintenance free.

Scooters have the same maintenance items as cars and motorcycles. On scooters, tires wear out at around 3000 miles, the engine oil, gear box oil, air filters, and drive belt all need to be on a regular maintenance schedule. In Colorado, scooters need to be winterized to prevent major repair bills in the spring.

Colorado scooter laws are now very clear with the passing of HB09-1026. It will take time to erase all the myths that have developed surrounding scooters and the laws governing them in Colorado.

More information on Colorado scooter laws

Mopeds and Colorado Moped Laws - Just the Facts

49cc and 50cc Mopeds and Scooters in Colorado Must Now Carry Liability Insurance

http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/CGA-LegislativeCouncil/CLC/1251588112665

Sources:

Impending Changes to Colorado Scooter Law

http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/Revenue-MV/RMV/1251568079772

http://www.statebillinfo.com/sbi/index.cfm?fuseaction=Bills.Versions&session=09&mode=0&sortby=3&filter=b&page=1&id=112