Mopeds, or gas-powered scooters, are popular in Colorado as an alternative to typical passenger vehicles and public transportation. They’re also faster than bicycles and relatively easy to use. Since they are very different from most other vehicles, there are specific laws in place pertaining to these vehicles and how they can be used in Colorado. You should know and understand these laws if you own or plan to own a moped in Colorado. Failure to abide by these laws can lead to fines and other penalties. Adhering to applicable Colorado moped laws can also lower your risk of experiencing an accident.
Understanding Moped Laws in Colorado
Colorado enforces specific laws pertaining to gas-powered and electric mopeds. A “moped” is any self-propelled scooter that has no more than three wheels. Colorado law does not permit the use of gas-powered mopeds with engines larger than 50cc. When it comes to electric mopeds, engines may not exceed 4,476 watts of power.
Colorado does not require a special license for mopeds. However, similar rules apply for mopeds as they do for standard motor vehicles. You must have a valid Colorado driver’s license to operate a moped, and you must cover the moped with an insurance policy that meets the state’s minimum coverage requirements.
The state’s laws pertaining to mopeds also intersect with some bicycle laws. For example, you cannot ride a moped on an interstate highway, and mopeds are allowed to use designated bike lanes in most areas of Colorado. Moped users should use caution around bicyclists as they could potentially startle them and cause a bicycle accident. Moped riders should also remember they are smaller and harder to see than passenger vehicles, so they should always use extra caution when taking a lane or riding in or near motor vehicle traffic.
It is also important to understand that Colorado’s laws against driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs also apply to mopeds. If you are suspected of operating a moped under the influence, police have the right to stop you. If you are proven to be using your moped while intoxicated, you face criminal prosecution under Colorado’s DUI laws.
Mopeds vs. Scooters
A “moped” is typically operated while standing on the vehicle’s lower platform, supported by a handlebar. A “scooter” is operated while sitting, similar to a motorcycle. However, these two terms are often used interchangeably. When it comes to street legality and license requirements, the point of contention is typically the engine size. Standing-style scooters with engines over 50cc would be very difficult to operate. It would be unrealistic for anyone to attempt to use a scooter with this powerful engine. On the other hand, Scooters can have larger engines but will technically qualify as motorcycles according to Colorado state law.
Important Things to Remember About Mopeds and Scooters
All drivers must carefully review the laws in their area pertaining to mopeds and scooters if they plan to use these vehicles. Failure to do so can lead to fines, points on your driver’s license, and other penalties. It’s also possible to cause a serious accident if you fail to abide by these laws. For example, if you ride your scooter on a sidewalk or any area designated for pedestrians, you could easily cause a serious pedestrian accident and incur liability for the victim’s damages.
Colorado does not enforce a helmet law for riders over the age of 18, similar to motorcycles. However, a licensed driver under the age of 18 who wishes to ride a moped or scooter must wear a helmet at all times. Mopeds and scooters may not be able to go as fast as motorcycles and standard passenger vehicles. However, it is still possible for an operator to suffer severe head injuries in an accident if they do not wear an appropriately fitted helmet.
FAQs
Q: Do You Need a License for a 50cc Scooter in Colorado?
A: If you own a self-propelled scooter or moped with a 50cc engine, you need to have a valid driver’s license and insurance coverage to drive it. If you do not, you risk fines and other penalties. Additionally, it’s possible to face legal penalties if you violate any of the state’s other traffic laws, specifically those pertaining to where you may legally ride your moped.
Q: Do You Need a License to Dive a 49cc Scooter in Colorado?
A: 50cc is the upper limit for gas-powered scooters in Colorado. If you own any self-propelled gas scooter in Colorado, you need a license to operate it. It may not have an engine larger than 50cc. If the scooter’s engine is larger than 50cc, the operator must have a motorcycle license to operate it legally along with appropriate insurance coverage.
Q: Is a 150cc Scooter Considered a Motorcycle?
A: In Colorado, any scooter with an engine larger than 50cc technically qualifies as a motorcycle. If you own a scooter or moped with an engine larger than 50cc, you must obtain a motorcycle license to operate it legally. Additionally, you will need to insure the vehicle and register it with the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles.
Q: Is a 49cc Scooter Street Legal in Colorado?
A: A motorized scooter with an engine smaller than 50cc is street legal in Colorado. However, operators must follow the state’s laws pertaining to speed limits and street accessibility. You cannot take your scooter on the highway, but you may use bike lanes in some areas. You cannot use any motorized vehicles on sidewalks or areas designated for pedestrians.
