Scooters, Mopeds, Etc... in Delaware

Depending on the kind of motor-driven cycle you have, you may need a license, title, and registration—or you might not. Let’s find out how Delaware defines mopeds, tripeds, scooters, and other motor-driven cycles and determine whether you need to make a trip to the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to keep up with the state’s regulations.

Delaware Mopeds & Tripeds

In Delaware, mopeds and tri-peds are similar in design, and defined by the DMV as follows:

  • Mopeds are pedal AND non-pedal bicycles that have:
    • 2 wheels in tandem, either of which are at least 10 inches in diameter.
    • An internal combustion motor with an engine displacement of fewer than 55 cc OR an electric motor rated between 751 and 2000 watts.
  • Tripeds are pedal AND non-pedal cycles with:
    • 3 wheels, any of which measure at least 10 inches in diameter.
    • An electric motor rated between 751 and 2000 watts OR an internal combustion motor with a maximum piston displacement under 55 cc.

Whether you’re an adult or teen driver, you need a basic driver’s license to operate a moped or triped on Delaware’s public roadways.

Mopeds and tripeds also require titling and registration, but are exempt from the state’s safety inspections and liability insurance requirement.

When it comes to moped and triped rules of the road, keep in mind:

  • Your moped or triped must have lights on the front and back and a bell or other sound device that is audible for a distance of at least 100 feet.
  • You CANNOT operate your moped or triped on:
    • Interstates or limited-access highways.
    • The right-of-way of operating railroads.
    • Bike paths UNLESS you turn off the motor.
  • Delaware recommends you wear a safety helmet and proper clothing—such as clothes that will protect your skin if you crash and make you more visible to other drivers and pedestrians.

DE Motorized Skateboards & Scooters

In Delaware, a motorized skateboard or scooter is any motor-driven cycle that:

  • Travels on at least 2 wheels.
  • Has a deck or chassis close to the ground.
  • Has handlebars or a hand-controlled throttle or brake.
  • Is designed for you (the operator) to stand or sit.
  • Has a motor that is capable of propelling the vehicle without human assistance.

Motorized skateboards and scooters ARE NOT motor-driven cycles and don’t fall into categories like motorcycles, mopeds or tripeds, off-highway vehicles (OHV), or electric personal assistive mobility devices (EPAMD).

These vehicles cannot be registered in Delaware.

Minibikes in Delaware

A minibike in DE is any motor-driven cycle that meets ANY of the following criteria:

  • Has a wheel rim size of fewer than 10 inches.
  • Is fewer than 40 inches long from hub to hub.
  • Has an engine displacement of fewer than 45 cc.
  • Has a seat fewer than 25 inches from the ground.

Minibikes cannot be registered in Delaware.

DMV.ORG BBB Business Review