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New York State's Vehicle and Traffic Law defines a limited use motorcycle as a "low-speed vehicle with two or three wheels." Under this interpretation mopeds and scooters are considered limited use motorcycles which means they must adhere to motorcycle registration and licensing laws.
Mopeds and Scooters
Even though non-owners may not treat mopeds and scooters as serious bikes, the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (MVD) treats them very seriously. Mopeds and scooters, just like motorcycles, require full registration and a driver's license to operate.
To register you must visit a DMV office and bring:
- A completed Vehicle Registration/Title Application.
- A completed Statement of Transaction for Sales Tax, or proof of being tax exempt, or proof of having paid the sales tax.
- Proof of ownership. A Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO), a bill of sale, or a previous registration that was transferred over to you will suffice as rock-solid proof.
- Cash, check, or credit card to pay all applicable fees.
Moped and Scooter Classifications
The DMV divides mopeds and scooters into three classifications (A, B, and C) based on top speed. Each class comes with specific requirements and restrictions.
Class A reaches top speeds between 30 and 40 mph, requires a class M/MJ license, and can operate in any traffic lane.
Class B reaches top speeds between 20 and 30 mph, does not require a specific license, and can only operate in either the right hand lane or along the shoulder.
Class C reaches top speeds of 20 mph or less, does not require a specific license, and can only operate in either the right hand lane or along the shoulder.
Other Bikes
The good news is that go-karts, mini-bikes, dirt bikes, and motor-assisted bicycles do not have to be registered. But the bad news is that none of these contraptions can operate on any public street, highway, sidewalk, or parking lot.
