Scooter & Moped class Laws in 48 states

Pappy · May 1, 2009

Pappy · May 1, 2009

racing fan · Apr 17, 2011

in MI law does a motor on a bike make it a moped?

MTB Moto · Dec 23, 2011

Here's a quicky on the Pa rules:

"Motorized pedalcycle." A motor-driven cycle equipped with
operable pedals, a motor rated no more than 1.5 brake
horsepower, a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cubic
centimeters, an automatic transmission, and a maximum design
speed of no more than 25 miles per hour or an electric motor-
driven cycle equipped with operable pedals and an automatic
transmission powered by an electric battery or battery pack-
powered electric motor with a maximum design speed of no more
than 25 miles per hour.

Kiwegapawa · Mar 10, 2012

Just a heads up. 50 cubic centimeters is 3.051187205 Cubic inches. That the size of a 1/25th or there about Cox engine on a modeler plane or car. Even the smalliest 2-stroke is what, Ten times the size of that at the bare minimum. Cubic, pointing out the depth also, not the surface area.
.shft.

wayne z · Mar 10, 2012

::::""""''

Kiwegapawa · Mar 11, 2012

wayne z Re: Scooter & Moped class Laws in 48 states

??? I don't understand this post. What's ten times the size of what at the bare minimun of what? Who'se pointing out the the depth(do you mean stroke) I've never heard of any restrictons on stroke or bore either.

Speaking of the difference in cylinder size. Where 50cm = 3.051187205 Cubic inches is some what equal to a Cox engine. And yet the smallest 2-cycle is about 10 times larger in cylinder size, than a Cox engine. The point of Volume is what Cubic refers to. I havn't heard of it refered to this way either. Just those points in CC's or Horsepower. Nor the point of braking power. Besides, if my brakes won't stop me, time to buy new calipers, pads or discs! I have an adverse reaction to not being able to stop when I need to, LoL!

Funny how they changed all the links just before they pulled the rug off from under us in New York state. They are easy to refind them. But when they pullo the rug from under people through means unapproved by their own by-laws. That is the extent the go to to cover their tracks. Well tomarrow is Monday, and I will be digging back to the point of what legislators brought this about.
.shft.

JmE · Aug 30, 2012

The Ohio general statutes link is outdated.

Ohio Revised Code
Ohio Administrative Code
Chapter 4501-23 Motorized Bicycles-Equipment and Testing

The BMV site makes it sound like ONLY the approved list can be operated in Ohio, however, 4501-23-19 Assembly by person other than manufacturer states that:

Nothing in these rules and regulations shall prohibit a person other than a manufacturer from constructing, assembling, or equipping a vehicle so as to conform to the specifications of a motorized bicycle. Such person shall, however, comply with all of the rules contained in Chapter 4501-23 of the Administrative Code to the same extent as is necessary of a manufacturer.

But I haven't used/tested that yet. If I ever do, I'll update.

goofyfoot2001 · Aug 30, 2012

In South Carolina as long as you stay off the interstate you can ride most anything. No inspections either which is awesome. We give a hoot but have the freedom to pollute.

Wickedest1 · Nov 7, 2012

http://www.ct.gov/dmv/cwp/view.asp?a=803&q=244576

ok so after 2 long hours of reading i just finished connecticuts laws on motor driven cycles...needs at least a seat height of 26 inches, you must have a valid drivers license, head protection(minimum glasses), and a light on front and a reflector on the rear, no sidewalk driving, no interstates, and you must ride as close to the shoulder on the right side of the road, unless there are obstructions, turns signaled by hand motions...other than that there are no time restrictions as to when you can and cannot ride...the link in this message will take you to the main page to read the laws yourself...if you want .sno.

Kodaxx · Mar 29, 2013

After about 2 hours, I have Wyoming's state laws down if this helps anybody.

§ 31-1-101. Definitions.
(a) Except as otherwise provided, as used in this act:
(xv) "Motor vehicle" means every vehicle which is self-propelled except vehicles moved solely by human power or motorized skateboards. The term includes the following vehicles as hereafter defined:
(C) "Moped" means a vehicle equipped with two (2) or three (3) wheels, foot pedals to permit muscular propulsion by human power, an automatic transmission and a motor with cylinder capacity not exceeding fifty (50) cubic centimeters producing no more than two (2) brake horsepower, which motor is capable of propelling the vehicle at a maximum speed of no more than thirty (30) miles per hour on a level road surface;

Therefore, W.S. 31-1-101(a)(xv)(C) defines this vehicle as a "Moped"

§ 31-2-224. Registration exemptions.
(a) The following vehicles are exempt from the provisions of this article:
(viii) Mopeds

Therefore, W.S. 31-2-224(a)(viii) exempts this vehicle from registration

§ 31-4-103. Failure to maintain liability coverage; penalties; exceptions.
(a) No owner of a motor vehicle CURRENTLY REQUIRED TO BE REGISTERED or which is required to be registered within a period of time, shall operate or permit the operation of his motor vehicle without having in full force and effect a motor vehicle liability policy in amounts provided by W.S. 31-9-405(b) or a bond in amounts provided by W.S. 31-9-102(a)(xi).

Therefore, W.S. 31-4-103(a) exempts this vehicle from all state required insurance coverage

§ 31-7-106. License required; limited to one license.
(a) No person, unless exempt under this act shall drive, steer or exercise any degree of physical control of any motor vehicle or a vehicle being towed by a motor vehicle upon a highway in this state unless the person has been issued a driver's license for the class and type and applicable endorsements valid for the motor vehicle being driven.

