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The Colorado
Legislature has laws which govern and give definitions of how Law
Enforcement can enforce laws. In these definitions, Officials must
make decisions about what is legal and what is not. The below
information is provided for information only and is not binding in any
way. If you would like further information or interpretation,
please contact your local Law Enforcement Department or local Court.
1. Per CRS 42-1-102(59)(b) the description of a
motorized bicycle (MOPED) is as follows:
"Motorized bicycle" means a vehicle having two or three
wheels, a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 c.c., and an
automatic transmission which produces a maximum design speed of not more
than thirty miles per hour on a flat surface.
2. Per CRS 42-1-102(59)(a) the description of a "Motorscooter"
and "Motorbicycle" is as follows:
""Motorscooter" and "motorbicycle" mean every motor
vehicle designed to travel on not more than three wheels in
contact with the ground, except any such vehicle as may be included within
the term "farm tractor" as defined in this section and any motorized
bicycle as defined in paragraph (b) of this subsection (59), which motor
vehicle is powered by an engine of not to exceed six
brake-horsepower.
3. Per CRS 42-1-102(112) the description of a
"Vehicle" is as follows:
"Vehicle" means any device which is capable of moving
itself, or of being moved, from place to place upon wheels or endless
tracks. "Vehicle" includes any bicycle, but such term does not include any
wheelchair as defined by subsection (113) of this section, or any
off-highway vehicle..."
CRS 42-1-102 (103.5)
“Toy Vehicle” means any vehicle,
whether or not home-built by the user, that has wheels with an outside
diameter of not more than fourteen inches and is not designed, approved,
or intended for use on public roadways or highways. “Toy Vehicle”
includes, but is not limited to, gas-powered or electric-powered
vehicles commonly known as mini bikes, “pocket” bikes, kamikaze boards,
go-peds, and stand-up scooters.
1. CRS 42-3-144
Motorized bicycle registration
"This states every motorized bicycle sold in this state
shall have an identification number stamped on its frame which shall be
recorded upon registration. Motorized bicycles shall be registered
with the Department of Revenue, and such registration shall be evidenced
by a decal which is securely affixed to the motorized bicycle frame in a
conspicuous place. Registration shall be valid for a period of three
years, and the fee for such registration shall be five dollars."
2. CRS 42-2-103
Motorized bicycles - driver's license required for operators.
"An operator of a motorized bicycle shall possess a
valid driver's license or minor driver's license. No motorized
bicycle shall be operated on any interstate system as described in
section 43-2-101 (2), C.R.S., except where a bicycle may be operated on
such interstate system, on any limited-access road of the state highway
system as described in section 43-2-101 (1), C.R.S., or on
any sidewalk, unless such operation is specifically designated.
Motorized bicycles may be operated upon roadways, except as
provided in this section, and in bicycle lanes included within such
roadways."
* It is OK for Mopeds (not 4-wheeled) to operate on
public roadways and if available, in the bike lanes that are present, but
the operator must have a valid driver's license and should not be
on a sidewalk
3. CRS 42-4-109
Motorized bicycles, animals, skis, skates and toy vehicles on highways.
(1) Every person riding a motorized bicycle upon a
roadway where motorized bicycle 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 as set forth in this
article, except those provisions of this article which, by their very
nature, can have no application..."
"...Said riders shall also comply with special rules set
forth in this section and in section 42-4-220 (1) (b) and (1) (c)..."
* Have to have affixed, a forward-facing white light
visible from 500 feet
* Have to have affixed, a rear-facing red reflector
or lamp. The reflector must be visible from all distances between 50
and 300 feet. The red lamp must be visible at 500 feet.
* Must have affixed, an audible device or bell (not
a siren or whistle) audible from 100 feet.
* Must have a brake affixed, that when applied causes the
tire(s) to skid on dry pavement.
"... and, when using streets and highways within
incorporated cities and towns, shall be subject to local ordinances
regulating the operation of motorized bicycles as provided in section
42-4-111 (Powers of local authorities). Whenever the word
"vehicle" is used in any of the driving rules set forth in this
article that are applicable to motorized bicycle riders, such term shall
include motorized bicycles."
(5) "Every person operating a motorized bicycle upon a
roadway shall ride as close to the right side of the roadway as
practicable, exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one
proceeding in the same direction."
(9) "No person shall use the highways for traveling
on skis, toboggans, coasting sleds,
skates, or similar devices. It is unlawful for any person to
use any roadway of this state as a sled or ski course for the purpose of
coasting on sleds, skis, or similar devices. It is also unlawful for any
person upon roller skates or riding in or by means of any
coaster, toy vehicle, or similar device to go upon any roadway
except while crossing a highway in a crosswalk, and when so crossing such
person shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of
the duties applicable to pedestrians. This subsection (9) does not
apply to any public way which is set aside by proper authority as a play
street and which is adequately roped off or otherwise marked for such
purpose."
4. CRS 42-4-1409
Compulsory Insurance for Vehicles
(1) "No owner of a motor vehicle required to be
registered in this state shall operate the vehicle or
permit it to be operated on the public highways of this state when the
owner has failed to have a complying policy or certificate of
self-insurance in full force and effect as required by sections 10-4-705
and 10-4-716, CRS."
5. Loveland Municipal Code 12.44.030
Restrictions for horses and motorized vehicles - Penalties
(B) "No person having in his possession or under his
control and horse or motorized vehicle,..."
"...shall permit the horse or motorized vehicle to
enter upon those areas of the recreational trail system which are not
contiguous with and part of the public street system."
* MoPeds and motorized scooters can not be operated on the
hike/bike trails throughout the city.
In summary, Mopeds 2 or 3 wheels,
can be operated on city streets PROVIDED: they are registered
with the Department of Revenue, the operator has a valid driver's license,
they stay along the right edge or in a bike lane, and the required
equipment on them. MoPeds are treated
exactly like a car or truck (vehicle) and must follow all regulations and
guidelines afforded them.
© 2006, City of Loveland, Colorado
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