A strange question that may come up in your pursuit to buy and register a motorcycle(or any motorized bicycle) is “Is a motorcycle a vehicle?”
What kinds of motorcycles and mopeds require licenses and insurance, and what kinds don’t(and are effectively just considered electric bikes)?
Some countries such as Australia and New Zealand define motorcycles as two-and-three wheel vehicles that have a certain size engine, weigh a certain amount, and can go faster than a certain speed.
If your ride exceeds the engine, weight, and speed thresholds(1000 kg, 50cc or greater and greater than 50 km/h), then it is considered a motorcycle and you need a special motorcycle license to operate it. Otherwise, your regular driver’s license will suffice.
In the United States, these classifications vary from state to state. So we had to pore over the DMV websites of each of the 50 US states and distill the information for you here.
States are listed in alphabetical order:
Alabama
In Alabama, there are two classes of cycles equipped with motors:
- A motorcycle is a two or three wheel vehicle with a seat or saddle for the driver. Tractors do not count.
- A motor-driven cycle is every motorcycle that produces less than five-brake horsepower, has an engine smaller than 150cc, and weighs less than 200 pounds fully equipped.
People 16 years and older can get a license for both kinds of vehicles.
If you’re at least 14, you can apply for a restricted license that only allows you to drive motor-driven cycles.
Alaska
Alaska has three classes of licenses for motorcycles(and by extension 3 definitions for motorcycles).
- M1 licenses can be used to operate any motorcycle with an engine displacement of 50cc or greater, as well as motorized bikes and mopeds with engine displacements of less than 50cc.
- M2 licenses can be used to operate mopeds, scooters, motorized bikes, etc with a displacement of less than 50cc. These are special licenses for 14 and 15 year olds.
- M3 licenses let you operate three wheeled motorbikes with a displacement of 50cc or greater.
Arizona
There are three categories in Arizona:
- Motorized electric or gas-powered bicycle or tricycle: A bicycle or tricycle than can be pedal powered, goes less than 20 mp/h, and has an engine displacement of less than 48 cc. No license or registration is required for this.
- Mopeds: Are human-powered vehicles with a helper motor. Maximum speed of 25 mp/h, engine displacement of less than 50cc, and braking horsepower of 1.5. You need to register and insure this vehicle, and can drive it with any license.
- Motor-driven cycle or scooter: Has horsepower of 5 or less, and built to drive faster than 20 mp/h. A motorcycle license is required for this vehicle.
Arkansas
There are two categories in Arkansas:
- Scooters, mopeds, and small motorcycles with a displacement of less than 250cc require a class MD license.
- Motorized bikes or small motorcycles with a displacement of less than 50cc require a class MB certificate unless you already have a valid drivers license(A, B, C, D, M, MD, or learner’s permit)
California
California is quite specific with its regulations. There are 4 types of motorized bike classifications in California.
- Motorcycles with engines greater than 150cc and no more than 3 wheels require an M1 license
- Motor driven cycles have engines smaller than 149cc and require an M1 license
- Mopeds are two-or-three wheeled vehicles that can’t go faster than 30 mp/h, have fully operating pedals, OR an electric motor, OR a motor capable of producing less than 2 gross horsepower. These require M1 or M2 licenses, too.
- Scooters are defined as having two wheels, handlebars, a floorboard, and an electric motor. You don’t need to register a scooter, and can drive it with any class license.
Colorado
Colorado has an interesting way of distinguishing between types of motorized bikes:
- Low power scooters are self-propelled, have no manual clutch, have no more than three wheels touching the ground, and have an engine capacity of less than 50cc, or an electric motor with a wattage rating of less than 4,476 watts. They do not include electric bicycles.
- All other motorcycles are considered motorcycles.
