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AlabamaAlabama - researched by SherryB
I got this reply from an email query to the Alabama Department of Public Safety (9/20/99):"I hope the following information will be helpful. A motorcycle license is required to drive a moped. Contact the probate office to register and get plates for the moped. Interstate highways are the only prohibited area for operation. Insurance is required effective June 2000. A motorcycle helmet is required. If you have proper lighting, night driving is permitted."
Additional info: Alabama requires a title, registration, and a license plate. Registering a moped from a non-title state is a real pain, it has taken us 2 trips to the County Courthouse already. Our particular county (Lauderdale) is requiring a signed, dated, and notorized document on letterhead from the previous owner's county courthouse stating that mopeds are a non-titled object in that state. The previous owner is not willing to wait in line at their courthouse for such a document, so we are hoping that a faxed non-notarized document on letterhead will work.
Motorcycle licenses can be issued at age 15 in Alabama.
SherryB
http://home.hiwaay.net/~bayless/
More on Alabama - sent by D. Eugene Davis
In State of Alabama, mopeds are classed as motorcycles, thus motorcycle license is needed to operate one. Standard operator's license is NOT sufficient.Titles NOT required for any vehicle pre-1975. Otherwise, switching of title is 18 dollars. Also, a sales tax of 3.75% is levied unless one can offer proof of tax payment on bill of sale. Motorcycle plates are about 11 dollars.
Insurance is needed effective 6/2000. I estimate 10 to 20 dollars per month.
Arizona - researched by PryBen@aol.com
After almost a month of hassle with the state of arizona concerning licencing and registration of mopeds - here is what I found -Mopeds are any bike with a helper motor of 50cc or less, 1.5 braking hp, and no speed faster than 25 mph. To lisence a moped you need only a bill of sale. A lot of mopeds were incorectly titled as motorcycles, so if you need to change the "title" over, have a class 1 inspection done to verify it is a moped, then take the paperwork to the DMV to have the title destroyed, and a registration issued.
Registration is $5.00 + $4.50 for tax. Registration for all mopeds expires on Oct 31 of every year. Insurance is required. To drive a moped you need only a valid drivers lisence (dunno about permits) and moped restriction do exist in some cases (if you are unable to drive a car - not for DUI).
Moped Dealers can NOT get dealer plates for their mopeds.
No titles shall be issued to mopeds.
Any new moped bought out of state shall have a 5% tax added to the registration fee (taken from the cost of the moped)
I think that about covers it.
Arizona - reported by Ryan Price
The laws are you must have a valid AZ drivers liscence. Second you need to register the moped, but you are not allowed to title them. Also some insurance is required as well. For driving them, they are treated as a combination bicycle/scooter. I was told to "use your best judgement." Hope this helps.
Ryan Price
Tucson Az.
Arizona - updated on 21 Oct 2005 by Owen Bensen
I just went to transfer the title of my 2003 Yamaha Vino Classic 49cc scooter, and the Arizona Motor Vehicle office here would not register or title it. They checked with someone in Tempe, and now apparently any scooter under 50cc is treated as a moped, where previously it had to have working pedals and be 1.5 bhp or less. No plates or proof of insurance are needed. We'll see what happens if I am ever stopped by a police officer.........Arkansas- submitted by vlad_the_imp@webtv.net
From state code 27-20, 101 through 107: Required: Automatic transmission, 50 cc or less, headlight, tail light, reflector, brakes, horn,tags, registration, helmet under 21yo. Rider must use goggles or have a transparent windshield in place. Motorcycle licence required.
More Arkansas info
California Moped Laws
Colorado - submitted by MrBill812@aol.com
Te state law in Colorado is that 1. you must have a valid drivers license to ride a moped, 2. the moped doesn't have to have a plate on it if it is 50cc or under or doesn't exceed 30mph. You also have to have pedals on the moped, for it to be considered a motorized bike... I can't remember where I found the info, but I think it was in the drivers license handbook or maybe an internet site... I think you'll find the police aren't well informed of moped laws. I live in Fort Collins and ride almost daily using bike lanes, and other then a strange look from the police once in a while I have not been hassled.
