Teens Mowing In Colorado? Here’s What Parents Should Know

The summer months in Colorado are a great time for kids to enjoy playing outside and being away from school. As they get a little older, they'll start using some of that free time to make some extra money.

I can still remember the first summer my father introduced me to the lawnmower. It took about two minutes for my neighbor to notice. Yep, I started out having to mow two lawns. Once you start, you are stuck with this chore until old age. So, at what age can you legally operate a lawnmower in Colorado? Well, it depends on the type of mower.

Expert Age Recommendations from AAP

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While Colorado has stopped short of creating a statewide law to govern the operation of lawn mowers, the guidelines for parents from the American Academy of Pediatrics are helpful. The AAP recommends that kids be at least 12 years old to operate a push-style lawn mower under adult supervision.

To use a more powerful riding mower, the operator should be 16 or older. Anyone working with a minor should check their homeowners' or employers' policies before allowing someone under 18 to mow their property.

Lawnmower Safety Guidelines in Colorado

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Little ones under the age of 12 are too small to operate a power mower. You can keep them involved with the project by having them pick up any toys or debris around the yard. This teaches them to walk the lawn before they mow.

Youth ages 12-15 can work a push mower under adult supervision. While this is legal, local policy may vary. Youth 16 and older are legally allowed to operate power-driven lawnmowers. It's up to parents to require maturity, training, and safe conditions.

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Safety Tips Colorado Teens Should Know

Passing on the lawnmower torch is not something that can be done in ten minutes. Supervision and training on blade safety are so important. Do they have protective gear? Can they easily start and stop the mower?

Can they recognize areas in the lawn that may clog the mower in advance? Can they put the mower away without setting the garage on fire? The checklist is long, but it's worth teaching them to use a lawnmower safely.

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