Your state's 50cc scooter/moped laws

[wardy94]

im from uk a provisional licence is required, insurence, tax, mot, cbt, and l plates front and back

[1fast50]

Im from New Zealand. Scooters are registered as 'mopeds' - means under 50cc, 2 kw and a top speed of 50 km/h, can ride with a car license. They have one license plate on the back like a motorbike and have to be registered, but unlike a motorcycle they do not have to be inspected or need a motorbike license to be ridden. Insurance is optional - I have it cos I want to have it.

I should get my bike license. I would like a sports bike one day as well as my sports scoot - it isn't really a moped anymore - its over 50cc and it can go over 50 km/h really easy, but I'm not paying more if I cant ride on a motorway, stuff that. Even if it was fast enough for the m'way I still wouldn't ride on it - not on a scooter. I'd want at least 200cc's.

[jessegar]

you guy's do realize that there is a difference between Mopeds and Scooters

Mopeds Most mopeds are from the 70's and 80's the bikes have pedals and that are used to start the engine and help assist up hills. In some states the laws are different that scooters.

Scooters are what you guy's ride here. small wheel with the engine attached to the swingarm. step thru, with floor boards.

[jessejames]

VIRGINIA___no license, no dl needed, unless you have suspension conviction or dui conviction, also they are covered on Renters and Home owners insurance ( you must inform them) and we are a helmet state, and obey all traffic laws. and must ride in left lane unless turning right, merge at last minute.

[pizzot]

In Florida a 50CC scooter requires a license plate and valid drivers license. If your under 21 years of age your license plate says "Under 21 Years" and this means your required to wear a helmet. If your over 21, you're not required to wear a helmet but you have to wear glasses. Anything over 50cc's requires a motorcycle endorsement. Oh yeah, and Florida is a "NO FAULT" state so if a motorcycle/scooter is involved in an accident that person isn't at fault, therefore motorcycle's and scooters don't require insurance.

[loosegrit]

Nevada, Does not have a class for scooter. Above 49cc is class as motorcycle with all the same rules. 49cc or less and 30 mph or less it a moped. Must have a DL, no ins. no reg. no helmet.

I check with one local insurance company and the do insure moped was quote $75 a year. Seem pretty good.

I would like to travel out of state with my 49cc so I am going to get my class M and insurance but no registration. Hope that enough.

[sjpassa]

what about ohio out of curiousity

[D-cat]

Mar 24, 2011 19:17:47 GMT -5 @jessegar said:

you guy's do realize that there is a difference between Mopeds and Scooters

Mopeds Most mopeds are from the 70's and 80's the bikes have pedals and that are used to start the engine and help assist up hills. In some states the laws are different that scooters.

Scooters are what you guy's ride here. small wheel with the engine attached to the swingarm. step thru, with floor boards.

While from a technical standpoint you are correct, most states do not make this distinction. While some do have "pedal assist" laws, most are only concerned with power/displacement and top speed as pedals don't really make much of a difference when it comes to handling and safety/crash survivability. Thus, <50cc scooters within certain (artificial) restrictions are often classified legally as mopeds, even without the pedals.

[princessdawn982]

May 15, 2010 19:50:04 GMT -5 apalms93 said:

In ct you just need a DL if its under 50cc's and doesn't go over 30 mph. If so then you need motorcycle endorcement insurance and reg. My scoot scoot goes about 43 but im not goin through all that crap just for a scooter.

Well that's strange. I live in CT and I called my local DMV before I got my scooter. They said I don't need a DL, or anything else as long as its not over 50cc. The whole reason I got a scooter was cause I don't have a DL and no way to learn to get one. Got the scooter in Nov. Riding it ever since with no problems from the cops or anything like that.

[tortoise]

Apr 15, 2011 17:29:05 GMT -5 princessdawn982 said:

I live in CT and I called my local DMV before I got my scooter. They said I don't need a DL, or anything else as long as its not over 50cc.

You were misinformed . . CT Motor Driven Cycles.

[D-cat]

I as well as many have discovered that the DMV often doesn't know how to deal with scooters, what definitions they fall under. Are you talking about a motorized skate board with a handle bar and a seat?.. "no you don't need a license for that...." Oh, moped... without the "ped"... they get confused and more often than not the wrong information gets to the driver. It even happened to me... and I read the law!; I asked the DMV to clarify something for me, and still got the wrong info. Then I asked the magic question, "does that mean my 14 yo daughter can drive it?" Two days later I suddenly got an apology, a back pedal, and a proper interpretation including a bit extra that was also in the back corner of my mind. Apparently a lot research went in to "cover our butt" mode.