More Colorado info
Connecticut - submitted by John Nimlo
Dear 50 cc fans:As far as i can tell a moped is considered a bicycle with a helper motor in the nutmeg state provided:
a. goes no faster than 30 mph
b. displaces less than 50 cc
c. has an automatic transmission
d. less than 2 brake horse power
e. and after 7/1/97 the need for pedals is deleted from the requirements.
However the operator of this vehicle must possess a valid motor vehicle operators license or a motorcycle license. It would seem then that many 50 cc scooters would qualify under this amended rule.
There is no need for a tag or insurance or emissions testing and i would assume no personal property tax.
Being a bicycle of course they are prohibited on limited access highways and turnpikes.
Respectfully submitted,
John
Delaware Moped Laws
Florida - submitted by Steven W. Buehler
Georgia Moped Laws
Hawaii Moped Laws
Idaho Moped Laws
Illinois
I have called the DMV in illinois and talked to the Secretary of State office too and I know the following facts about moped in IL:
1) You must have a valid drivers licence
a) for a car if under 49cc's
b) for a small motorcycle if between 49 and 150 cc's
c) for a big motorcycle if above 150cc's
2) You must have a title for the moped
3) You must register the moped with the state
4) You most have plates on the moped
5) You must have insurance for the moped.
Perry
P.S. Here's some more info (found in Illinois driver's guide)
Motorized pedalcycles, often called mopeds, are low-speed, two-wheeled vehicles. They can be pedaled like a bicycle or driven like a motorcycle. Mopeds are intended for limited use on public roadways. Here are some of the responsibilities of moped drivers:
Moped drivers must have a valid driver's license.
- LAWS: Moped drivers must obey all signs, signals and
traffic laws. They also must obey most bicycle laws.
- SPEED: A moped may not go over 30 miles per hour.
- PASSENGERS: Moped drivers may carry a passenger only when the
moped is made for two people. Equipment must include a passenger
seat and a passenger footrest.
- EQUIPMENT: If a moped is driven at night, it must have a headlight visible from at least 500 ft. A moped must also have a red reflector on the rear visible from at least 100 to 600 ft.
Indiana - submitted by Larry and Ian
The rules are as follows:- you must be 15 years or older
- You have to have head gear
- You have to have proof of an enrollment in a motorcycle class
- Proof of vision test
- Insurance
- 50cc or smaller
- you don't need a license
- stay off the freeway (Duh)
- keep to the far right of the road
- I have officers names and badge numbers and phone numbers I keep them in my walet if you need them - it pays to do your homework and i love my Zuma.
Indiana - update by Chris Peters
Some police officers around the Lafayette/Indianapolis area are pulling kids over for no eye gear. (Ex. Goggles, Face mask, exc.) There is an $80 fine for no eyewear. Even if you have a visor for example, but you are riding with it up. They give no mercy. 80 bucks! Just some warning.
More Indiana info
Iowa - submitted by Ace
"Mopeds" are any single-passenger two-wheeled vehicle with a displacement of 50cc or less. In fact, you almost never see actual pedal mopeds here, it's all scooters and bikes like my '79 QT50. You can drive one at 14 (if you take a moped safety course) or with a normal drivers' license.
Mopeds must display a dippy neon flag. As far as I know, no helmet is required. Enforcement is pretty lax -- I ride without a flag, with a passenger, no helmet, etc. quite often and I have never had police trouble yet.
Oh yes -- top speed 25, but I've never seen it enforced as long as posted speed limits are obeyed.
