Safety Equipment

The first step is to determine if your vehicle has the required safety equipment. Vehicles must have all of the following equipment if they are to be operated legally on city streets.

• A windshield
• Headlamps
• Tail Lamps or reflectors
• A stop lamp
• Turn signals
• A horn
• Mirrors

State Requirements

The State of Colorado requires that to operate an NEV or motorized bicycle on a city street, you must meet the same requirements as you would with a car.

You must have:

A valid driver’s license

Current vehicle registration

Vehicle insurance as required by state law

Engine Size

The qualification for a motorized bicycle is based on engine size.

Does your vehicle have an engine smaller than 50 cc?

If so, it is classified as a motorized bicycle and may operate on city streets as long as it meets the requirements outlined in the city ordinance.

Does your vehicle have an engine larger than 50 cc?

If so, it is not classified as a motorized bicycle and will be governed by law as a motorcycle.

Where To Use Your NEV Or Motorized Bicycle

Now that you have reviewed the necessary safety equipment and state requirements, let’s look at where and how NEVs and motorized bicyles can be used in Commerce City.'

NEVs and motorized bicycles in Commerce City:

Can only be ridden on roadways with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less. They cannot be driven on roadways with a posted ban on these vehicles, nor on state highways or limited-access highway.

Must be driven in the right-hand lane. When being passed, NEVs and motorized vehicles must move as far right as possible, using bike lanes or paved shoulders if available. Exceptions are when the NEV or motorized bicycle is making a left turn; passing a bicycle or vehicle going in the same direction; or when necessary to avoid other objects, parked cars, animals, etc.

May not exceed 25 mph.

Cannot carry more people or a greater load than specified by the manufacturer. Driver and all passengers must use seats substantially similar to those placed on the vehicle by the manufacturer.

Cannot be ridden on sidewalks or trails unless specifically posted for such use.

Motor Scooters

Motorscooters, also known as motorized bicycles, motor-driven cycles and motorbicycles, have engines less than 50 cc or 6 BHP.

Motorscooters may be operated on roadways within the city when:

Scooters are equipped with necessary safety equipment including head lamp, stop lamp, reflectors, turn signals, bell/horn, etc.

Operator must have valid driver’s license, but are not required to have a motorcycle endorsement.

Operator must wear eye protection.

Scooter must be registered with the state.

Must obey all traffic laws applicable to vehicles.

Cannot drive on sidewalks or trails unless specifically posted for such use.

Golf carts and wheelchairs

Golf carts and wheelchairs are not considered in the NEV ordinance. Here are some items to keep in mind related to these vehicles.

Golf carts

May not travel on public roadways, sidewalks, parks, recreational areas, trails, or other areas commonly used for pedestrian or bicycle traffic, with the exception of areas maintained and zoned or approved for golf course use.

Wheelchairs

A wheelchair is a motorized or non motorized wheeled device designed for use by a person with a physical disability.  

Wheelchairs in Commerce City:

May travel on sidewalks; when no sidewalk is provided, may travel on a road shoulder or outside edge of the roadway when there is no shoulder.

On two-way roadways, wheelchairs should travel on the right side of the roadway facing approaching traffic. 

May travel in all areas where other motorized devices or vehicles are prohibited, including public or private parks, ball fields, recreational areas, bike trails, horse trails, lake areas, easements, sidewalk and other areas dedicated to or commonly used for pedestrian or bicycle traffic.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

Safety is the paramount concern with any kind of vehicle operating on Commerce City streets. As such, the following items are not allowed.

The following items are prohibited on public property:

• Motorscooters without safety equipment
• Toy vehicles
• Motorized skateboards
• Mini or “pocket” motorcycles
• Golf carts -
  • Unless within one mile of Buffalo Run Golf Course
  • Or, authorized by City Manager