Connecticut
- Any two wheeled or three wheeled motor vehicle that produces more than 2 brake horsepower is considered a motorcycle and must be registered, and requires a special license
- Motor scooters, mopeds, and motorbikes with engines smaller than 50cc and a seat height of at least 26 inches require a valid drivers license, but not specifically a motorcycle license
- Mini motorcycles that have seat heights of less than 26 inches can’t be registered in Connecticut.
Delaware
- Mopeds and tripeds are those vehicles that are pedal and non-pedal powered, which have any wheel measuring 10 inches or greater in diameter, a gas engine of 55c capacity or less, or an electric motor rated between 751 to 2000 watts. You need a basic drivers license to operate these.
- Motorized skateboards or scooters have two wheels or more, a chassis close to the ground that you can stand or sit on, handlebars or a hand-controlled throttle or brake, and can be powered without any human assistance. These cannot be registered in Delaware.
- Minibikes are smaller than 40 inches end to end, wheel rims of less than 10 inches diameter, a seat closer than 25 inches from the ground, and have an engine of 45 cc or less. These can’t be registered.
District of Columbia
- Motorcycles have two to three wheels in contact with the ground, can go faster than 30 mph, or has a cab with a windshield.
- A motor-driven cycle has two to three wheels in contact with the ground, can go up to 30mph, and has a gas, hybrid, or electrical engine with a capacity of less than 50cc.
- A motorized bicycle has two to three wheels in contact with the ground, can go no faster than 20 mph, has pedals for human propulsion, and wheels at least 16 inches in diameter.
If motor-driven cycles or motorized bicycles go faster than their max speeds, they would be classified as motorcycles. DC has a really neat table with pictures that clarifies this information.
Florida
- Mopeds are bikes with seats or saddles that have no more than 3 wheels, 2 brake horsepower, an engine of less than 50cc(if present), no clutching or gear shifting(automatic or otherwise), and can’t go faster than 30 mph.
- Motorized scooters do not have a seat or saddle, no more than three wheels, and can’t go faster than 30 mph.
- Motorized bicycles have two wheels, are propelled by a combination of human and motorized propulsion, and can’t go faster than 20 mph
Georgia
- Motorcycles, scooters, and minibikes are all considered motorcycles.
- Mopeds are an exception, provided they have an engine less than 50cc.
Hawaii
- Mopeds have two to three wheels on the ground, automatic transmission, no more than 50cc engine or less than 2 horsepower, and can’t go faster than 30 mph
- Motor scooters are vehicles than can’t be classified as mopeds, but have less than 5 horsepower.
Idaho
The common classes of motorcycles in Idaho State include:
- Motorbikes: They are self-driven bikes since they are fitted with motor engines. They have two wheels with engine capacity displacement of 50cc or more. You need a valid drivers’ license in order to operate it.
- Motor-Driven Cycles: It is fitted with motor and it generate less than 5 brake horsepower. You are expected to have a valid drivers’ license in order to ride it in the state. It is also required to be registered.
- Mopeds: It is either pedal propulsion or non-pedal propulsion. It has between two and three wheels. The maximum speed is less than 30mp/h and an engine displacement of less than 50cc. It also has less than two gross brake horsepower.
- Autocycles: It is a motor vehicle with a steering wheel and has no more than three wheels that touches the ground. It also has a seat hence no need to saddle. You need to have valid driving license in order to operate it. It requires registration also.
- Scooters & Motorized Toys: These are not motorcycles and they cannot be driven on public roads. They do not require registration and drivers’ license for its operation.
Illinois
In Illinois, there are four classes of motorcycles. These categories include:
- IL Gas & Electric Bicycles: They have a fully function pedals with a motor generating about one horsepower. They are either gas bicycles or low speed electric bicycles. Can only be driven by 16 year old person on streets and not on sidewalks.
- Autocycles: It has steering wheel, a seat in order to prevent saddling and three wheel that touches the ground while moving. In order to operate legally on the road, you need to register and acquire a valid drivers’ license.
