Scooters, Mopeds, Etc... in Idaho
You know it’s not quite a motorcycle, but…what is it? A motorbike? Moped? Autocycle?
The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has definitions and specific requirements for all types of not-quite-motorcycles, which we’ll take you through on this page.
Motorbikes in Idaho
A motorbike is any self-propelled (i.e. it has a motor; you don’t pedal it) motorcycle or motor-driven cycle with 2 wheels that’s designed to travel off developed roads and highways. Depending on the vehicle, a motorbike might be called a trailbike, motocross bike, dual purpose motorcycle, or other similar name.
Idaho motorbike title, registration, and license or endorsement requirements depend on the vehicle’s engine displacement and whether you’ve altered the motorbike so you can operate it on public roads and highways; if your motorbike’s engine displacement is:
- 50 cc or more, you must:
- Title the motorbike but are NOT required to register it.
- Have a driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement if you’ve converted the motorbike for public road use.
- Fewer than 50 cc, you:
- DO NOT need to title or register the motorbike.
- Need a driver’s license and motorcycle endorsement if you’ve altered the motorbike so you can drive it on public roads.
If you’re under 18 years old, you must wear a helmet while riding a motorbike, regardless of whether you’re the driver or passenger.
Motor-Driven Cycles in ID
A motor-driven cycle is a cycle with a motor that produces no more than 5 brake horsepower (excluding mopeds).
To operate a motor-driven cycle in Idaho, you MUST:
- Title and register it with the Idaho DMV.
- Hold a valid basic driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement.
Idaho Mopeds
In Idaho, mopeds are defined in a couple of different ways.
For one, a moped can be a motor-driven cycle that has:
- Both motorized and pedal propulsion capabilities.
- The ability to travel no faster than 30 mph on level ground.
- 2 wheels or 3 wheels in contact with the ground while operating.
- An engine displacement of no more than 50 cc.
- A power drive system that operates without shifting or clutching once engaged.
A moped is also defined as a motor-driven cycle with:
- No pedals—powered only by electric energy.
- 2 wheels or 3 wheels in contact with the ground while operating.
- An automatic transmission.
- A motor that produces fewer than 2 gross brake horsepower.
- The ability to travel no faster than 30 mph on level ground.
If your moped meets either of the above criteria, you don’t need to title or register it. However, you do need a driver’s license and motorcycle endorsement to operate one.
Autocycles
An autocycle in Idaho is a motor vehicle that:
- Travels on no more than 3 wheels.
- Has a steering wheel.
- Has seating you don’t have to straddle.
You must title and register your autocycle and have a driver’s license to operate it—you DO NOT need a motorcycle endorsement.
Scooters & Motorized Toys
Idaho considers terms like scooters and motor scooters to be generic terms and lumps them into a motorized toy category.
When you have a vehicle that doesn’t meet the criteria of any of the above-described cycles—and isn’t a motorcycle—then you probably have a motorized toy that’s not manufactured for operating on public roads. Because you can’t legally drive these on public roads, the ID DMV doesn’t require you to title or register them and you don’t need any kind of driver’s license to operate one.
If you’re unsure about the type of vehicle you have, contact the Idaho DMV.