Defining the vehicle properly seems to be the biggest hangup.

[chadcollings]

Idaho

Here is Idahos Requirements for an (M) endorsement


Motorcycle (M) Endorsements are required on any Class D or
Commercial Driver’s License when a motorcycle rider operates on
public roadways. A motorcycle is defined as a motor vehicle that has a
seat or saddle for the use of the rider and is designed to travel with not
more than three wheels in contact with the ground. Tractors and
mopeds are not classified as motorcycles. You must pass a written and
a skills test or successfully complete an approved motorcycle training
course before receiving a motorcycle endorsement. If you are
surrendering an out-of-state or foreign license that has a motorcycle
endorsement, you are still required to pass a written motorcycle
knowledge test. If your Idaho or out-of-state license has been expired
for one year or longer, you will also be required to take the skills test.
See the Motorcycle Operator’s Manual for more information about
this endorsement.

Definitions:
• “Motorcycle” [49-114(11)] every motor vehicle having a seat or saddle for
the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three (3) wheels in
contact with the ground, that meets the federal motor vehicle safety standards
(FMVSS) as originally designed, and includes a converted motorbike, but does
not include a motor-driven cycle, a motorbike, a tractor or a moped. Motor
cycles require a motorcycle endorsement.
• “Motorbike” [49-114(10) means a vehicle as defined in [67-7101(9)] –
means any self-propelled two (2) wheeled motorcycle or motor-driven cycle,
excluding tractor, designed for or capable of traveling off developed roadways
and highways and also referred to as trail bikes, enduro bikes, trials bikes,
motocross bikes or dual purpose motorcycles which are not originally
manufactured for use on public roadways. Such vehicle shall be titled and may
be approved for motorcycle registration, upon certification by the owner of the
installation and use of conversion components that make the motorbike
compliant with FMVSS. If converted, operation on public roads requires a
motorcycle endorsement.
• “Motor-Driven Cycle” [49-114(13)] means a cycle with a motor that
produces five (5) brake horsepower or less as originally manufactured that
meets federal motor vehicle safety standards as originally designed, and does
not include mopeds. Such vehicles shall be titled and a motorcycle
endorsement is required for its operation.
• “Motor Scooter” and “Scooter” - generic terms, not defined in the Idaho
traffic law manual, referring to a wide variety of motorized cycles and toys. A
two or three-wheeled vehicle of any size, manufactured for use on public
roadways and sold by a licensed dealer is probably a motorcycle. A vehicle with two or more wheels not manufactured for use on public roadways and sold
by retail variety stores is probably a toy.
• “Moped” 49-114(9) means a limited-speed motor-driven cycle having:
(a) Both motorized and pedal propulsion that is not capable of
propelling the vehicle at a speed in excess of thirty (30) miles per
hour on level ground, whether two (2) or three (3) wheels are in
contact with the ground during operation. If an internal
combustion engine is used, the displacement shall not exceed fifty
- (50) cubic centimeters and the moped shall have a power drive
system that functions directly or automatically without clutching
or shifting by the operator after the drive system is engaged; or
(b) Two (2) wheels or three (3) wheels with no pedals, which is
powered solely by electrical energy, has an automatic
transmission, a motor which produces less than two (2) gross
brake horsepower, is capable of propelling the device at a
maximum speed of not more than thirty (30) miles per hour on
level ground, and as originally manufactured, meets federal motor
vehicle safety standards* (FMVSS) for motor-driven cycles.
(*Vehicle must have FMVSS labeling certifying compliance with
these NHSTA requirements.) A moped is not required to be titled
and no motorcycle endorsement is required of its operator.
• “Segway” is considered an “Electric personal assistive mobility device”
[49-106(1)] - a self-balancing two (2) non-tandem wheeled device designed to
transport only one (1) person, with an electric propulsion system limiting the
maximum speed to fifteen (15) miles per hour or less.
• “Pedestrian” [49-117(5)] means any person afoot and any person operating
a wheelchair, motorized wheelchair or electric personal assistive mobility
device.
• “Motorized Toys” are not considered mopeds, and are not manufactured for
use on streets. Adding lights and a seat to any of these vehicles still does not
make them street legal. ITD policy prohibits the titling and registration of
vehicles not manufactured for use on highways, so these cannot legally be
operated on roadways.



