With the popularity of motorized bicycles on the rise, it’s becoming more common to see individuals involved in motorized bicycle accidents.
Despite being a relatively new form of transportation, Colorado has a law distinguishing motorized bikes from other types of vehicles.
Here is everything you need to know about Colorado motorized bicycle laws and what our personal injury attorneys can do if you get injured on a motorized bike.
If you have any questions, please contact the Colorado personal injury lawyers at Tenge Law Firm, LLC today.
Motorized Bicycle Definition
According to the Colorado DMV, a motorized bicycle is any vehicle with the following characteristics:
- Two or three wheels;
- An automatic transmission; and
- A cylinder capacity not exceeding 50cc OR a wattage not exceeding 4,476 watts.
Most motorized bicycles and scooters fit into this category. Unlike motorcycles, motorized bicycles do not require a special license to operate.
However, you need to register your motorized bicycle if you want to use it on public roads. Registration costs $5.85 for three years, and you must provide proof of insurance and proof of ownership.
Are There Any Special Safety Requirements Under Colorado Motorized Bicycle Laws?
Just like regular vehicles, there are certain safety precautions you must follow when riding a motorized bicycle. Under CRS 42-4-109, drivers of motorized bicycles must:
- Ride on the permanent seat attached to the bike;
- Carry only the amount of passengers specified by the vehicle manufacturer; and
- Avoid attaching their motorized bicycle to another vehicle on the roadway.
Depending on the city, there may also be extra safety measures, such as headlights, reflectors, or the use of a horn or bell.
Can You Drive a Motorized Bicycle on the Highway in Colorado?
Motorized bicycles can only be used on city streets and in residential areas. They aren’t permitted on any highway, interstate, or limited-access road unless that road permits bicycles.
While you must follow the same rules of the road in a motorized bicycle as a full-sized vehicle, there are a few differences.
For example, under CRS 42-4-109(5), a motorized bicycle must ride “as close to the right side of the roadway as practicable.”
However, you must obey all other traffic rules, such as stoplights, stop signs, speed limits, and directions.
What If I Get into a Motorized Bicycle Accident?
If you sustain an injury in a motorized bicycle accident, you may be able to make a claim against the driver responsible. To do this, you must identify the person who caused the crash and file a claim with their auto insurer.
During your claim, you may seek a variety of damages including medical bills, vehicle damage, lost wages, and more.
If the insurance company gives you any trouble during your claim, we highly recommend talking to one of our Colorado personal injury attorneys.
Need Help Understanding Motorized Bicycle Laws in Colorado?
At the Tenge Law Firm, LLC., we understand how difficult it is to navigate Colorado motorized bicycle laws after an accident.
We help clients who were injured due to someone else’s negligence pursue the compensation they need to recover after an accident.
Unlike other injury firms that assign their cases to paralegals, we take a personalized approach.
Our attorneys work directly with clients.
We take the time to get to know you and the details of your situation because it gives us the best chances of getting you the money you deserve.
To schedule a free consultation, contact us online or give our Colorado personal injury lawyers a call at (303) 997-2865. We proudly represent clients throughout Colorado from our offices in Boulder, Denver, and Fort Collins.