- Mopeds & Scooters: They have minimum speed of 20mp/h and a maximum speed of 30mp/h. The motor produces less than 2 brake horsepower with an engine carrying capacity that is less than 50cc. There no need of shifting gears since it is propelled by pedaling. You need to register and have a valid driver’s license.
- Motor-Driven Cycles: These are typically motorcycles and motor scooters. The engine carrying capacity ranges between 1cc and 49cc. They are fitted with two and four wheels. You need either class M or class L in order to operate motor-driven cycles in IL.
Indiana
In Indiana, motorcycles are mostly known as motor driven cycles, scooter, mopeds and many other smaller names. However, these motorcycles are grouped into two classes. The classes include:
- Class A: It comprises of motorcycles that produces five brakes horsepower. They are fitted with a seat for the rider and they do have three or fewer wheels that touches the ground. You require registration and license in order to operate them.
- Class B: Motorcycles with engine carrying capacity of not more than 50cc. It has a saddle for the operator and fitted with three wheels on the ground. You need license and registration before operating the motorcycles.
Iowa
Iowa is another awesome state in USA and it has two classes of motorcycles. The classes include:
- Mopeds: They are also known as motorized bicycle. It is not designed to carry passengers since it has a single seat. It has three wheels at most and has a maximum speed of less than 39mp/h. They use motor engine for propulsion. You need a valid license for operation and even registration.
- Autocycles: They are just motor vehicles since they have two wheels in front and one wheel at the back. It has a steering wheel with fitted pedals for accelerating, braking and clutching. It has less than two seats. You need a valid driving license in order to operate it.
Kansas
The state has two categories of motorcycles. They include:
- Motor-Driven Cycles: These are just motor scooters with not more than five brake horsepower. They have more power than mopeds and you need both license and registration before starting to operate them in Kansas.
- Mopeds & Motorized Bicycles: They has three wheels at most and can be propelled by human with assistance of a motor. It has automatic transmission with an engine displacement of 130cc or less. It has a maximum speed of 30mp/h and not less than three brake horsepower.
Kentucky
It is a great state in US and it has plenty of motorcycles. However, most of these motor driven cycles are termed as mopeds. These mopeds are either pedals or non-pedals. They have two brake horsepower at most with a cylinder carrying capacity of 50 cc or less. It has an automatic transmission with maximum speed of 30mp/h. You need a valid license in order to operate a moped.
Louisiana
This is a major state in US and it has rules that allow motorcycles to operate on public roads. It has only one class of motorcycles known as motor-driven cycles.
- Motor-driven cycles are majorly motor scooters and mopeds which are also known as motorized bikes. These are pedal bicycles that are propelled by either humans or motor assistant. They have 1.5 brake horsepower at most and a maximum speed of 20mp/h with 50cc. engine capacity. It also has an automatic transmission.
Maine
Maine State has some of the most straightforward rules and regulations concerning motorcycles. These motorcycles are group into the following categories:
- Motorized Scooters: These are motor vehicles with either two or three wheels that is about 10 inches in diameter. The gas engine is less than 25 cc and the electric motor uses about 750 watts. There is no need of registration but you need any valid license in order to operate it.
- Mopeds: They are motor driven cycles fitted with either two or three wheels that are about 10 inches in diameter. It has both gas power of about 50 cc and electric motor that uses up to 1500 watts. The drive power system is automatic.
Maryland
The state has two categories of motorcycles. These categories include:
- Motor Scooter: It has two wheels and a single seat for the driver. It also has automatic transmission hence no pedals for propelling. It has less than 2.7 brake horsepower with an engine carrying capacity of not more than 50cc. You need a valid driving license in order to operate it in MD.
- Mopeds: These are just bicycles that uses motors with assistance of human effort for propulsion. The pedals are mechanically driven in order to propel the two fitted wheels. It has less than 1.5 brake horsepower and engine displacement of 50 cc at most. No need of drivers’ license.