Even with all that, they could not tell me at the DMV if my '88 jog which is 49cc and under 30 MPH needed an endorsement.

[princessdawn982]

Ah well. I havn't had any problems so far. There's no way im abanining my scooter cause I got the wrong info. There's no way I can get a dl cause I have no way of learning to drive a car.

[dkw12002]

In TEXAS, some 50cc can be licensed as mopeds, some can't. The Honda Metro is considered a moped, the Aprilia Sportcity one 50 is not. To some degree it is determined by the local dealer who fills out paperwork testifying that the scooter will no go over 30 mph. The DMV keeps a list (available online) of the approved list of mopeds. Some mopeds still do go over 30 mph though. A 15-year-old who passes a written moped test can get a moped license. Anyone with a drivers license can ride a moped too. The cost for registration and license is the same for all bikes though. Mopeds just get a little sticker added to the license plate. Above 50cc requires the M on your driver's license. In Texas, mopeds can use bike lanes.

[clumsylarry]

New Hampshire 50cc just a drivers license, and register with city and state as moped,anything over 50cc requires a motorcycle license.and of course register state and city

[dkw12002]

Mar 24, 2011 19:17:47 GMT -5 @jessegar said:

you guy's do realize that there is a difference between Mopeds and Scooters

Mopeds Most mopeds are from the 70's and 80's the bikes have pedals and that are used to start the engine and help assist up hills. In some states the laws are different that scooters.

Scooters are what you guy's ride here. small wheel with the engine attached to the swingarm. step thru, with floor boards.

[dkw12002]

Yes, Jesseger, scooters are not synonymous with mopeds, but states refer to any small motorized vehicle as a moped and they have moped laws. It's part of the lexicon at this point and is not going to change. The shape and design of the vehicle does not matter to the state. It could even have 3 or 4 wheels instead of 2 and could still be a moped in legal terms. People who object to this designation are usually people who have spent a lot of time and money finding and restoring those old classic mopeds. That objection though is like saying Puffs are not Kleenex cause Kleenex is a brand name and you must call Puffs something else like facial tissues. Moped has come to mean any small motorized bike of 50 cc or less. You can still step through some of the classic mopeds though and some modern moped-looking vehicles don't have pedals any more. You just have to ask.

[D-cat]

Apr 19, 2011 11:36:16 GMT -5 clumsylarry said:

New Hampshire 50cc just a drivers license, and register with city and state as moped,anything over 50cc requires a motorcycle license.and of course register state and city

See my posts on the previous page, the definition of a moped in NH is more involved than that.
Under 50cc
Under 30mph limit
Under 2.2 BHP.

If it is between 2.3 and 5hp or can do up to 40 mph (even at 50cc), it's a "Motor Driven Cycle" which requires a motorcycle endorsement (with restriction). Anything above that requires a motorcycle license - no restrictions.

[godfella691981]

In Indiana technically they consider a moped anything with under 2.0 hp and 49cc, and it has to go 25mph or less on a flat road. (petal style mopeds or yamaha razz/honda spree)

If its more than 2.0hp and 49cc(all of the chineese scoots are) then it is considered a scooter and you are technically supposed to have a License with moto endorsement and plates and insurance.

But there are over 50 running around my town and the cops don't say a word about it...BUT once your in an accident then they sight you for driving with no endorsement/no financial responsibility/no plates...and if you do not have a license they hit you with driving while suspended.

So if your a habitual traffic offender (which means more than 10 convictions in 10 years in Indiana) then your going to jail and charged with a D felony plus the tickets, and in Indiana a D felony is punishible from 6 months up to 1 1/2 years in prison and they can add 1 1/2 years for aggrivating circumstances.

[damageplan67]

I live in Ohio and mopeds don't need a title or a motorcycle indorsment but scooters do even, 50cc yes 50cc and up needs a cycle license.I have to get one then get my first scooter and thanks to reading this forum I will be getting a good chinese scooter either Roketta,BMS,Znen,CFMoto from a dealer or if I buy online will be from a dealer with adds on here that are reputable.Anyone with any suggestions is apreciated want one like a Vespa or a touring scooter 150-250cc although to see how I like it a 50cc to start on.I'm old to 44 .