Moped and Scooter Accident Attorney
Mopeds and scooters can be great fun, and they do not consume as much fuel as standard cars and motorcycles. They’re maneuverable and easy to park, and many people throughout Colorado enjoy using these vehicles. However, they also pose many of the same legal requirements and risks as standard motor vehicles. If you have recently experienced an accident while riding a moped or scooter, or if a moped operator caused an accident and harmed you, you likely have grounds for legal action. Contact the Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal to discuss your claim with our team.
FAQs
Q: Do You Need a License for a 50cc Scooter in Colorado? A: If you own a self-propelled scooter or moped with a 50cc engine, you need to have a valid driver's license and insurance coverage to drive it. If you do not, you risk fines and other penalties.
Do you need a motorcycle license for a 150cc scooter Colorado? ›
Do You Need a Special License? To operate a moped in the state of Colorado, you must have a valid driver's license or minor driver's license. Unlike a motorcycle, however, you do not need a special class of license to operate a moped. A standard driver's license will suffice.
What are the laws around mopeds? ›
You must be at least 16 years old or older to drive a moped, and you must wear a helmet while you ride. You do not need insurance to register a moped, but you do need special license plates and an identification card, along with a one-time $23 registration fee.
Is a scooter the same as a moped? ›
A scooter has the same step-through frame as a moped but a more powerful motor, up to 250cc. What you should know. Scooters offer higher top speeds and lower gas mileage. For example, a 150cc scooter has a top speed of 60 mph and gets up to 70 mpg, while a 250cc scooter can reach 75 mph but will get fewer than 60 mpg.
Does a 49cc scooter need a license plate in Colorado? ›
Colorado's scooter laws do not require a special license to operate a moped. All you need is a valid driver's license to operate a moped legally. But similar to a regular vehicle, you must register your scooter with the state and cover the moped with proper insurance.
What size moped can I ride on a car licence? ›
You can ride a moped (up to 50cc) without L plates and without taking the moped test in some situations.
Do you need a title for a 50cc scooter? ›
When in doubt, look into your own state's regulations, but yes, mopeds intended for full street use are required to have a title.
How fast can a 50cc scooter go? ›
On average, the top speed of a 50cc moped is between 25-30mph.
Do you need a Licence for a 50cc scooter? ›
First, you have to complete your CBT. You then have to pass the Motorcycle Theory Test and undertake training and a Practical Test on a machine up to 50cc. The advantages over just passing a CBT course alone, are that you can ride any Moped (up to 50cc) without L-plates and you may carry a pillion passenger.
Do you need a licence to ride a moped? ›
Yes, if you have a full car licence you can ride a 125cc scooter or motorbike off-road. However, you must take and pass your compulsory basic training (CBT) before riding on the road.
You can ride a moped with no L-plate and, yes, you can take a passenger on it. Of course, being a sub-4kW, sub-50cc machine, it might not actually move under the weight of two of you, but it's legal.
What do I need to drive a scooter? ›
You have to be 17 years old or over. You are not required to pass the Motorcycle Theory or Module 1 and Module 2 Practical tests, but if you do, you will be able to ride with fewer restrictions. After you have obtained your CBT certificate, you will be entitled to ride any motorcycle or scooter up to 125cc.
What is the maximum speed of a moped? ›
Moped category definition
A moped (category AM) is defined as having a maximum design speed over 25km/h (15.5mph) but not exceeding 45 km/h (28 mph); or a light quadricycle with an unladen weight not more than 350kg and up to 45km/h.
How far can a moped go on a full tank? ›
Generally a moped has about a 5 liter gas tank or 1.32 gallons. Scooters can get between 100 and 120 mpg, so that leaves us at an estimate range of 132 to 158.4 miles or 212 to 255 kilometers.
How fast can an unrestricted 50cc go? ›
50cc engines are expected to reach a maximum speed of 30 miles per hour (mph) if restricted. If unrestricted, 50cc engines have been reported to reach up to 43 mph without additional modifications.
Do mopeds need license plates in Colorado? ›
No license plate is required for mopeds. Operator's of moped's must possess a valid minor or standard driver's license. Mopeds are allowed to be operated in any bike lanes if the operator has a valid driver's license.
Are scooters titled in Colorado? ›
In Colorado, an operator of a low‑power scooter is required to have a valid driver license. Registration for a low‑power scooter is evidenced by a numbered decal on the frame, with registration lasting for three years.