Massachusetts
It has three categories of motorcycles:
- Mopeds are bicycles with or without pedals. They are also known as motorized bicycles. They have automatic transmission systems with engine cylinder displacement of 50cc at most. They have a maximum speed of 30mp/h. You need a learners’ permit or valid driving license for operation.
- Motorized Scooters are motor vehicles designed with two or three wheels and they give you a chance to either sit or stand. They are also fitted with electric or gas powered motor in order to enhance propulsion with human assistant. You need either valid learners’ permit or driving license in order to operate.
- Low-Speed Vehicles have four wheels with vehicle identification number. It has a weight of about 3000 lbs and moves with a speed between 20 and25 MPH.
Michigan
This is a state in US with its own regulations and definition of motorcycles. Most of these motorcycles are grouped into two. The class include:
- Moped: This is simply a vehicle with just two or three wheels. It has an automatic transmission and this implies that there is no need for shifting gears. The engine carrying capacity does not exceeds 100 cc and it also has a maximum speed of 30mp/h. According to the rules and regulations of Michigan, you need have a license in order to operate mopeds.
- Scooters, Pocket Rockets, & Other Cycles: These are motorcycles that are motorized or electric scooters, motorized bikes, pocket rockets and mini-choppers among many others. The good thing about this category is that you do not need either registration or license in order to operate them on major highways in the state
Minnesota
In Minnesota, there are several rules and regulations needed for an individual to operate motorcycle of any type on all the major highways or streets. Acquiring these documents is quite simple and easy as well.
There are three classes of motorcycles in the state. They include:
- Motor Scooters: These are types of motorcycles that have low footrest for the operator and the engine is usually located below the seat of the rider. It has a step through design with low weight and engine displacement that is low than that of the motorcycle. It has a maximum speed of about 60mp/h.
- Pocket Bikes: They are also known as mini-choppers, mini-bikes and mini-motorcycles. They usually have wheels that are about 10 inches in diameter. The saddle of the rider is about 2 feet from the ground and it has a gas engine that has a carrying capacity range that is not more than 49cc. The maximum speed ranges between 30 and 50 mp/h while the weight also varies between 30 and 100 pounds.
- Electric-Assisted Bicycles: They typically have two to three wheels. It also fitted with pedals that are operational with a saddle for the rider. The electric motor uses up to 1000watts and it has maximum speed of 20mp/h. It also has a brake system that help to bring it to stop.
Mississippi
Hitting the roads of Mississippi with motorcycles, you are expected to have valid driving license and registration documents. The good thing with the state is that it is quite easy to acquire these legal requirements.
Here are the two major categories of motorcycle in the state. They include:
- Motor Scooters: These are motorcycles with two wheels that are about 10inches each in diameter. It has a seat for the operator and step through chassis. The motor has about 2.7 brake horsepower. It also has less than 55cc engine carrying capacity. You will be expected to have a license in order to operate scooters in MS.
- Autocycles: They have three wheels with other automotive controls. The seat belts and roll cage are also part of this autocycle. You will also need registration and license in order to hit the road with this autocycle.
Missouri
InMissouri, there are different types of motorcycles and each of them have different types of legal requirement needed before hitting the roads. These categories of motorcycles include:
- Motorized Bike: These are motorcycles that are fitted with either two or three wheels. It has an automatic transmission with an engine displacement less than 50cc. It has a maximum speed of 30mp/h on a flat ground with less than three brake horsepower. You only need a valid driving license before hitting the road with motorized bike.
- Autocycles: These are motor vehicles with three wheels and an enclosed seating area for the operator. These autocycles are fitted with a steering wheel and pedals for the operators in order to ensure maximum control while on major highways of the state. You need a valid driving license in order hit the roads but you do not need a helmet since there is an enclosed cage on the operator seat.
