by G. Kunkel

Created on: July 08, 2009

With the passage and signing of Colorado House Bill HB09-1026 on May 20, 2009, changes are coming to Colorado statutes governing scooters that have under a 50 cc engine size. The effective date of these changes depends upon the Section of the Colorado Revised Statute. Sections 1, 26, 29, and 53 take effect July 1, 2010, and the remaining Sections take effect October 1, 2009. Those owning scooters under a 50 cc engine size or selling scooters in Colorado for profit should familiarize themselves now to prepare for these upcoming changes.

All of the changes introduced by House Bill 09-1026 can reviewed at http://www.statesurge.com/bills/462126-hb09-1026-col orado Only the changes pertaining to 'low power scooters' are included and edited in this document. This is not a legal document and does not cover all aspects of HB09-1026. You are advised to consult with your local authorities or legal advisor regarding the legal aspects of these Colorado Revised Statutes.

What are the major changes for under 50 cc scooters in Colorado?
* Scooters previously classified as 'motorized bicycles' or a 'motor-driven cycle' will now be classified as 'low-power scooters'.
* The definition of a low-power scooter has changed. The maximum wheel size diameter and the thirty miles per hour maximum designed speed have been removed as part of the definition of a scooter.
* There are now defined penalties for speeding on a low power scooter. Low power scooters are not to exceed forty miles per hour on a roadway.
* Low power scooters must have liability insurance.
* People selling low power scooters must have a powersports vehicle distributor license.
* There are defined drug and alcohol penalties for low power scooter operators.

What defines a low-power scooter under the new statutes?
In Section 22, 42-1-102 of Colorado Revised Statutes the characteristics of a low power scooter changed from the old definition. Low power scooters are still self-propelled, have no more than three wheels, and do not have a manual clutch. An internal combustion engine not exceeding 50 cc or electric power not exceeding 4476 Watts can now power a 'low-power scooter'. Toy vehicles still cannot be classified as a 'low-power scooter'. A motorcycle cannot be a 'low-power' scooter.

What about that really fast scooter down the street?
It's probably classified as a motorcycle and is not a low power scooter. Inquire about its engine size and whether it has a manual transmission.

What are the insurance requirements

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