Search Federal and State Laws and Incentives

Low-Speed Electric Vehicle (EV) Access to Roadways

A low-speed EV is a self-propelled vehicle using electricity as its primary propulsion method, has at least three wheels in contact with the ground, does not use handlebars to steer, displays a vehicle identification number, and meets manufacturer requirements as defined in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations section 565. A low-speed EV may be operated on a roadway with a speed limit of up to 40 miles per hour (mph) as long as the roadway's lane is at least 11 feet wide, the roadway provides two or more lanes in either direction, and the Colorado Department of Transportation has determined that operation of a low-speed EV on the roadway poses no substantial safety risk. Otherwise, a low-speed EV may only be operated on a roadway with a speed limit of 35 mph or less. Regardless, a low-speed EV may directly cross any roadway with a speed limit greater than 35 mph. Low-speed EVs may not be sold or offered for sale unless they comply with state vehicle safety requirements.

(Reference Colorado Revised Statutes 12-6-120, 42-1-102, 42-4-109.5, 42-4-109.6)

Inter-Agency Fleet Improvement Coordination

The Colorado Energy Office, Department of Transportation (CDOT), Department of Public Health and Environment, and Department of Personnel and Administration (DPA) will establish a State Fleet Sub-Council (Sub-Council) to help develop, implement, and improve programs, plans, and policies that save money, reduce emissions, promote domestic fuel use, and conserve natural resources. The Sub-Council will:

• Develop standard procedures and formulas for modeling and monitoring potential alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) and fuel reduction efforts that link acquisition and operations budgets;
• Create an idle reduction policy for state agencies;
• Create a process that allows fleet coordinators to replace vehicles with AFVs before standard retirement age if the replacement is cost-effective;
• Identify and evaluate other fuel-saving practices and develop procedures for their implementation; and
• Evaluate alternative financing options for state fleet vehicles including leasing, energy performance contracting, and other options that may reduce costs.

In addition, DPA and CDOT will establish policies and procedures to promote the cost-effective use of non-petroleum fuel vehicles and other fleet efficiency improvements. The policies must strive for the use of non-petroleum based fuels at least 90% of the time when cost-effective.

(Reference Executive Order D 2015-013, 2015)