Montana
In Montana, motorcycles are common on major drive highways. You are expected to have a valid drivers’ license before hitting these highways. Here are some of the major classifications of motorcycles in Montana:
- Mopeds: They are common motor driven cycles in Montana and they do have two to three wheels. They are fitted with high quality pedals in order to enhance easier human propulsion. They have a maximum speed of about 30mp/h and it has less than 2 brake horsepower. They have a powerful automatic transmission system hence no need for shifting gear systems.
- Motorized Skateboards, Pocket Rockets, & More: These are groups of non-standardized motor driven cycles in Montana. They are fitted with either internal combustion engine or electric engine motor in order to enhance propulsion. The wheel base is less than 40 inches with a diameter of about 10 inches. However, they do not possess vehicle identification number.
Nebraska
The government of Nebraska State clearly outline and describe all types of motorcycles that require valid drivers’ license before hitting the roads. These rules and regulation have brought a lot of sense on the major highways in the state.
Here are some of the major common types of motorcycles that are common in the state. They include:
- Mopeds: These are motor vehicles in Nebraska with pedals to enhance human propulsion. The auto transmission system has made propulsion quite easy and simple. The Auto has an engine displacement of less than 50cc and less than 2 brake horsepower.
- Scooter: They are small motorcycles but they tend to be better than mopeds. The engine capacity is more than 40cc and 14 inch wheel diameter. You need a valid driver’s license in order to operate it.
- Minibikes: It has two wheels that are less than 14 inches in diameter. It has an engine carrying capacity 45cc and more. You do not any form of document in order to use.
- Autocycles: This is a motorcycle that have a seat hence there is no need to saddle. It is fitted with three wheels that touches the ground. It has a removable top installed with airbags. Each seat has seatbelt with antilock brakes. The steering wheel and pedals help to foster propulsion on the flat ground.
- Nevada
The common type of motorcycles in Nevada State is Mopeds. The motor driven cycles are highly used by many people in order to evade huge traffic jams in the major highways.
The motor driven cycles produces about 2 brake horsepower. It has a maximum speed of 30mp/h and engine carrying capacity of 50cc. Most of these cycles do not need insurance cover and registration in order to operate them.
New Hampshire
This is a state that is known to be a land of live free or die. This implies that the number of motorcycles on the roads are quite high in number. The plenty of strict rules in the state has helped to reduce the number of road carnage.
Here are some of the common classes of motorcycles in NH. They include:
- 3-Wheeled Motorcycles: These are the common cycles that are used by many people across the state. You are expected to have driving permit before hitting the ground of the state.
- Motor-Driven Scooters: The laws of NH do not consider scooters as motor vehicles. You need a valid driving permit in order to operate these scooters on the road. The need human effort in order to enhance propulsion.
- Mopeds: These motor driven cycles have higher than 2 brake horsepower and have manual gear for shifting. It moves at a maximum of 30mp/h on a flat ground. It has an engine displacement of over 50cc.
New Jersey
Many motorcycles in New Jersey are considered to be non-standard vehicles and they are controlled by a set of rules and regulations. Here are the common classes of motorcycles in NJ:
- Mopeds: They are also known as motorized bikes or pedal bicycles. They has a maximum speed of 25mp/h on a flat ground. They have less than 1.5 brake horsepower. The piston displacement is under 50cc. You need moped license in order to operate them.
- Low-Speed Motorcycles: They are grouped under motorcycles since they have a maximum speed of 35mp/h on a flat ground. The engine displacement is about 50cc and the bake horsepower is 1.5. You need a valid driving license in order to hit the road.
- Trikes: These are motorcycles with three wheels. In order to hit the major highways of the state, you need to have a valid driving license. These motor driven cycles need to be tilted and insured before using them.
New Mexico
This is the home of natural wonder motorcycles in US. The terrain of the New Mexico state make it suitable for the use of motorcycles.
There are only two classes of motorcycles in the state. They include:
- Mopeds: These motor driven cycles are fitted with either two or three wheels. It has an automatic transmission system in order to enhance propulsion. It has a piston displacement less than 50cc. On a leveled ground, it moves with a maximum speed of 30mp/h.
