Is insurance required for scooters under 50cc in Colorado?

Since the Colorado 50cc scooter insurance law changed a few years ago this question comes up - alot.

YES! And double YES!!!!!!!  All motorscooters that plan on traveling on public streets now need liability insurance in the state of Colorado.  That includes low-power scooters aka mopeds, 49 cc scooters, 50 cc scooters, electric scooters, etc.

You'll need to bring proof of insurance when you register your scooter in Colorado.  That means registering your low-power scooter with the Dept of Revenue or registering your 'motorcycle scooter' with the Dept of Motor Vehicles.

Scooter insurance can be purchased online or through a bricks and mortar store.  Call your insurance agent who handles your homeowners insurance or renters insurance.  Don't expect to get a multi-line insurance discount or summer use only discount on the policy.

Scooter liability insurance does not provide coverage for theft.  You'll have to pay extra for that.  It's worth the cost if scooter thieves are present in your area.  Invest in an armored cable while you are at it.  Maybe even a scooter alarm or LoJack.

So go out and buy that scooter liability insurance now.  If you are in a wreck and don't have it - expect some traffic tickets and an empty wallet.  The minimum fine is $500.00.

© 2012 G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Common misconceptions about scooters in Colorado

Cheap gas prices the past few years resulted in a drop of motorscooter sales in Colorado.  With the recent rapid rise in prices locally and nationally, that's sure to change in 2012.

Those in the market for a new or used scooter in Colorado will find a host of inaccurate information out there.  Cagers are happy to repeat this information to you.

Before purchasing a scooter, become familiar with the rules and regulations governing them.  If you are out driving a cage, learn the laws so you don't get angry when they do something perfectly legal.

An article I wrote describing the "Top 10 Myths About Scooters, Mopeds, and Scooter Laws in Colorado".

© 2012 G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. 

Can I get a ticket for expired registration for a low power scooter in Colorado?

We are all busy with life and forget about things. One thing you should shouldn't forget about is renewing your low power scooter registration in Colorado.

Can you get a traffic ticket for not renewing your low power scooter registration? Five years ago I doubt the cops would have cared. Scooters were still under the radar then.

Today, I'd say it depends upon the cop, what you were doing when the cop stopped you, and what your attitude is when you talk to the cop.

Have an attitude and caught doing something stupid like running a red light - you'll probably get a ticket.

Admit stupidity and apologize for forgetting - the cop will probably write you a warning ticket. It's spring and people are just now getting their scooters out of the garage from winter storage. Take the warning ticket and go get your registration renewed.

Registration costs $5.85 and is good for 3 years.  So finances are hardly a valid excuse for this paltry fee.  Stand on a corner with a good begging sign in Denver and you'll make that in an hour.

Colorado Low Power Scooter Registration forms can found at http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/Revenue-MV/RMV/1209847483655

© 2012 G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

License required for riding a motorscooter in Colorado

I don't know why but people still ask if you need a drivers license to operate a scooter including 49cc scooters in the state of Colorado.

The answer is most definitely - YES. Has been for the past 30 years. If it's a motorized vehicle that wants to operate on a public Colorado roadway - you need a drivers license - period! If you have a scooter that is above 50cc, you'll need a motorcycle endorsement on that drivers license.

All scooters in Colorado now require liability insurance. That law came into effect a few years ago.

Need more information on laws governing scooters in the state of Colorado?

A quick rundown that I wrote up a few years ago can help Impending Changes to Colorado Scooter Law. Check the references if you need more details.

© 2012 G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and Colorado Scooters with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.