Are Motor Scooters Street Legal?

Street Legal Requirements for Motor Scooters

Is the street legality of motorcycles absolute? Unfortunately, no. Certain factors qualify a motor scooter to be street-legal. It’s not the same for every state, so what’s legal in Hawaii may not be in Iowa. Below are some street-legal requirements for motor scooters.

• Age Requirements

States have a minimum legal age for riders. So, until a rider attains that age, they must steer clear of the roads. Ages range from 14 to 18 and differ from state to state. So, it is very important to check your local laws. For example, in New York and Ohio, riders must not be younger than 16 years old. However, you must be at least 14 in Virginia to ride scooters on the street. Also, some safety gear is compulsory for riders under 18. So, checking your state website is a great place to start.

• Engine Size

Motor scooters generally range from 50 cc to 800 cc. Your engine size determines what category your scooter falls into. For example, this is the status in California: the motorcycle has 2-3 wheels with an engine size of more than 150cc. Then a motor-driven cycle has 2-3 wheels and an engine size smaller than 149cc. 

Motor scooters are in the class of motorcycles because of their engine size. So, going by the example, if you’re in California, the motorcycle laws bind you. You can always ask if you’re unsure of your engine size. Basically, it helps you know which law applies to you! Knowing the size is vital because it dictates what kind of roads you can ride on. Also, the type of license and registration differ for motor scooters. 

• Road Requirements

The next factor is road requirements—a no-brainer! Some states don’t permit motor scooters to ride on some roads. Several roads have different speed limits and traffic rules. So it makes sense that these restrictions should apply. You can’t ride a motor scooter on sidewalks, highways, or limited-access roads in some states. Again, the laws are different from state to state. However, not all states have these restrictions; you can ride anywhere. 

• Licensing, Registration, and Insurance

This is another vital factor in determining whether your motor scooter is street-legal. Local laws require several licenses and registrations for road users. For motor scooters, it largely depends on your engine size and speed limit. 

For example, if your engine is smaller than 149cc in California, you’ll need an M1 license to drive it. Then, if yours is larger than 150cc—a motor scooter, for example—you’ll need a Class C driver’s license. In New York and some other states, the laws are different. We find that each state defines and categorizes these vehicles. So, the category your vehicle falls under in your state determines the law that applies to you. It’s pretty easy to find out, too!

• Safety Gear 

What’s more important to a road user than safety? Nothing else! When driving a motor scooter, there are some safety gears you MUST use. In fact, it is non-negotiable. Otherwise, you’ll be breaking the law. For example, in some states, helmets are compulsory for riders of a certain age. Also, lights, mirrors, and other gear that assure your safety are vital! When it comes to using the road, ensure that you’re well protected. That way, you guarantee your own safety as well as others. Check your state laws if you’re unsure what gear is mandatory in your area.

• Speed Restrictions

Speed restrictions aren’t new to you if you’re a regular road user. When it comes to road usage, this is a given. Speed is one factor that strongly determines the street legality of motor scooters. Speed restrictions in states differ, but you should know which applies to you. Below are the various restrictions in some states:

• Alabama – 20 MPH
• Alaska  –  15 MPH
• Arizona  – 20 MPH
• Arkansas  – 15 MPH
• California  – 15 MPH
• Colorado  – 20 MPH
• Connecticut  – 20 MPH
• Washington D.C.  – 10 MPH
• Florida  – 30 MPH
• Georgia  – 20 MPH
• Hawaii  – 20 MPH
• Idaho –  20 MPH
• Illinois  – 20 MPH
• Indiana –  20 MPH
• Iowa 20 –  MPH
• Kentucky  – 20 MPH
• Louisiana –  25 MPH
• Maine  – 20 MPH
• Maryland  – 20 MPH
• Massachusetts  – 20 MPH
• Michigan –  25 MPH
• Minnesota  – 15 MPH
• Mississippi  – 20 MPH
• Missouri  – 30 MPH
• Montana –  20 MPH
• Nevada  – 20 MPH
• New Hampshire  – 20 MPH
• New Jersey  – 19 MPH
• New York  – 20 MPH
• North Carolina –  30 MPH
• North Dakota –  30 MPH
• Ohio –  20 MPH
• Oklahoma –  25 MPH
• Oregon  –  – 15 MPH
• Tennessee 20 MPH
• Utah  – 15 MPH
• Virginia –  20 MPH
• Washington  – 15 MPH
• Wisconsin –  20 MPH

Some states with no clear speed guidelines include:

• Vermont
• West Virginia
• Wyoming
• Texas
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Kansas
• New Mexico
• Nebraska

Safety Tips for Riding Motor Scooter

 Your safety is very important when using the road. You’re not the only one at risk when on the road; other road users are too! Follow the tips below when riding a motor scooter.

• Always wear recommended protective gear
• Stay within the maximum speed restrictions for motorscooters
• Obey local laws for motorcycle riders
• Stick to the designated roads for motor scooters
• Considerations for highway usage
• Comply with traffic regulations and signs

Our Final Thoughts

So, are motor scooters street-legal in your area? That’s the right question to ask. Whether or not motor scooters are street-legal depends on where you live. So, ensure that you check local laws and regulations. Also, when riding, wear safety gear and obey local traffic laws. As you know, safety is every road user’s primary responsibility. So, drive safely and have a happy ride!