Mopeds and scooters provide a more affordable transportation option and are becoming increasingly popular with the proliferation of ride-sharing programs. If you are injured in a scooter or moped accident, it’s essential you understand Colorado’s laws regarding these vehicles. An experienced scooter and moped accident lawyer from Dulin McQuinn Young can discuss your case during a confidential consultation.
How Mopeds and Scooters Are Treated in Colorado
The Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles defines low-powered scooters or mopeds as self-propelled vehicles with no more than three wheels in contact with the ground, no manual clutch, and a cylinder capacity no greater than 50 cubic centimeters (for internal combustion) or a wattage not exceeding 4,476 watts (for electricity).
If these vehicles exceed the limits identified, they are classified as motorcycles, in which case you would have to comply with Colorado’s motorcycle laws.
Moped and Scooter Laws in Colorado
Some laws you should be aware of regarding mopeds and scooters include:
License and Registration Requirements
Mopeds and scooters must be properly registered. This requires filling out a specific application for this purpose, a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and a registration fee.
Operation Laws
Moped and scooter operators must follow all rules of the road, including obeying speed limits, yielding the right-of-way, and stopping at red lights and stop signs. Specific rules moped and scooter operators must follow include:
- Not operating their vehicle on any interstate, limited-access road, or sidewalk
- Riding exclusively on roadways and in bicycle lanes
- Equipping their vehicle with at least one headlamp visible from 500 feet away
- Riding as close to the right side of the roadway as possible
- Operating the vehicle no more than two abreast
- Not lane splitting
Helmet Laws
Motorists and passengers under the age of 18 must wear a helmet. Anyone else is encouraged – but not required – to wear a helmet.
Common Causes of Moped and Scooter Accidents
Mopeds and scooter accidents can occur for various reasons, such as:
- Reduced visibility
- Driver inattention or distractions
- Impaired driving
- Disobeying traffic laws
- Potholes
- Uneven pavement
- Road hazards
- Inexperience
- Negligent maintenance
- Defective scooters, mopeds, or auto parts
An experienced attorney can investigate the crash and identify who is responsible.
Who Is Responsible for Moped and Scooter Accidents?
Many moped and scooter accidents occur due to the negligence of the operator. However, other parties could be responsible for these accidents, such as:
- Ride-share programs, such as Lime and Razor
- Property owners
- Manufacturers
- Government entities
Let our team investigate your accident and pursue the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact Our Moped and Scooter Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one was injured in a scooter or moped accident, the Denver injury attorneys at Dulin McQuinn Young want to help. We can discuss your legal rights and options during a free initial consultation. Call us at (303) 246-1111 to get started.