Therefore, W.S. 31-7-106(a) requires this vehicle to be operated only by a person with a valid driver's license

§ 31-7-109. Classes of licenses.
(f) Any person licensed to drive any class of vehicle pursuant to this section may also drive a moped, multipurpose vehicle or an off-road recreational vehicle as defined in W.S. 31-1-101(a)(xv)(K), upon public streets or highways pursuant to W.S. 31-5-124.

Therefore, W.S. 31-7-109(f) allows any class of license holder to operate this vehicle upon public streets or highways

So according to these Wyo. Stat., a person riding a motorized bicycle with an engine of 50cc or less, with no more than 2 brake horsepower, going a maximum speed of 30mph on level ground is classified as a Moped, is exempt from registration, is exempt from insurance requirements, but must possess a valid driver's license of any class to operate on public streets or highways within the state of Wyoming.

D Pope · Jun 28, 2013

If anyone wants the word on Missouri State Law

www.moga.state.mo.us ([no host IP available])
www.dor.state.mo.us ([no host IP available])
www.moga.state.mo.us ([no host IP available])

http://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/MSHPWeb/Root/mopedsAndScooters.html
Not a bad read, Mo Troopers have basically outlined it for you.
The high points;
A motorized bicycle is defined as any two-wheeled or three-wheeled device having an automatic transmission and a motor with cylinder capacity of not more than 50 cubic centimeters, which produces less than three gross brake horsepower, and is capable of propelling the device at a maximum speed of not more than 30 mph on level ground.
Missouri law states that motorized bicycles, commonly referred to as scooters, can be operated on public streets and highways if the driver holds a valid license.

http://www.modot.org/othertransportation/bike_ped/documents/MO_bikelaw_120505_000.pdf
Adding a little to the Troopers statement;
No person shall ride a motorized bicycle upon a sidewalk.
A motorized bicycle shall be considered a motor vehicle for purposes of any homeowners- or renters- insurance policy.

http://www.dmv.org/mo-missouri/other-types.php
Finally;
Scooters and mopeds, if they fall under the category of "motorized bicycle," don't have to be registered.
If your scooter can travel more than 30 miles per hour or has a cylinder capacity of more than 50 ccs must be registered as a motorcycle, and requires a motorcycle license.

vadien · Jun 1, 2014

Trying to get a 48/66cc kit engine on a Wal-mart cruiser registered in NH, looks like we have to have a salvage/home-built vehicle VIN granted to us by a state trooper after inspection. Also need a statement of construction, meaning receipts for parts, etc.

Inspections are done weekly/bi-weekly at several locations around the state and cost $30. Once you have your VIN and proof of ownership, it's $3 to register and get plates if it's under 2hp, 50cc, and 30mph. To ride you need a regular driver's license, no helmet laws as par our motto, "Live Free and Die"

I'm going to have to get better brakes before I let a state trooper anywhere near this thing... Currently have a rear coaster/drum and front caliper.

Hope the info helps.

goofyfoot2001 · Jun 6, 2014

That's just sad. You people need to wake up and stop voting liberal nannies into office.

Rump Rocket · Jun 6, 2014

goofyfoot2001 said:
That's just sad. You people need to wake up and stop voting liberal nannies into office.

I come here to learn about motorizing bikes not to read political postings.

goofyfoot2001 · Jun 6, 2014

Rump Rocket said:
I come here to learn about motorizing bikes not to read political postings.

This is all about motorized bikes. They are a giant grey area in the nanny state states. There is no grey area here in South Carolina. If it's 50cc, you don't do anything with the state. No inspections, nada. So all I'm saying is you reap what you sew. In motorized bicycling, that can mean the difference between riding and waiting for mother russia to say it's ok to ride.

Sidewinder Jerry · Jun 6, 2014

I'm from South Carolina and I do know SC law. They do require a moped tag and moped license. If your driver's license has been suspended for 6 months or less you don't need the moped license. Although these laws are rarely enforced in SC. However your bike must comply with SC moped regulations. Under 50 cc, automatic transmission, no manual clutching or manual shifting of engine driven gears.

Rump Rocket · Jun 6, 2014

goofyfoot2001 said:
This is all about motorized bikes. They are a giant grey area in the nanny state states. There is no grey area here in South Carolina. If it's 50cc, you don't do anything with the state. No inspections, nada. So all I'm saying is you reap what you sew. In motorized bicycling, that can mean the difference between riding and waiting for mother russia to say it's ok to ride.

I don't want hear or read your spew understand....The Web has plenty of sites for you to go to for posting it....Once again this is about Motorizing Bikes....

Sidewinder Jerry · Jun 6, 2014

Although politics can play a role in what laws get passed. This section is more about what current laws exist in certain places. If one is going to discuss the law of a certain area then be prepared to summit statutes and other documents to back up what you're saying.

What the legal section should be about is the correct procedure, laws, guidelines and forms that are required for a build to be ridden legally in a certain area.

worksmanFL · Jun 6, 2014

Florida Legal as of 05/12/2014
http://www3.flhsmv.gov/dmv/Proc/RS/RS-68.pdf

Registration and Inspection Required

Scooter & Moped class Laws in 48 states

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