Scooters, Mopeds, Etc... in Kentucky

Kentucky defines many motor-driven cycles as mopeds—and implements both moped license and registration requirements. With this guide, we’ll teach you all the preliminary steps you need to take before hitting the road on your moped.

What Are Mopeds in KY?

In Kentucky, mopeds are motor-driven cycles with or without pedals that have:

  • An engine with no more than 2 brake horsepower.
  • A cylinder capacity of 50 CCs or less.
  • Automatic transmission that doesn’t require shifting or clutching once engaged.
  • Can’t operate faster than 30 MPH.

If your vehicle doesn’t meet the above criteria and is not a motorcycle, it may fall under another class of motor-driven cycle that cannot be driven on public roadways.

In Kentucky, you are NOT required to register your moped. You do, however, need specific credentials to operate a moped. We’ll go over those next.

Getting a KY Moped License

You must be at least 16 years old to operate a moped in Kentucky.

You can legally ride a moped if you already have a valid Kentucky:

  • Standard learner’s permit or driver’s license.
  • Motorcycle permit or license.
  • Commercial learner’s permit or driver’s license.

If you don’t have any of the above credentials, you can apply for a Class E Moped License by heading to your circuit court clerk’s office, where you’ll need to:

  • Submit:
    • A moped license application (available at the circuit court clerk’s office).
      • If you’re younger than 18 years old, a parent or guardian must come with you to sign the application.
    • Proof of your KY residency.
    • Your birth certificate.
    • Your Social Security card (cannot be laminated).
    • Payment for the applicable moped license fees—call the circuit court clerk’s office ahead of time to find out how much you’ll owe.
  • Pass the general knowledge and vision tests.

Once you have your moped license, review the Kentucky Motorcycle Manual for tips and skills to keep you safe on the road.

NOTE: If you decide to apply for a regular driver’s license, motorcycle license, or commercial driver’s license later on, you must surrender the moped license to your county clerk’s office after obtaining your other permit or license.

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