Learn More on Gas Scooter--Laws

The laws concerning gas and electric scooters are diverse. Most states have not addressed gas and electric scooters and many rely on existing laws designed for automobiles and motorcycles. Some states regard motorized scooters as mopeds. We will keep this page current with all powered scooter news, if you have any information concerning gas and electric scooters or would like to contribute an article or photo please contact us at Info@cn-atv.com

Prior to riding a gas or electric scooter on a public road you should contact your local department of motor vehicles for clarification.

Gas and Electric Scooters - Laws are changing

Texas passes a motorized scooter law

Texas law provides that electric scooters and gas scooters with engines less than 40cc may be ridden on public thoroughfares provided that the speed limit does not exceed 35 mph. No license is required and the scooters must follow the same regulations as those that apply to bicycles. Counties and municipalities are allowed to pass there own regulations.

Texas Transportation Code

Department of Motor Vehicles California Vehicle Code Division 11
Rules of the Road

Connecticut Go-Ped Law is Confusing

Motor Scooters - Many motor scooters are motorcycles and would require a registration and motorcycle operators license to operate on the road. Some motor scooters fall under the definition of a "bicycle with helper motor (moped) as found in Connecticut State Law Title 14 Sec. 14-286. A "bicycle with a helper motor" would not be required to be registered, however, it would require that the operator have a valid drivers license to operate on the road. The legal age to obtain a drivers license in Connecticut is 16 years of age. In order for any scooter to be operated on the street it must have all the statutory equipment such as brakes, lights, horn and mirrors.

Mopeds - A "bicycle with helper motor" (also known as a moped or noped) includes all vehicles propelled by the person riding the same by foot, or by hand power, or a helper motor having a capacity of less than fifty cubic centimeters piston displacement and not rated more than two brake horsepower and capable of a maximum speed of no more than thirty miles per hour and equipped with automatic transmission. The bicycle with helper motor is prohibited from operation on sidewalks under Connecticut State Law Title 14 Sec. 14-286.

Florida's gas scooter law makes it more confusing.

Georgia go-ped laws
Georgia make no distinction between gas scooters with motors under 50cc and electric scooters. Classified as mopeds and exempt from the provisions relating to the registration and licensing of motor vehicles. A valid operator's permit is required and operators must be 15 years of age.

New York Gas Scooter Laws
New York State has adopted restrictive laws placing it in a class of its own when it comes denying its residents the use of motor-assisted recreational vehicles of any type for any reason. Even the use of motor-assisted bicycles, encouraged by environmentalists and the Federal Government is prohibited on roadways.

California
Department of Motor Vehicles California Vehicle Code Division 11
Rules of the Road

Electric Bike Law Signed by President

The new US law regards electric bicycles with fully functioning pedals, no more than 750 watts motor output and 20 mph top speed as "bicycles".

The US Senate has passed SR 1156, clearing the way for a legal definition of an electric bicycle in the USA. President Bush has signed this law. The new law will assign the governance of electric bicycles to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and will define a bicycle that has pedals, (and is capable of being propelled by those pedals) an electric motor of no more than 750 watts, and a top speed (on motor only) of 20 mph as a "bicycle."