Can you ride a scooter on the highway? ›
So ... the general rule is: NO M/cycles 50 cc or less on ANY freeway. On some freeways, probably where there is a high density of traffic, there may be a further restriction on that stretch of the freeway that prohibits any M/cycles that have a higher engine capacity too ... like 125 cc.
Can you drive a 50cc moped on a car licence? ›
If you gained your driving licence before Feb 2001 you can ride a moped up to 50cc no more than a speed of 50km/h. Without having to have taken your CBT or other tests. As stated above, if you have a full car driving licence you can ride a motorcycle up to 125cc, but you need to have completed your CBT first.
Can I carry a passenger on a 50cc moped? ›
You don't need to take a CBT as technically you can already ride a 50cc moped without L plates and carry a passenger. However, if you wanted to ride a 125cc you'd need to take your CBT training and then be required to display L-Plates and be unable to take passengers.
The short answer is that the top speed of a 125cc, on average, is somewhere between 65mph and 80mph. However, to answer the question properly, we need to look at the factors that affect how fast a motorcycle can go and then we will give a short round-up of some of the fastest 125s on the market.
Do you have to get insurance on a scooter? ›
Scooters and mopeds are types of small motorcycle, so you need motorbike insurance to ride them legally.
Do mopeds have VIN numbers? ›
For some kind of mopeds, you can find the VIN for a moped or scooter right above the footrest below the glove compartment. Look for a plastic plate thats about 4 x 1.5 inches. Youll have to remove the plate to see the VIN.
Can you drive moped with car licence? ›
If you have a full car licence issued before 1st February 2001 you may ride a restricted 50cc moped on the road without L plates (and carry a passenger), but you still need to pass your CBT test to ride any motorcycle over 50cc.
How far can a 50cc scooter go? ›
In general, 2-stroke 50cc scooter will go as far as 135 miles per tank if ridden optimally. A 4-stroke scooter averages 151 miles per tank.
What is the gas mileage of a moped? ›
When it comes to fuel, the mopeds are taking the game away from cars. Even the best cars run around 25-30 mpg. On the other hand, mopeds will run around 130 miles on a single gallon fill.
How do you take the governor off a 50cc scooter? ›
Unscrew and remove the bolt holding the front pulley wheel in place. Pull the governing washer off of the front pulley rod. This washer acts as a governor for your scooter, restricting the speed at which your variator's belt can run. Replace the front pulley wheel and tighten the bolt holding it in place.
Do you need a licence to ride an electric scooter? ›
You must have the category Q entitlement on your driving licence to use an e-scooter. A full or provisional UK licence for categories AM, A or B includes entitlement for category Q. If you have one of these licences, you can use an e-scooter.
What is a CBT test? ›
The CBT certificate allows you to legally ride any moped or a motorcycle up to 125cc on the UK roads with some restrictions. You have to display L-plates, cannot ride on the motorways and cannot carry a passenger until you pass your Full Motorcycle license tests.
Is a Vespa a moped? ›
Is a Vespa a scooter or a moped? A Vespa is an iconic Italian bike and many people asked if it is a scooter or a moped. The truth is, it's both. Vespa is an uber cool bike brand manufactured by Piaggio, founded by Rinaldo Piaggio in 1884, and now headquartered in Pontedera, Italy.
About Provisional Driving Licences
A provisional driving licence is the first licence you will get. You can apply for it from the age of 15 years and 9 months and start to learn to drive a moped at the age of 16. You will have to wait to learn how to drive cars and motorcycles until you are the age of 17.
What is an A1 licence? ›
The A1 Motorcycle Licence is available for people aged 17 or above who only want to ride a scooter/moped or motorbike with a maximum engine size of up to 125cc. Many people consider the A1 licence as a so called “permanent CBT”, with the added privilege of being able to use motorways, and carry pillion passenger's.
What cc bike can I ride? ›
In summary – bike, age and licence needed
| Licence | Motorcycles you can ride | Min. age |
|---|
| Q | Same as AM plus 2 or 3-wheeled mopeds with top speed of 25 km/h | 16 |
| A1 | Light motorcycle up to 11 kW (and a power-to-weight ratio not more than 0.1 kW per kg) and 125 cc | 17 |
| A1 | Motor tricycles with a power output not more than 15 kW | 17 |
5 more rowsYou don't want to overload the engine of an electric scooter just because there are two people riding it. If this is the case, the engine can overload and be damaged. Avoid 2 or above people riding it can better protect your scooter and for longer lifespan of your scooter.
Can a child be a passenger on a moped? ›
It may surprise you to know that there is in fact no limits on age when it comes to carrying pillion passengers on a motorbike. However, there are a number of restrictions which mean that it will only be practical for children of around 10 years of age to ride as a passenger.