- Scooters: In most cases, they are classified as motorized bikes or bicycles. You do not need any document before your begin operating these motorcycles. Some are either electric or other gasoline motors that help to foster propulsion.
New York
The state has several classes of motorcycles or motor driven vehicles. The classes include:
- Class A: Most of the vehicles have a maximum speed between 30 and 40mph. You need to have either Class M or Class MJ license in order to hit the public roads.
- Class B: You need any class of license in order to operate on the roads and lanes. The motor driven vehicles have a speed between 30 and 40 mph.
- Class C: The maximum speed of these motor driven cycles is less than 20mph. It usually operate on the right hand lane. You can use any type of license when operating these types of motor vehicles.
North Carolina
The state has one class of motorcycles known as mopeds and scooters. The rules and regulations of the state may help to guide you on how to use them on public roads. Therefore, you are expected to undergo some training before hitting the roads.
You are expected to be over 16 years in order to ride mopeds and scooter in North Carolina. However, you do not need to possess driving license but precautionary measures like wearing helmet.
North Dakota
North Dakota is a state with natural beauty and using motorcycles to explore the state gives you an opportunity to have direct touch with the nature.
The freedom and fresh air experienced while riding a motorcycle can result in a long lasting memory whole exploring the state.
Mopeds are the only class of motorcycles based in North Dakota. They are also described as motorized motors. They have two to three wheels and foot pedals that help in propulsion.
Mopeds have a maximum speed of 30mph on a leveled surface. The general body structure of the mopeds is less than 32 inches and it also has an automatic transmission system.
Ohio
Ohio has some regulations that help to group motorcycles into some classes. The super highways are quite amazing while driving along the state.
Here are some of the classes of motorcycles in Ohio:
- Moped: Motor driven cycles with either two or three wheels that touches the ground. It has pedals in order to help in pushing the vehicle forward. It produces one brake horsepower and it has an engine displacement of 50cc. It has a maximum speed of 20mph and you need to have a valid driver’s license in order to operate them.
- Motor Scooter: They have two to three wheels and the operator needs to have a valid driving license before hitting the ground. They have engine carrying capacity of 30cc and one brake horsepower.
- Three-Wheeled Vehicles: These are three wheel motor driven cycles and you need to register them before hitting the road. You have to obtain a driving license before hitting the major super highway.
- All-Purpose Vehicles (APVs): It is another class of motorcycles that have the same similarities like that of scooters. You are expected to have valid driving license in order to operate them.
- Mini-Motorcycles: These are small motorcycles and they are considered to be road unworthy in Ohio. This is the reason why you are not expected to register and tilt them. Also you do not need to have license in order to operate them.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma is a state full of beauty and the nature is quite amazing. Exploring the state with motorcycles can result in lasting memory.
Mopeds are the only class of motor driven cycles based in Oklahoma and the operator needs to be registered as well as have a driving license in order to hit the public highways.
Oregon
Here are the classes of motor driven cycles in the state. They include:
- Mopeds: The motor driven vehicle has three wheels and a drivers’ seat in order to avoid saddling. It also has an automatic transmission system that ensures there is no need for gear shifting. The engine displacement is less than 50 cc and it moves with a maximum speed of 30mph.
- Electric & Gas Scooters: Drivers’ license and other form of registration are not need in order to operate these motorcycles. It has three wheels, handlebar and foot pedal that help in the control of the motor driven cycle while riding. Has an engine displacement of 50cc and use electricity of about 1000watts.
- Autocycles: they are also part of motorcycles and they usually have three or fewer wheels. It has a steering wheel that help to control the vehicle. It comes will fully loaded with safety belt and seat in order to prevent saddling.
Pennsylvania
Here are the classes of motorcycles in the state. They include:
- Mopeds: It has pedals for riding with 1.5 brake horsepower and electric power motor that help to foster propulsion. The engine carrying capacity of 50cc and maximum speed of about 25mph. the automatic transmission system help to ensure there is no shifting of gears.
