There are other ways besides a car to get about Colorado. Mopeds are a popular alternate mode of transportation during beautiful weather. Mopeds are more fuel-efficient than cars, emit fewer fuel emissions, and are simpler to park in cities. You must abide by all relevant traffic laws if you intend to ride a moped anywhere in Colorado. Otherwise, you risk receiving a traffic citation or, worse yet, starting a collision.
What is a moped?
Mopeds are referred to as low-power scooters under Colorado law. A self-propelled vehicle with no more than three wheels is considered a moped in the state. When driven by an engine, a moped has a cylinder capacity of no more than 50 cubic centimeters or a wattage of no more than 4,476 watts (if electric). A moped is a special kind of vehicle that isn’t categorized with cars, motorcycles, bicycles, or motorized bicycles. Colorado law sets out special rules for this class of vehicle.
Do you need a special license to drive a moped in Colorado?
You need a valid driver’s license or minor driver’s license in Colorado to operate a moped. But, unlike a motorcycle, operating a moped does not require a specific class of license. Any regular driver’s license will do. To use your moped on public roads, it must be registered. In Colorado, registering a moped for three years costs $5.85. You should purchase adequate auto insurance before registering your moped with the state.
Do you have to wear a helmet under Colorado moped laws?
In Colorado, if you are 18 or older, you are exempt from wearing a helmet while operating or riding a moped. Adult helmet wear is not universally mandated by state law for any type of vehicle, including mopeds. However, if you’re under the age of 17, you have to wear a helmet with a chinstrap that complies with federal safety regulations. Even if you are a passenger on a moped, you must wear a helmet if you are under 18.
It is in your best advantage to wear a helmet even though Colorado law does not mandate you to. Helmets are the best approach to lower the risk of major head and brain injuries in a traffic collision, according to many agencies, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Colorado State Patrol. In a moped collision, wearing a helmet might prevent you from suffering a fatal injury.
Can you drive a moped on Colorado highways?
In Colorado, there are no interstates where you can drive a moped. The same applies if you are driving an electric scooter or powered bicycle. Although they generally abide by Colorado’s traffic laws, mopeds do not have the same road rights as cars. If a limited-access or interstate route does not allow bicycles, it is illegal to ride a moped on it.
On metropolitan streets and in residential areas, moped use is prevalent. Using a moped on a sidewalk is prohibited. In Colorado, however, a moped can be driven in a dedicated bicycle lane. All conventional traffic signals and road regulations must be followed when using a moped on public roads. Stop signs, speed limits, and right-of-way are all included in this. You must follow the flow of traffic when driving.
What is the difference between a scooter and a moped?
Under Colorado law, there is no legal difference between a scooter and a moped. In common language, the difference between a scooter and a moped is how the operator rides the vehicle. A scooter is a vehicle operated by standing on the base while using handlebars for balance and control. A moped has a chair-like seat with handlebars. Colorado moped laws define vehicles by the engine or motor power. Under the state statute, the way you sit or stand does not determine the legal classification. You could ride a motorcycle-like moped that you straddle that classifies as a “low power scooter” under the statute as long as the engine is below 50cc.
Electric scooters with more limited speed are classified as electric bicycles under Colorado law–even if they are ridden as a scooter and not straddled like a bicycle. Special rules apply to their use and a license is not required to operate them on streets.
What should I do if I get into a moped accident?
You might be able to sue the at-fault driver if you are involved in a moped accident in Colorado. Determine the crash’s primary cause first. After then, submit a claim to the other party’s motor insurance provider. Depending on the circumstances, you may file a claim for property damage, personal injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. If the insurance provider determines that the policyholder was at blame for the collision, a payment will be made.
In the event that an insurance provider wrongfully rejects your claim, you might need to retain a Denver accident lawyer. The comparative fault defense, which asserts that you were more than 50% at blame for the crash and prevents you from recovering, is a frequent justification for settlement denial. After a terrible moped accident in Colorado, you may be able to defend your rights and pursue justice with the aid of a personal injury lawyer in Denver.
The accident lawyers at Front Range Injury Attorneys help clients recover compensation for injuries sustained due to someone else’s negligence. Whether you are injured on a moped, scooter, motorcycle, or other vehicle, we can help. Contact our Denver law firm to speak with an attorney about your case. We offer free consultations for moped accident cases, so there is no cost to speak with an attorney about your case. Complete the contact form below or call our office at 720.826.4399.
