The illegal operation of e-motos – not to be confused with e-bikes that have functioning pedals – has been a hot topic in many Colorado cities and towns as of late. While these vehicles generally aren’t street legal in Colorado, that doesn’t seem to stop some riders from taking to the pavement in a reckless way. In an effort to improve public safety, Douglas County has passed a new local ordinance that not only punishes riders more strictly for illegal e-moto use, but also opens the door to punish parents of juvenile riders, as well.

On June 23, the Board of Douglas County Commissioners voted to approve the ordinance which lays the groundwork for stricter enforcement.

For starters, those under 18 who are legally operating an e-moto, low-powered scooters, or class three e-bikes must wear a Department of Transportation approved helmet. While e-motos that aren’t street legal can’t be driven on public roads at all, low-powered scooters can be – but only if the operator has a valid driver’s license and the vehicle is registered and insured.

Note: A ‘low-powered scooter’ is not the same as an ‘electric scooter.’ ‘Electric scooters’ have a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour and are powered by an electric motor (750 watts or less), while a ‘low-powered scooter’ has an engine cylinder capacity under 50 cc or a maximum electric motor output of up to 4,476 watts. ‘Low-powered scooters’ are more powerful than ‘electric scooters,’ with this ordinance not impacting ‘electric scooters.’

The most interesting part of the ordinance, however, is perhaps new rules it establishes around parent responsibility. Any parent or legal guardian who ’causes, permits, or knowingly allows’ a minor to operate a off-highway vehicle, including e-motos, on any public street, road, alley, trail, or other public property within Douglas County in a way that violates state law or the newly established ordinance will be subject to a mandatory minimum fine of $250, which can climb to up to $1,000. The same goes for low-powered scooters, too.

It’s also worth noting that the ordinance authorizes the sheriff’s office to impound any off-highway vehicle or low-powered scooter when there’s probable cause to believe that it’s being operated in violation of state laws or the local ordinance.

“I want to be really clear to citizens about what we’re doing today,” said Commissioner Abe Laydon. “For the parents out there, traditional low-speed e-bikes are ok. Do not buy high-powered electric dirt bikes for your kids. That is our message.”

Find the full text of the ordinance here.

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