- Motorized Scooters: These are motorcycles with two wheels and they are fitted with electric engine motors. It is also equipped with seat hence there is no saddling.
- Autocycles: The motorcycles have three wheels and a steering wheel that help to control movement while on public roads. There is a seat for the driver that help to prevent saddling. It has a gas engine and brake power system.
Rhode Island
Mopeds and Scooters happen to be the only type of motorcycles that are mostly used by people in the state. They are mainly fitted with two wheels and an engine displacement of less than 50cc. The maximum speed of these motor driven cycles is less than 30mph. The goodness about these motorcycles is that they can be driven by use of motor engines or human power.
South Carolina
South Carolina have a different definition of motorcycles as compared to other states. This is the reason why they have unique rules and regulations regarding motor driven cycles.
Mopeds are the only class of motorcycles in NC and they are fitted with pedals that human power uses in order to propel them. The engine carrying capacity is less than 50cc and it also has 2 brake horsepower.
The average speed is about 30mph on a flat surface. You need a class M license in order to hit the roads of the state. The mopeds have automatic transmission system and this help get rid of gear shifting process.
South Dakota
South Dakota is the only state in US that seems to have less strict rules and regulation concerning motorcycles. Most of these motor driven cycles are generally considered to be harmless and this the reason why rules are less strict. It has on class of motorcycle:
Moped and Scooters are the common motorcycles used in the state. The motor driven cycles have either two or three wheels.
The engine displacement of the motorcycle is less than 50cc and it also has an automatic transmission hence no need for changing gears manually.
The registration requirement of these motorcycles are quite easy and simple. You do not need valid driving license or permit in order to operate the motor driven in the state.
Tennessee
Tennessee is an amazing state and everyone loves riding on the motorcycles when they hit the roads for many reasons. To ride safely and legally, you need to know the rules as well as the regulation of the state.
There are only two categories of motorcycles in Tennessee in US. They include:
- Scooter: This is the most common motorcycles in the state. The motor driven cycle has two or three wheels. It usually generate less than 5 brake horsepower system and the engine displacement is also less than 50cc.
- Motorized Bicycles: These are motor driven cycles that have two or three wheels. There is no need for gear changing since the motorcycles have an automatic system. It has an engine displacement of less than 50cc and it produces less than 2 brake horsepower. It has a maximum speed of about 30mp/h on a flat ground.
Texas
The state has the highest number of population in United State. Lot of people prefer using motorcycles as the means of transport. It is the reason why they are grouped into four classes in order to ensure they are used legally in the state.
The classes include:
- Electric Bicycles: These are bicycles that can be powered by either electric motors or human assistance power. It has maximum speed of 20mp/h unless it is triggered by human assistance. It weighs less than 100 pounds.
- Autocycles: In Texas, it is grouped as one of motor vehicles. The motor driven has three wheels that touches the ground. It is fitted with steering wheel in order to ensure there is proper control. It has a seat hence the operator does not need to saddle.
- Scooters: These are motorcycles that are self-propelled and they usually have two wheels in order to make ridding quite easy. It has either electric or gas motor that has engine displacement of less than 40cc. It has a deck to create space for the operator to sear while riding.
- Mopeds: These are the common motor driven cycle in Texas. The motorcycle has a maximum speed of 30mp/h in a mile. The piston displacement is less than 50cc and it only produces less than 2 brake horsepower. It has an automatic transmission system that has two brake horsepower.
Utah
Utah is a state in US with one class of motor vehicle. Before hitting the road with motorcycle, you will be expected to have a valid drivers’ license. The class of the motorcycle include:
Motor-assisted scooters: These are motorcycles that are mostly used by teens and children. They are usually described as self-propelled motors and they do have two wheels that touches ground. It has braking system with engine displacement of less than 40cc. Human power can also be used to offer propulsion and it is also fitted with a seat in order to avoid saddling.