More Iowa info
Kansas- submitted by vlad_the_imp@webtv.net
Code KSA8-1439A. 3.5 BHP, 130cc, Automatic trans., 30 mph, registration, drivers licence, headlight, tail light, reflector, brakes, helmet if under 18yo, minimum age 14yo. No mention of reciprocity.More Kansas info
Kentucky Moped Laws
Louisiana Moped Laws
Maine Moped Laws
Maryland - submitted by jlwoods@erols.com
Section 11-134.1. Moped. "Moped" means a bicycle that: (1) Is designed to be operated by human power with the assistance of a motor; (2) Is equipped with pedals that mechanically drive the rear wheel or wheels; (3) Has two or three wheels, of which one is more than 14 inches in diameter; (4) Has a motor with a rating of 1.5 brake horsepower or less and, if the motor is an internal combustion engine, a capacity of 50 cubic centimeters poston displacement of less. (1978, ch. 328; 1979, ch. 65). 16-101 (b) "Motor-assisted bicycles" require a driver's license or moped operator's permit regardless of residency status. and 16-104.2. "Moped operator's permit" precludes anyone under 16 or whose license or privelege to drive in any State is revoked, suspended, refused, or cancelled.
More Maryland info
Massachusetts moped laws
Michigan - investigated by Andrei Zaitsev
I spoke toMotorsport Co 1834 W Court St Flint, MI (810) 239-7191
and this is what I found out:
If you are 15 year old, you need to get special moped permit.
Once 16 you can ride with regular drivers' license.
Helmet is required till you are 19.
Moped has to be registered with secretary of state -
get decal (sticker) - $15 for 3 years.
No insurance, no license plates are needed.
More Michigan info
Minnesota - submitted by vlad_the_imp@webtv.net
(DMV pamphlet) 50cc, 2 BHP, 30 mph, Valid Drivers licence, 15yo minimum, registration, plate, no operatin on interstates, headlight, stop light/tail light, headlight always lit, eye protection required (not specified), horn, r.v. mirror, helmet if under 18yo which must be ANSI approved.
More Minnesota info
Mississippi
Titling a scooter or moped with the Mississippi Motor Vehicle Licensing (MVL) Bureau is optional, but you must register for a tag (license plate) if you plan to drive such a vehicle on the roadways. Most people go ahead and title the scooter or moped at the same time; you'll need a title to sell the vehicle.The process is much the same as registering a motorcycle. You have seven days from purchase to register your bike with your local tax collector's office. You'll need to provide the manufacturer's certificate of origin if the vehicle is new or the original title signed over to you if you bought a used vehicle.
You'll also need to provide a bill of sale and a current odometer reading.
The first-time registration fee is $10, and the state also collects ad valorem, privilege, and sales tax based on the value and type of vehicle.
Missouri - as recalled by Andrei Zaitsev
Any vehicle under 50cc and going <=30mph is considered a moped. Pedals are not required, so small scooters by Yamaha and Honda can qualify too.
Moped is permitted on all roads, except interstate highways. It is ok to ride on shoulder, but not on the sidewalk.
Helmet is recommended but not required. Special license, plates, insurance are not required.
Minimum age to ride moped is 16. There might be a way to start at 15 1/2, because this is the min age when you can get a motorcycle learner's permit. Check with local License Bureau about that.
Missouri - as summarized by Pat Dore
Greetings all:After an email to the Missouri Highway Patrol, I recieved a copy of the statutes involving "motorized bicycles:
1.Must have drivers license
2.No use on interstate highways
3.Not more than 50ccs
4.Less than 30mph on level grade
5.Ride as far to right as possible
6.Less than 3 brake horsepower
Nothing else except standard lighting, brakes, and auto transmission
Hope this sets some minds at rest.
All the best, Pat Dore
Missouri Moped laws
Montana - submitted by John Snyder
After making some phone calls to different government offices I discovered -- and am still slightly confused by it -- in Montana, USA a bicycle was defined in 1979 as having;2-3 wheels touching the ground. Functioning pedals that allow the operator to propel the vehicle without assistance. If equipped with an auxilary power source the motor will not exceed 2 BHP and/or [ed. ?] 50cc. The auxilary motor will not permit the vehicle to exceed 30 mph.
