Scooters, Mopeds, Etc... in Kansas

Not quite a motorcycle, but definitely not a regular bicycle? Keep reading to find out whether you have a scooter, moped, or motorized bike and what the Kansas Division of Vehicles (DOV) requires in terms of licensing and registration.

Motor-Driven Cycles in Kansas

In Kansas, motor-driven cycles are motorcycles and motor scooters with motors that do NOT exceed 5 brake HP.

Motor-driven cycles have more power than mopeds and motorized bikes; as such, the KS DOV tends to treat them like motorcycles in terms of license and registration requirements.

KS Mopeds & Motorized Bicycles

A moped, also called a motorized bicycle, is a motor vehicle that has:

• 2 or 3 wheels.
• The ability to be propelled by human propulsion, a helper motor, or both.
• A motor that doesn’t exceed 3.5 brake HP.
• An engine displacement of 130 CC or less.
• An automatic transmission.
• The ability to operate no faster than 30 MPH.

If your cycle MEETS these criteria, you must take it to your local county treasurer’s office where a DOV agent will confirm that it’s a moped and help you register it.

If you’re unsure about the type of vehicle you have, your best bet is to head to your county treasurer’s office where a Division of Vehicles agent will help identify whether you have a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or moped.

Kansas Moped Licenses

Generally, if you already have a valid driver’s license, you can operate a moped (also called motorized bicycle) in Kansas.

If you don’t currently have a driver’s license but are at least 15 years old, you can apply for a moped license by heading to the nearest driver licensing office and:

• Providing:
  • Acceptable documents as proof of your U.S. citizenship, Social Security number, parental consent (if applicable), and Kansas residency.
  • The applicable fees—call the driver’s license office ahead of time for the specific amount you’ll owe.
• Passing a vision and written knowledge test.
  • You’ll need to pass the written test for a standard KS driver’s permit.

Once everything’s approved, you’ll receive a Class C license indicating that you’re ONLY eligible to operate mopeds. If you’re younger than 18 years old you MUST wear a helmet while riding your moped.

NOTE THAT the DOV will NOT issue you a moped license if you have a driver’s license that is:

• Currently suspended for a DUI conviction or failed sobriety test while operating a commercial vehicle.
• Revoked because any of the following occurred in the previous 5 years:
  • You failed or refused a drug test.
  • You were convicted of DUI (alcohol or drug related).
  • You were convicted of evading law enforcement.