Vermont
This is the state with different names and classification of motorcycles. It has an amazing road experience and it the best place to hit your motor driven cycle. They are classified into:
- Autocycles: These are motorcycles fitted with three wheels and it has a seat for the operator hence there is no saddling. The pedals and steering wheel help to control movement of the motor vehicle. All ridders are entitled with safety belt to promote safety measures.
- Scooters: They have varying engine displacement and you will need a training course in order to be the best ridder. The riders are expected to be at least 16 years so that they can acquire Vermont driving license.
- Motor-Assisted Bicycles: These are bicycles fitted with pedals and a power motor of about 1000wats. They have a maximum speed of 20mp/h and you need drivers’ valid license in order operate on the public road.
- Motor-Driven Cycles: It has either two or three wheels. It can produce 2 brake horsepower and the piston displacement is less than 50cc. it has an automatic motor transmission system and it moves with a maximum speed of 30mp/h.
Virginia
Virginia is a state in US with one type of motorcycle. The public roads are quite superb and it is the reason why mopeds or scooters are quite common. The motorcycles have less than three wheels and a seat that is lower that is 24 inches in size.
The engine motor is either gasoline or electric with an engine carrying capacity of less than 50cc. The maximum speed of the motor driven is about 35mph. You need a valid driving license or permit in order to operate the vehicle on the road.
Washington
This is another great state in US and it has some regulations to control the presence of motorcycles on the public roads. Here are some of the major categories of motorcycles found in Washington:
- Mopeds: They are also known as motorized devices. They have between two and three wheels that touches the ground. The average speed of the motorized device is less than 30mph. it uses electric or liquid fuel with an engine displacement of 50cc. It has less than 2 brake horsepower system.
- Motorized Foot Scooters: These are typically vehicles with less than two wheels which have a diameter of about 10inches. It has handlebars that help to propel the scooter forward with human assistance. It also has a platform to help the ridder to stand on it. The engine displacement is 40cc.
- Electric Assisted Bicycles: Bicycles are the common motorcycles in Washington since it is a state known for having heavy traffic. These bicycles have two to three wheels that touches the ground. It has a saddle and pedals for human assistant when riding. The electric motor has an output of 1000watts and the maximum speed is more than 20mph. You need to have a valid driving license before hitting the public roads and in case of a teenage of 16 years, you need a permit for authorization.
West Virginia
The rules and regulation of operating motorcycles in West Virginia are quite simple. Therefore, before hitting the public roads with scooters and mopeds first register with the department concern.
- Mopeds: This is a class of motor driven cycles in the state that is commonly used my many people since it has an automatic transmission systems. They system make it easier to ride since less human effort is needed. It has between two and three wheels that touches the ground.
- Scooters: These are also another categories of motorcycles in West Virginia. The scooters require titles and registration before hitting the public highways. The electric motor helps to foster faster movement on the public roads.
Wisconsin
This is a land in US popularly known for having two categories of motorcycles. However, it is also recommended to understand the rules and laws around the motorcycles on public highways.
Here are the two categories of motorcycles in Wisconsin:
- Mopeds: These are typically vehicles since they have engine carrying capacity less than 50cc. It has an automatic transmission system hence movement is made easier since there is no gear shifting. You need valid driver’s license before operating the mopeds on public highways.
- Motorized Scooters: These are vehicles with two wheels fitted with either electric or gasoline engine of engine displacement of 135cc. They need to be tilted and registered before hitting the ground. Valid driving license or permit is needed before using them.
Wyoming
There are only two classes of motorcycles in the state. The classes include:
- Scooters: These are part of motor driven cycles in WY and an individual needs a valid driving license before hitting the major public highways. It has two to three wheels and an electric motor engine.
- Mopeds: The motor driven cycles does not need any form of training but you are expected to have necessary documents before hitting the roads in WY. The engine carrying capacity is cost effective and the automatic transmission system assist in transportation.