If these limits are exceeded the vehicle becomes subject to all regulations pertaining to motorcycles -- i.e. DMV title, headlights, tail lights, turn signals, motorcycle operator endorsement to an individual's Driver's License, vehicle license plate and vehicle registration within the county of residence. There are no separate legal provisions for MOPEDS, electric bicycles or AHPV 4-wheeled vehicles such as a quadracycle with any size/type auxilary motor or not.
Other than my confusion about motor size and power (was it "or", "and" or "and/or" ?), the clerk at the local DMV mentioned that if a power-assisted bicycle was able to exceeding 30 mph it could not be operated on public highways. Under 30 mph it's still a bicycle which can be operated on the highway.
More Montana info
Nebraska - submitted by vlad_the_imp@webtv.net
Code 60.6. 30 mph, 25 mph nights, 14yo, permit required, pedals, automatic trans., 50 cc, 2 BHP, Class O licence, light, tail light, helmet with a visor, no riders, both hands on handlebars, single file on state highways, banned on interstates, reciprocity with other states for 30 days.
More Nebraska info
Nevada Moped Laws
New Hampshire Moped Laws
New Jersey - submitted by John Agner
You must be 15, wear a helmet, not exceed 25 mph operating speed, may operate on bike routes abutting streets, have a moped, car or motorcycle license, have insurance and plates, and to get plates, you must produce title to register (which is how one gets plates). Also, you can't carry a passenger, my pet peeve as my Vespa Grande was designed for two.
More NJ info - by Steve Hassa
NJ Moped laws are you be at least 15 years old to get a moped permit. After you pass a written test. you can drive during daylight hours only. After you pass a road test you get a permanent moped license. Any one that has an automobile license can drive a moped with no special license. You must wear a helmet, have a registration, insurance and license plate. Insurance is $78.00 a year at this time. Pedals required, 25mph maximum speed and 1.5 brake horsepower. This law was effective in June of 1983 and cut the number of moped sales in in NJ by approximate 70%.
Complete New Jersey moped laws
New Mexico - submitted by Alex Kramer
nmsa1978 66-3-1101. Mopeds; standards; operator requirements; application of Motor Vehicle Code.
A. Mopeds shall comply with those motor vehicle safety standards deemed necessary and prescribed by the director of motor vehicles.
B. Operators of mopeds shall have in their possession while operating a moped a valid driver's license of any class or permit, issued to them.
C. Except as provided in Subsections A and B of this section, none of the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Code relating to motor vehicles or motorcycles as defined in that code shall apply to a moped.
D. As used in this section, "moped" means a two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicle with an automatic transmission and a motor having a piston displacement of less than fifty cubic centimeters, which is capable of propelling the vehicle at a maximum speed of not more than thirty miles per hour on level ground at sea level.
History: 1953 Comp., § 64-3-1101, enacted by Laws 1978, ch. 35, § 213; 1981, ch. 361, § 17.
New York Moped Laws
North Carolina - submitted by Jim
This is direct quote from the North Carolina Department of Transportation website:"You must be age 16 or older to operate a moped on North Carolina highways or public vehicular areas. A driver's license is not required, and the moped does not have to be registered, inspected or covered by liability insurance. A motorcycle safety helmet is required by law when operating a moped on North Carolina highways. A moped cannot have a motor of more than 50 cubic centimeters, an external shifting device or have the capability of exceeding 30 miles per hour on a level surface."
More North Carolina info
North Dakota Moped Laws
Ohio - collected by Greg and Dan Kauffman
I am holding in my hand a brochure from the Ohio Department of Public safety. It states the requirements for operating a moped.- To become licensed to operate a moped, 14 and 15
year olds have to pass the usual vision and
written tests, as well as a road test. This rule
will also apply to persons not currently holding a
valid operators license, regardless of age.