[auxcom]

In FL you need to have a regualr drivers lic. and insurance and get issued a tag.

[allsportsny]

This is a question I have had in the back of my head for a while now. I live in CT and the law is something along the lines of under 5 hp, a seat height minimum requirement and possibly <30mph, I don't remember exactly. The state requires no registration and will not register if you try. Now if I want to take my moped out of state, say to Block Island, RI, what do I have to do to remain legal to be on the road? Has anyone come across this issue?

Thanks

[tortoise]

Jun 5, 2011 11:48:11 GMT -5 allsportsny said:

live in CT . . requires no registration . . if I want to take my moped out of state, . . what do I have to do to remain legal to be on the road?

Most states have vehicle registration (or lack thereof) reciprocity, but you could be cited for non-compliance of "states rights" issues . . such as helmet requirements, traveling in bicycle lanes, or financial responsibility (insurance). Include Foremost in your research.

[mainepeace]

I wouldn't tend to agree with the registration issue. If you live in a state that doesn't require registration and you ride in to a state that does require registration, if you get a bored cop you might get a ticket for riding without registration, regardless of where you reside. You can try to fight that but you'll probably lose, since many of those statutes don't care where you "reside" just where you "ride". The reciprocity is generally for automobiles and doesn't extend to "lesser" motor vehicles. Of course you might never be pulled over, or if you are pulled over the cop might not say anything.

Greg

[D-cat]

Well, there is a certain reciprocity that supposedly extends to all vehicles that says something to the effect of if you are properly licensed to drive a vehicle as it is registered in your home state then you can ride it there. This is an interesting catch though where if the vehicle isn't registered in any state, then how will it apply? Anybody know a state officer that isn't too busy to answer this inquiry?

[partypat]

Illinois:

valid DL
Special plate
insurance
49 CC and under

and protective glasses (but no helmet)

[saberkong]

indiana...no licence...but under 50cc needs to be registered with the police and plated with a plastic plate....it has to pass an inspection....and have papers stating it is capable of only 25mph.....in richmond in. if im caught over 25mph....its like im speeding in a car and i get a ticket....125.00.....its crazy....im more dangerous at 25 than at 35....slow traffic and im always being tailgated..

[ssj4goko4]

in ky any 50cc that goes 35 and less only need a standerd liance no insurance etc. if you do not have a liance you can get a restrected one just for mopeds like if your to young for a liance.

anything that can go past 35mph regardless of displacment is classfyed as a motercycle. alot of kids got tickets this year on suped up 50ccs that where hitting 55 and thought it was ok its not heh.

[Lava whale]

florida is great for scooters but it cost me 60 bucks for the tag on my 50cc not to mention the 110 dollars it took to register it...

[Pony66]

COLORADO HB09-1026 Takes effect 7/1/2011

Here are some clips from the Associated Press article.
"49cc & 50cc mopeds and scooters statewide in Colorado must now carry liability insurance with the final provisions of HB09-1026 coming into effect. Proof of liability insurance can be demonstrated with a motor vehicle insurance policy or a certificate of self-insurance in full-force and effect in Colorado. More information can be found in Section 27, 42-3-105 and Section 60, 42-4-1409 of the new Colorado Revised Statutes.
HB09-1026 enacted several other minor changes for 49cc & 50cc mopeds and scooters in Colorado. These scooters and moped are no longer classified as motorized bicycles. They are now called low power scooters.
The registration fee with the Colorado Department of Revenue was raised from $5.25 to $5.75 for 49cc & 50cc mopeds and scooters in Colorado. The registration is still good for 3 years. Find the registration form at the State of Colorado website.
According to Section 54, 42-4-1101 of Colorado Revised Statutes low power scooters are not to be driven 'at a speed in excess of forty miles per hour' on a roadway."
30MPH limit raised to 40MPH

This is still the same
"Operators must still have a driver's license, they can be ridden in bike lanes, they can't be ridden on sidewalks, and they are allowed on interstates that allow bicycles to be ridden on them.
49cc & 50cc moped and scooter riders in Colorado are still required to wear eye protection. Operators and passengers under eighteen must also wear motorcycle helmets."