Scooters, Mopeds, Etc... in Maine

Maine is straightforward with its definitions of motor scooters and mopeds as well as the license and registration requirements for each. Keep reading for information on your cycle’s category and whether you need to obtain a license and register your bike with the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).

Motorized Scooters in ME

Maine defines a motor scooter as a vehicle with the following:

  • Either 2 or 3 wheels that are fewer than 10 inches in diameter.
  • A gas-powered motor less than 25 CCs OR an electric motor up to 750 watts.

You can operate a motorized scooter with any class of driver’s license, permit, or endorsement and do NOT have to register it. 

Motorized Scooter Safety Laws .

You must follow Maine’s safety laws and riding rules for motor scooters, which means:

  • You must always ride to the furthest right side of the road (like a bicycle) unless you’re passing another motorist or making a left turn.
  • You CANNOT go faster than 20 MPH.
  • When riding your scooter at night, it must be equipped with:
    • A front light that omits white light visible from at least 200 feet away.
    • A back light or reflector that omits red or amber light visible for at least 200 feet behind your scooter. Reflectors on the pedals

Mopeds in Maine

In Maine, a moped is a vehicle that has the following:

  • Either 2 or 3 wheels with diameters of 10 inches or more.
  • A gas-powered motor of no more than 50 CCs OR an electric motor up to 1,500 watts.
  • An automatic power drive system (i.e. doesn’t require shifting or clutching).

You MUST register your moped for use on public roads following a similar process to ME motorcycle registration, however you do NOT need to have it inspected.

Moped Credentials

You can drive a moped with any class of operator’s license.

If you don’t already have driving credentials, you can apply for a moped license. To do so, you must:

  • Be at least 16 years old.
  • Submit a completed Motorcycle or Moped Application (Form MVE-64M).
  • Make payment with check or money order made payable to “Secretary of State” for the $35 written test fee either:

You can submit the above In person at your local BMV office branch, or by mail to:

Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Examination Section
State House Station 29
Augusta, ME 04333

You’ll need to pass a written exam specific to moped and motorcycle operation to receive a moped permit—study for the test by going through Maine’s motorcycle manual.

Then, you may need to pass an on-road skills exam to receive your actual moped license—call the BMV’s licensing number at (207) 624-9000 extension 52114 or by email at license.bmv@maine.gov for more information.

Forms

MVE-64M
Motorcycle or Moped License Application
Apply for a motorcycle OR moped license with the ME BMV.
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