- Probationary licenses will be required for 14 and
15 year old
operators.
- The probationary license can be revoked until the
age of 16 if if the operator violates state laws
regulating moped operation or state or local
traffic laws, EVEN ONE TIME.
- Operators will be required to obtain and display a rear license plate.
ADDITIONALLY, you must-
- wear a protective helmet with a chin strap properly
fastened if you are under 18
- drive a moped equipped with a rear view mirror
- operate the moped within three feet of the right
edge of the
right edge of the roadway
- never carry another person on the moped
I was also told I needed insurance, So I got a liability only policy, cost about 30 bucks.
Oklahoma - submitted by vlad_the_imp@webtv.net
Registration, title, tags. Banned on interstates and limited access roads. Pedals, automatic trans., 50cc, 2BHP, 30 mph, insurance requird. No inspection, no licence. Law has been amended to remove peds from legal motor vehicle category for some issues.Oregon - submitted by catrinus.wallet@bangate1.TEK.COM
Where I live, in Oregon, the law is that you must have a regular drivers' license to drive a moped... Also, the moped MUST have license plates and liability insurance.Also, they are considered motor vehichles, so mopeds may NOT use any of the wonderful bike paths that are being built in the Portland area. I truly believe that this is the single most important reason why mopeds have never caught on in most places in the USA -- it's just too nerve wracking to compete with autos on most city streets, especially when you're doing the speed limit (25 or 30 mph) round town and all of the yahoos insist on going 45. Also, the cars seem to get angry because I'm not riding in the bike lane! I wonder if there is an advocacy group around that could start to work on the issue of letting mopeds to use street bike lanes.
By the way, in Oregon the dept of Motor Vehicles puts out a book called "Motorcycle and Moped Handbook" which details all of the requirements for mopeds. Perhaps other states do as well.
To reply to me directly, please send e-mail to Catrinus.Wallet@juno.com
Oregon - added by Stelapig@aol.com
In Oregon, you do not need a drivers license to drive a moped, you can get a moped license, which i have, or you can drive a moped with just a drivers license, or a motorcycle license... To drive with a moped license, or for the bike to be a moped in Oregon, it must be under 50 cc's.
More Oregon info
Pennsylvania - as researched by Andrei Zaitsev
I spoke to the guy fromBob Sauers' Cycle Shop in PA
Very helpful salesman!
He said they presently sell Tomos, but in the past they also carried Puch,
Jawa and Garelli.
As far as Pennsylvania regulations, here they are:
Min age: 16 .
Drivers license required (no special motorcycle license).
Title required.
Insurance required - about $60/year.
You can ride without helmet.
No inspection needed.
Moped must have pedals.
P.S. Here's PA moped fact sheet - thanks to David Nickey
Puerto Rico - translated and submitted by Luis Anaya
Hi:The following is a translation of the drivers manual for the commonwealth of Puerto Rico. the original URL is at: http://www.dtop.gov.pr/DISCO/Guia/Bici_Moto.htm#MOTOCICLETAS
Editorial comments are in ()'s
Motorcycles, Tricycles and Mopeds
Any person who drives a motorcycle or moped most have a valid drivers license (16 years for a drivers license). and must obey all transit laws the same way as an automobile operator. Any person that is riding a motorcycle (and moped, implied), must be seated on a regular seat and can not carry more than one person unless the motorcycle is designed to do so (yes, you can carry two people on your moped if it is designed to do so). All occupants must use a helmet and for additional protection and to provent an accident, the motorcycle driver must use googles or shield or have a windshield installed.
Motorcycles: Highway Permit
All motorcycles with an engine larger than 360 cc may require a highway permit to the DTOP (Department of Public Works and Transport). That person will be sugject to inspection and a test to ensure his or her proeficiency on a motorcycle. Without this permit you can not ride on a highway.
