Scooters, Mopeds, Etc... in Colorado

What’s the difference between low-power scooters and low-speed electric vehicles? What kind of license do you need for them, and when does the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) require you title and register them? We have the answers.

Colorado Low-Power Scooters

A low-power scooter is a vehicle that:

  • Is self-propelled.
  • Has no manual clutch.
  • Has no more than 3 wheels in contact with the ground.
  • Is either powered by either of the following:
    • Internal combustion with a cylinder capacity that doesn’t exceed 50 ccs.
  • Electricity that doesn’t exceed 4,476 watts.

When it comes to operating low-power scooters in CO, you:

  • CAN’T operate them on any interstate, limited-access road, or sidewalk except in areas where bicycles are permitted.
  • CAN drive your scooter on roadways and in bicycle lanes within roadways.
  • MUST wear a helmet with a chin strap if you’re younger than 18 years old—even if you’re just the passenger.

NOTE: Low-power scooters do not include electric bicycles.

Low-Power Scooter Requirements

Regardless of whether you’re an adult or teen driver, you only need a basic driver’s license (Class R) to operate a low-power scooter in Colorado. 

You must also register and insure your low-power scooter; to do so, gather the following:

  • A completed Low-Power Scooter Registration Application (Form DR 2701).
  • A photocopy of your:
    • Proof of identification.
    • Ownership document.
      • The name on the document must match the name on your proof of identification.
    • Proof of insurance.
  • A check made payable to “Colorado Department of Revenue” for the $5.35 registration/decal fee.

You can mail everything or deliver the items in person at the addresses listed on the form.

Once everything’s approved, the DMV will send you a registration decal valid for 3 years.

Low-Speed Electric Vehicles in CO

A low-speed electric vehicle in Colorado is one that:

  • Is a self-propelled vehicle, which uses electricity as the main propulsion method.
  • Has at least 3 wheels in contact with the ground.
  • Doesn’t use handlebars for steering.
  • Shows manufacturer’s compliance OR a vehicle identification number 17 characters long.

If you want to operate a low-speed electric vehicle, you:

  • CAN drive on roads with speed limits up to 35 MPH.
  • CAN drive on a road with speed limits up to 40 MPH IF:
    • The lanes are at least 11 feet wide.
    • There are at least 2 lanes going in each direction.
    • It is determined that driving low-speed electric vehicles on the road does not pose significant safety hazards.
  • CANNOT drive on limited-access highways.

Operating a Low-Speed Electric Vehicle

As with low-power scooters, adults and teen drivers alike only need a basic driver’s license (Class R) to legally drive low-speed electric vehicles in Colorado.

Whether you have to title and register your vehicle is a different story.

The CO DMV requires you to title and register your low-speed electric vehicle, which entails a similar process to Colorado motorcycle registration.

HOWEVER, if your vehicle operates at between 25 MPH to 45 MPH, the CO DMV will not title and register it.

For further assistance, contact your local CO DMV office.

Forms

DR 2841
Secure and Verifiable ID
List of acceptable documents to prove your identity when applying for a Colorado vehicle registration AND/OR title.
DR 2701
Low-Power Scooter Registration Application
Apply to register a low-powered scooter with the CO Division of Motor Vehicles.
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