Scooters, Mopeds, Etc... in New Hampshire

What is this thing, and do I need a license to ride it?

Some vehicles, such as mopeds, scooters, and motorized bicycles, aren’t easy for us to define. Fortunately, the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has laid out clear guidelines to categorize these less-than-conventional vehicles and get you the proper credentials to drive them.

If you’re unsure whether your vehicle fits the criteria for any of the vehicles outlined below, contact your local DMV office with specific questions.

New Hampshire Mopeds

New Hampshire defines a moped as a vehicle that DOES NOT:

  • Have a motor with higher than 2 HP.
  • Require manual gear shifting.
  • Travel more than 30 MPH on flat ground.
  • Have an engine bigger than 50 CCs.

If you already have any class of driver’s license, you’re legally allowed to operate a moped. If you don’t have a license, you’ll need to get at least a moped license, which we’ve outlined for you below.

You will also need to register your moped at your local NH DMV office—NOT a city/town office. Contact them for information about specific fees and registration requirements.

Moped Licenses in New Hampshire

If you don’t already have another class of license (e.g., a standard NH driver’s license), you’ll need to get a moped license to drive a moped in New Hampshire.

Have a licensed driver take you to your local DMV office and:

NH Motor-Driven Cycles

The New Hampshire DMV uses the term “motor-driven cycle” in reference to:

  • Motor scooters*.
  • Motorized bicycles.
  • Mopeds that DO NOT the criteria outlined above.
  • Small motorcycles (up to 5 horsepower).

To use a vehicle like this in New Hampshire, you need a motor-driven cycle license. For info on registering your vehicle, please contact your local DMV office or the main NH Registration office at (603) 227-4030.

*NOTE: Some cities (such as Manchester, for example) have special rules and regulations that apply to motorized scooters. Please contact a local law enforcement agency with any questions.

Licensing for NH Motor-Driven Cycles

To get your motor-driven cycle license, visit your local DMV office with:

Be prepared to take any of the following tests, as well:

  • Knowledge exam.
  • Eyesight test.
  • Driving test.

Motor-Driven Scooters in NH

Motorized scooters are NOT considered motor vehicles by New Hampshire law. However, cities and counties may have their own rules and restrictions pertaining to these vehicles sometimes known as:

  • Motorized skateboards.
  • Go-Peds.
  • Motor scooters.

FOR EXAMPLE:

The city of Manchester prohibits people under 16 years old from riding a motor-driven scooter, and requires that eligible riders:

  • Apply for an appropriate driver’s license, by:
    • Submitting a completed application to the chief of police.
      • Your local law enforcement office will have this application.
    • Paying a $5 license fee.
  • Register your vehicle with the DMV.

Because there is so much ambiguity surrounding these vehicles, you should check with local law enforcement to SEE IF:

  • Your vehicle is legal to ride, and where you’re allowed to ride it.
  • You need any of the following:
    • A specific license.
    • A title and registration for your vehicle.

New Hampshire 3-Wheeled Motorcycles

If you have a motorcycle with 3 wheels, you’ll need a motorcycle license or permit to ride in New Hampshire. However, IF you take your road test on a motorcycle with 3 wheels, you will NOT be licensed to drive a motorcycle that has 2 wheels.

Jump to our page on motorcycle licensing in New Hampshire for a guide on getting your motorcycle license in the Granite State.

Forms

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Application for Drivers License or Non-Driver ID Card
Apply for an original, renewal, OR duplicate NH driver's license, identification card, motorcycle endorsement, OR limited privilege license.
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