Some notes based on my experience.
Mopeds are considered motorcycles. There is no difference between a Harley and a Spree. The same rules apply. The only difference is that Mopeds can not ride on highways but only because they do not have an engine larger than 360cc which is the minimum required for a highway permit. If you get one in your moped, then you should be ok.. I guess.. Those 70cc conversion for Mopeds *are street legal* in Puerto Rico and there are no pedal requirements for mopeds. On the down side, all mopeds must be registered, titled, insured, have a license plate and they must be inspected. Riding between cars is permitted.
On the fun side, Cayey municipal police used to ride on Yamaha scooters for police patrol at center of town. They changed to larger motorcycles when budget permitted. Also some kids where I used to live used to deliver the newspaper on Hondas Sprees. I guess they got tired of hauling papers on their bicycles.
Regard,
Luis Anaya papo@dcentral.com
Rhode Island Moped Laws
South Carolina Moped Laws
South Dakota - submitted by Jeff Coplan
...Moped is defined as a motorized vehicle with two wheels that doesn't exceed 50 cc's and doesn't travel over 30 mph. Must have a headlight visible from 100 ft. Must have a tail light visible from 250 ft. Must wear eye protection. Must possess a driver's license (doesn't have to be motorcycle endorsed)
...
Tennessee - submitted by Bridget Flynn
Hi, Andy - I'm sending you this info so you could post it on your Moped Laws page...this is straight from the person (a state trooper) in our state's DMV who coordinates the state motorcycle safety program. He read it to me over the phone from TN statute, so I'd say it's pretty reliable.Under 16 - motorscooter permit required 16 and up - regular driver's licence required (motorcycle license not required) All "motorized bicycles" including mopeds must have tags if they are to be driven on the road.
Interestingly, there is a local moped dealer who may get in a bit of trouble as a result of my inquiry...he's telling people that you don't need a license or tags with a moped. I came very close to buying one from him, and probably would've ended up getting stopped on my way home! Fortunately, he also charges WAY too much $ and something told me, "there's something wrong with this guy." :-/ I notice he's not listed on your dealer list either.
Tennessee - updated on 10 Nov 2005 by Christian Griffith
I have just investigated the official TN Code as of today, November 10, 2005, and here is what I found:Under 55-3-101, “motorized bicycles” do not have to be registered with the DMV (you can voluntarily register your “motorized bicycle, if you want to). If you look at 55-8-101, you’ll see that a “motorized bicycle” is any kind of moped or scooter that meets the following requirements:
1) Is not designed to travel faster than 30 MPH.
2) Motor is no greater than 50cc’s and makes no more than 2HP.
Owners of “motorized bicycles,” however, are required to wear a crash helmet, as stipulated by 55-9-302.
Also, here's some additional, helpful information: 55-8-101, while providing the official definition for "motorized bicycle," also states that these "motorized bicycles" MUST be driven by an individual with a valid operator's license (motorcycle endorsement not necessary) and can NEVER be driven on the highway.
Tennessee - personal experience and law info from Wimperdink
Texas - submitted by vlad_the_imp@webtv.net
Required: light (always lit), horn, directionals, tail light or reflector, stop light(s), r.v. mirror. Approved helmet required. No riders unless ped has 2 seats (sidecars excepted). Inspection sticker required for TX residents. 30mph limit, 50cc, 2 BHP. No muffler cutouts. Liability insurance required . Medical coverage required on rider. Class "M" Drivers Licence. Texas has reciprocity with all other states but Wisconsin & Michigan to allow passage of other state's peds and legal drivers IF THEY HAVE TAGS. Constant lights not required on pre-1975 models not so equipped.Utah Moped Laws
Virginia Moped Laws - as of August 2006
Virginia - submitted by Bob Meadows
I have a moped and checked with our DMV---seems that engines of < 85 cc and pedals are the only requirements. Helmets not req'd but suggested. Also no insurance, but a small "personal liability policy" is a good idea ($50,000).Good luck and have fun.
