Douglas County weighs tighter rules for scooters and off-highway vehicles

Douglas County commissioners approved new rules for low-powered scooters and off-highway vehicles, putting the changes into effect immediately and setting countywide standards for young riders, sidewalk use and reckless operation. The ordinance was aimed at problems deputies said were already spilling onto public roads, where scooters and other small vehicles were creating complaints about speed, traffic interference and unsafe stunts.

The county’s ordinance draft, posted in Douglas County Legistar as ORDINANCE NO. O-026-xxx, described the measure as regulation of low-powered scooters and off-highway vehicles in Douglas County. It cited state law giving counties authority to regulate the movement and parking of motor vehicles on public property, along with Colorado statutes that allow local governments to regulate off-highway vehicles on public lands, waters and property within their jurisdiction.

Riders under 18 must wear helmets when operating a low-powered scooter or off-highway vehicle. The county also set penalties for reckless operation, a move that gives deputies a clearer enforcement tool when riders speed, weave through traffic or use the machines in ways that endanger others. A sheriff’s office post said kids were doing wheelies on public roadways and blocking traffic, which the office treated as a public-safety concern.

E-bikes and scooters must slow to 15 mph on sidewalks and yield to pedestrians. Douglas County first posted public materials in June 2026 showing commissioners considering the ordinance before later announcing approval. Douglas County listed a June 13 Backcountry Offroad Expo at the fairgrounds. Colorado Parks and Wildlife says residents must register their OHVs, and its recreation materials describe those vehicles as including motorcycles, dirt bikes, three-wheelers, ATVs and dune buggies used on public land or trails.