What is an A2 licence? ›
The A2 licence
An A2 licence allows riders aged 19 and over to: Ride a bike that produces no more than 35 kW or 47bhp (these are normally advertised as A2 bikes in dealer showrooms) Ride without L-plates. Carry a pillion passenger. Ride on motorways.
How do you drive a moped? ›
How to RIDE a SCOOTER/MOPED! - YouTube
How long does a CBT test last? ›
Your CBT certificate is valid for two years from the date of issue. You will have to display L-plates on your bike and you are not permitted to carry passengers or ride on motorways. You may renew your CBT certificate after two years or continue your journey to achieving a full motorcycle licence.
Can you drive a 50cc scooter without a license? ›
If you passed your driving test before 1 February 2001 you can legally ride a moped (up to 50cc) with no L plates, without taking a CBT course or the full moped test.
What is 50cc in mph? ›
How fast is 50cc? Production 50cc motorbike and scooter top speeds range between 50-100 kph (about 30-60 mph).
Type of Bike Licenses. If you are 16 years old and pass a CBT with a provisional licence, you will be entitled to ride any 49cc scooter or motorcycle restricted to 28mph. You must display L-plates, cannot carry passengers or go on motorways. This entitlement lasts for 2 years.
How fast will a 50cc scooter go? ›
On average, the top speed of a 50cc moped is between 25-30mph.
Can mopeds go on the highway? ›
Scooters and motorbikes of 50cc must not use motorways. Motorbikes cannot use truck-only lanes or the hard shoulder of a motorway, unless it's a smart motorway and that lane is designated for use.
What do I need to drive a scooter? ›
You have to be 17 years old or over. You are not required to pass the Motorcycle Theory or Practical tests, but if you do you will be able to ride with fewer restrictions. After you have obtained your CBT certificate, you will be entitled to ride any motorcycle or scooter up to 125cc.
Can I carry a passenger on a 50cc moped? ›
You don't need to take a CBT as technically you can already ride a 50cc moped without L plates and carry a passenger. However, if you wanted to ride a 125cc you'd need to take your CBT training and then be required to display L-Plates and be unable to take passengers.
How far can a 50cc scooter go? ›
In general, 2-stroke 50cc scooter will go as far as 135 miles per tank if ridden optimally. A 4-stroke scooter averages 151 miles per tank.
How fast is 80cc in mph? ›
HIGH PERFORMANCE: Unlike most standard bicycle engine kits, the Mega Motors 66/80cc comes standard with high quality components designed to last. This engine puts out 5-6HP (horse power) and has a top speed of 25-35MPH (miles per hour) stock.
What is the difference between 49cc and 50cc? ›
What's the difference between a 49cc and a 50cc scooter? The answer: NOTHING! All 50cc scooters are "49. something cc", so they fall within their own category for the Department of Motor Vehicles.
What is a provisional moped licence? ›
About Provisional Driving Licences
A provisional driving licence is the first licence you will get. You can apply for it from the age of 15 years and 9 months and start to learn to drive a moped at the age of 16. You will have to wait to learn how to drive cars and motorcycles until you are the age of 17.
What is CBT certificate? ›
The CBT certificate allows you to legally ride any moped or a motorcycle up to 125cc on the UK roads with some restrictions. You have to display L-plates, cannot ride on the motorways and cannot carry a passenger until you pass your Full Motorcycle license tests.
Is a Vespa a scooter or a moped? A Vespa is an iconic Italian bike and many people asked if it is a scooter or a moped. The truth is, it's both. Vespa is an uber cool bike brand manufactured by Piaggio, founded by Rinaldo Piaggio in 1884, and now headquartered in Pontedera, Italy.
What is the gas mileage of a moped? ›
When it comes to fuel, the mopeds are taking the game away from cars. Even the best cars run around 25-30 mpg. On the other hand, mopeds will run around 130 miles on a single gallon fill.
Can a 50cc moped go 60 mph? ›
What's the top speed of a 50cc moped? Most 50cc scooters come with a restricted engine, which limits the bike to a top speed of 30mph (48kph). However, a 50cc scooter can go at speeds of up to 60mph (96kph), while most will comfortably reach 40mph (65kph).
How do you take the governor off a 50cc scooter? ›
Unscrew and remove the bolt holding the front pulley wheel in place. Pull the governing washer off of the front pulley rod. This washer acts as a governor for your scooter, restricting the speed at which your variator's belt can run. Replace the front pulley wheel and tighten the bolt holding it in place.