More on Virginia - submitted by Ted Schwartzbeck
I bought a Yamaha Riva 49cc today, 6-17-98 in Herndon. No vehicle license, title or inspection is required; no drivers license is required; no insurance is required. Helmets are required of all moped drivers. Headlights, turn signals and brake lights are required. 2 passengers are permissible when there is the extra seat and footpegs. Mopeds may not be driven on highways or roads with permissible speed limits over 45 mph. If one's drivers license is suspended or revoked for any reason one cannot operate a moped so it is not an alternative to a car after a loss of license. Ted SchwartzbeckEven more Virginia - sent by jlwoods@erols.com
The 1999-2000 Virginia Driver's Manual p.3-10 specifies: "Mopeds: Under Virginia Law, a moped is a bicycle-like device with pedals and a helper motor. The motor cannot be rated at more than two horsepower or enable the moped to travel more than 30 MPH. Moped riders must be at least 16 years old and must obey all rules of the road. As a driver, treat moped riders with the same care given to any other vehicle driver. Although you do not need a driver's license to operate a moped, you may not operate a moped if you have been adjudged a habitual offender and your license is suspended. You may not operate a moped if your license has been suspended for failure to file financial responsibility with DMV." There is no reference whatever to mopeds in the Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual. There are numerous specifications for mopeds within the state Transportation Code, some of which are picayune, but common sense is the prime consideration (unlike Maryland or DC), and local juristictions may impose particular requirements more stringent than the state code.Yet another bit on Virginia - submitted by DGoncz@aol.com
Here in the Commonwealth of Virginia, which separated from what is now West Virginia during the Civil War, the "State" defines a moped as a bicycle-like device with pedals and a helper motor. The last time I looked was in 1992, I think. The Fairfax County Regional Library has the Code, and I can look at it at the local branch, the Woodrow Wilson branch. Of course, the pedals must be working. The lockable pedals on my Derbi DS-50 were of concern to officers who stopped my uncle when he had the moped. A visit to court made a determination and that record also could be found and added to your site. Any kind of strap or kludge would be trouble. Proper operation of the Derbi pedals after stopping and engaging them immediately proves to the officer that "it's a moped". Mechanically, a broken decompressor valve will prevent you from demonstrating this operation to the officer, even though the engine might start and run. Keep them working!
The City of Falls Church requires a helmet, but I hadn't heard that the state does. Virginia did pass seatbelt and helmet laws within the last several years, and it's been years since I rode.
The horsepower rating is 2.0. Electric power is not specifically ruled out. Operation of any motorized vehicle, even an electric wheelchair or mobility assistance device, is not allowed in many parks, such as the well known Four Mile Run Trail. There are various parks, local, regional, and state. I am attempting to add a spare Derbi electric starter motor without the usual planetary gearing to the other side of my Derbi's engine, with the starter to provide an initial push in the usual way, and the ungeared starter motor operating at six times that speed providing a transition to around ten miles an hour. An old Interstate truck battery will provide the power. I'll let you know if I have legal trouble with this setup. I have a Honda Insight gas/electric parallel hybrid two place automobile owners manual which doesn't really say a lot about this and can explain torque and power to police officers most effectively with a chart I can draw up before I hit the road. The electric and gas engines complement each other well and can provide 2HP from stall to top speed when properly mated and rated.
Possession of a driver's license is not required in Virginia to operate a moped but the operator must be eligible for a license. A DWI suspension, or simply being too young to drive, means you can't operate a moped either. At least not legally.
Vermont - submitted by Mike Zylinski
I am a resident of Vermont and recently bought a moped. Thought you might want to post the state laws on your page.
Drivers license only (no need for motorcycle)
Registration ($15 for registration and plate)
Insurance
Inspection ($20, need a horn headlights left mirror etc..)
