Top Who Needs a Motorcycle License?

If your vehicle has:

• A motor with an engine displacement of more than 40 cubic centimeters

• Two wheels

and you want to drive it on public roads, you'll need a motorcycle license. This includes scooters (like Vespas) and mopeds (even if it has pedals for human propulsion).

Title & Registration

You must title and register your two-wheeled, motor-driven vehicle, if you plan to take it out on public roads.

Helmets

Riders under the age of 18 must wear helmets. Of course, to prevent your head from splattering like an old Halloween pumpkin all over the road, it's highly recommended that you wear one, no matter how old you are.

Top Motor-Assisted Scooters

Motor-assisted scooters are usually used by teens and children. Rules are a bit different for these. The state defines a motor-assisted scooter as a self-propelled vehicle that has:

• At least two wheels on the ground

• A braking system

• A maximum engine displacement of 40 cubic centimeters

• Either a deck designed to stand on, or a seat designed for a person to sit, straddle, or stand on while operating the vehicle

• Been designed to be capable of being propelled by human power alone

You don't need a motorcycle license to operate a motor-assisted scooter, but you're limited to driving on roads with a maximum speed of 25 mph. All riders under 18 must wear a helmet.

You don't need to register or title these scooters.

Minors

If you're under 15 and driving while using the motor, you must be under the "direct supervision" of your parent or legal guardian. What does that mean? It's defined as overseeing the rider at a distance at which contact is maintained and advice and assistance can be given and received.

If you're under eight, you can't ride your scooter while using the motor on any public property, highway, path, or sidewalk.

County Rules

In addition, each county may have its own additional rules regarding these vehicles, so it wouldn't hurt to check with local law enforcement before taking it out on the road.

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