Low Speed Electric Vehicle (LSEV)

Low-Speed Electric Vehicle (LSEV) Definition

Low-Speed Electric Vehicle is defined in C.R.S. 42-1-102(48.6) as a vehicle that:

• Is self-propelled utilizing electricity as its primary propulsion method;

• Has at least three wheels in contact with the ground;

• Does not use handlebars to steer; and

• Exhibits the manufacturer’s compliance with 49 CFR 565 or displays a seventeen-character vehicle identification number as provided in 49 CFR 565. 

Qualifications

To qualify as an LSEV that can be titled and registered, the following must be met:

1. Is self-propelled utilizing electricity as its primary propulsion method,

2. Has at least three wheels in contact with the ground,

3. Does not use handlebars to steer,

4. Exhibits the manufacturer's compliance with 49 CFR 565 or displays a seventeen-character vehicle identification number as provided in 49 CFR 565. The    VIN must also decode without error to an LSEV,

5. Cannot have a maximum speed over 25 mph. Vehicles with a speed over 25 mph are a class B LSEV and per CRS 42-4-109.6 (5)(a) cannot be registered,

6. Have an odometer (49 CFR part 580).

LSEVs are titled and registered as Tax Class C vehicles.

Determination

To determine if a vehicle is an LSEV, follow the below checklist. If the vehicle meets all of these requirements, it can be titled/registered as LSEV without contacting the state.

Step 1

• Run the VIN through the NHTSA VIN Decoder. 

• If the VIN decodes clean (green), and as a Low Speed Vehicle (LSV), you can move to Step 2. If not, follow the Unconventional Vehicle process.

Step 2

• Does the vehicle meet the C.R.S. 42-1-102(48.6) definition of an LSEV as listed below? If yes, move to Step 3. If not, follow the Unconventional Vehicle process.

  • Is self-propelled utilizing electricity as its primary propulsion method;

  • Has at least three wheels in contact with the ground;

  • Does not use handlebars to steer; and

  • Exhibits the manufacturer’s compliance with 49 C.F.R. pt. 565 or displays a seventeen character VIN as provided in 49 C.F.R. pt. 565.

Step 3

• Does the vehicle have a max speed of 25mph? If yes, move to Step 4. If not, follow the Unconventional Vehicle process.

  • Per CRS 42-4-109.6(4), if the vehicle is able to travel greater than 25 mph but not more than 45 mph, it is a Class B LSEV and not eligible for registration or titling. 

Step 4

• Does the vehicle have a distance (not hours) odometer? If yes, move to Step 5.If not, follow the Unconventional Vehicle process.

  • Per the Code of Federal Regulations, motor vehicles require an odometer and the completion of an odometer disclosure on the vehicle title. 

Step 5

• If the vehicle has met all of the requirements listed in Steps 1 through 4, this vehicle is an LSEV and can be titled and registered as such. You do not need to reach out to the Department, if all the Steps have been met.

Unconventional Vehicle Process

If the vehicle does not meet the requirements of an LSEV according to the information and checklist above, please check the UVP Vehicle Log. If it is not in the vehicle log, please submit the following to dor_trcustomerservice@state.co.us:

• MSO

• Picture of the odometer

• Picture of the door plate on the driver’s side to include the VIN

• Pictures of the vehicle

If approved as an LSEV, a make will be created and added to the UVP Vehicle Log.