Just went through something similar in Colorado. Two issues 1) the original
title 2) the final title showing that it is an electric vehicle.
Step one
Probably need to get a "salvage" title in your name for the chassis. You
will need a bill of sale signed by the owner to support this. Call your local
auto salvage yard (mine is Klode which has a good web presence). Ask them what
it takes to get a new "salvage" title created with not much documentation.
They can help you understand the process because they do it all day every day.
I found in Colorado that the Motor Vehicle Dept. is less helpful, but call
them as well and ask what the process looks like from their side.
Step 2
In Colorado a special form needs to be signed by both the buyer and seller.
It is a form that says that the seller did indeed disclose the fact that this
vehicle was a salvage and in not running condition.
Step 3
In Colorado one must (that's you) must describe the work that was done on
the vehicle to get it running again. My paperwork talks about the electric
conversion and components. You may or may not need this, but create it during
the
conversion process just to have it. Keep it brief.
Step 4
Get the title transferred into your name. In Colorado my title has an "EV"
stamp on it to exempt it from emissions testing requirements. The lady at the
DMV told me that she had never seen another EV title before.
Step 5
Insurance - I called my insurance agent and got 2 choices. One the stated
value type policy where you tell them how much they should pay out and a great
suggestion. In my case I chose option 2. We insured the motorcycle as if it
was a standard 1994 Kawasaki Ninja. If it is totaled the insurance company
will
pay the deprecated value and I'll go bid on the chassis and electric
components when the auto recycler auctions it off.
Step 6
License plates - trivial once I got the rest lined up.
BTW it took me 3 trips to the DMV after I thought that I had all my ducks in
a row. My advice. Don't tell all you know. Answer only the questions asked.
Keep it honest, but simple.
Mike Bachand
Denver Electric Vehicle Council (DEVC) - Colorado Chapter of the EAA
Board Member, Web Administration and Newsletter Editor
1994 Kawasaki Ninja EV