No helmet law for mopeds
Washington Moped Laws
West Virginia Moped Laws
Wisconsin Moped Laws
Alberta, Canada - submitted by skylynx@yifan.net
A moped is a vehicle that: has no driver operated clutch or gearbox that transfers power to the driving wheel; an engine displacement of not more than 50cc; can not go faster then 50km/h on level ground; weighs more than 35 kg and less than 55kg. To operate a moped you must hold a valid operator's licence (any class). No special examination or endorsement is required.
More Alberta moped laws
British Columbia, Canada - submitted by Colin Ford
The moped regulations in BC are under the control of ICBC the
government
compulsory motor vehicle insurance. Insurance Corporation British
Columbia. They are as follows:
"Limited Speed Motorcycles"
means a motorcycle that,
a. is equiped with a motor having a piston displacement of not
more
than 50cc or a power source that produces a maximum of 1.5kW,
b. has a power drive system that does not require clutching or
shifting by the operator after the drive system is engaged,
c. has a maximum attainable speed on level ground, wth or without
pedals, of 70kp/h,
d. has a maximum weight of 60kg excluding fuel or batteries used
to
store energy for vehicle propulsion, and
e. has wheels of a diameter of 254 mm or more.
"Motorcycle"
means a motor vehicle running on 2 or 3 wheels and having a
saddle or
seat for the driver to sit astride.
Hope this information is useful. This is the latest regulation dated 5/97
British Columbia moped regulations - as of 2006
Ontario, Canada - submitted by bryde@netcom.ca
- Your moped cannot exceed the speed limit of 50km/h- or it is considered a motorcycle by law
- You must wear a helmet at all times.
- You must have a combination of a g2 licence or a m class licence OR a offroad vehicle licence
- You must ride your moped on the side of the road, somewhat like you are riding a bike you cannot take your moped on a highway (like the 401 or queensway in ottawa)
Ontario - updated on 14 Nov 2005 by Jason Fowler
To ride a moped on a public street in Ontario:
-vehicle engine has to be less than 50cc gas or less than 1500watts electric
-vehicle cannot go more than 50km/h
-vehicle must have pedals otherwise considered a motorcycle regardless of displacement
-must have registration, current license plate and liability insurance
-must wear a DOT approved helmet
-must not carry passengers
-vehicle must be automatic transmission (no clutch or manually shifted gears)
-must have class G license (minimum age 16)
-vehicle must not weight more than 55kg
Ontario - updated on 28 Nov 2005 by Roy Holden
New licence for limited-speed motorcycle (LSM) and moped driversEffective November 28, 2005, there will be a new restricted Class M licence that restricts licence holder to operating a:
· limited-speed motorcycle (motor scooter) and
· motor-assisted bicycle (moped)
Starting November 28, 2005, moped drivers will have to hold a Class M licence or the new restricted Class M licence to operate their moped. You can no longer operate a moped holding any driver's licence. You need to pass a written test and starting Spring 2006 (when weather permits), you will need to complete both the M1 and M2 road tests and, if successful, you will receive a driver's licence that allows you to operate a limited-speed motorcycle (motor scooter) and moped only.
Ontario - updated on 11 Oct 2006
Quebec, Canada - submited by Martin Levac
Rules and regulations concerning a moped driver's license, registration and definition of a moped in the province of Quebec, Canada.
The term in french is cyclomoteur.
The definition of a moped, cyclomoteur:
A 2 or 3 wheel motorized vehicle for use on public roads that has an engine displacement of no more than 50 cm2 and an automatic transmission.
I haven't found any definition concerning electric engined mopeds.
The driver's license: Mandatory, class 6d or better.
Minimum age: 14 years of age.
Registration of the vehicle is mandatory.
To date, insurance for a moped is not mandatory but always a good thing for a new vehicle.
Have fun.
Need more information?
Check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles
or try Cornell's "Statutes by state" site