Scooter / Moped

[CRAIG2]

I was thinking about getting something along the lines of a Vespa (sp?) to commute to work on due to the skyrocketing price of gas these days (that, and I just think it would be a cool alternative to the car), and was wondering (this is directed to anyone in law enforcement, or familiar with city/state law) if there was a point at which one would be required to obtain a motorcyle license, registration, license plate, etc? If there is, is it based on horsepower, cc (engine size), speed, weight, etc?

Thanks in advance!

Craig

[Jackson]

I was thinking about getting something along the lines of a Vespa (sp?) to commute to work on due to the skyrocketing price of gas these days (that, and I just think it would be a cool alternative to the car), and was wondering (this is directed to anyone in law enforcement, or familiar with city/state law) if there was a point at which one would be required to obtain a motorcyle license, registration, license plate, etc? If there is, is it based on horsepower, cc (engine size), speed, weight, etc?

Thanks in advance!

Craig

Where do you live?

[Jackson]

I was thinking about getting something along the lines of a Vespa (sp?) to commute to work on due to the skyrocketing price of gas these days (that, and I just think it would be a cool alternative to the car), and was wondering (this is directed to anyone in law enforcement, or familiar with city/state law) if there was a point at which one would be required to obtain a motorcyle license, registration, license plate, etc? If there is, is it based on horsepower, cc (engine size), speed, weight, etc?

Thanks in advance!

Craig

Here is some Virginia info from the DMV:

http://www.dmvnow.com/webdoc/citizen/vehicles/moped.asp

Virginia DMV
Contact Us Office Locations Site Map About Us
spacer
DMV Home
What can I do online
Citizen Services
Commercial Services
General Information
Forms and Publications
Moving ?
Resources
spacer



spacer




Vehicle Services: Mopeds

Virginia Code section 46.2-100 defines a moped as a conveyance that is either:

* a bicycle-like device with pedals and a helper motor that is rated at no more than two brake horsepower and that produces speeds up to a maximum of 30 miles per hour
or
* a motorcycle with an engine displacement of 50 cubic centimeters or less and a maximum speed of less than 30 miles per hour.

Operation of mopeds on highways and public vehicular areas by persons under the age of sixteen is prohibited by Virginia law.

Moped riders must carry some form of identification that includes name, address, and date of birth.

Although you do not need a driver's license to operate a moped, you may not operate a moped if you have been declared a habitual offender and your license is suspended or revoked for driving under the influence.

Moped drivers are required to abide by the same traffic laws and regulations as automobile drivers. Detailed information on Virginia's traffic laws and regulations is available in the Driver's Manual. In addition, certain local governments may impose restrictions on moped operation.

All DUI laws apply to mopeds operated on public highways.

You may also want to review the Motorcyle Operator Manual. Information specific to moped safety is available online as well.

[Squirrel Girl]

I was thinking about getting something along the lines of a VespaA Segway????

[RetroG]

A Segway????

Saw a parking ticket cop on a Segway in Fenwick, DE recently. Can't see how this is a better alternative to the bike. The cop was overweight to say the least. Shocker.

[denisvtt]

[...] was wondering (this is directed to anyone in law enforcement, or familiar with city/state law) if there was a point at which one would be required to obtain a motorcyle license, registration, license plate, etc? If there is, is it based on horsepower, cc (engine size), speed, weight, etc?
Craig
Maryland scooter laws: http://www.saintssc.org/laws/maryland.html
Virginia scooter laws: http://www.saintssc.org/laws/virginia.html
DC scooter laws: http://www.saintssc.org/laws/dc.html


It's all from the Saints web site, the local scooter club: http://www.saintssc.org

[jks9199]

I was thinking about getting something along the lines of a Vespa (sp?) to commute to work on due to the skyrocketing price of gas these days (that, and I just think it would be a cool alternative to the car), and was wondering (this is directed to anyone in law enforcement, or familiar with city/state law) if there was a point at which one would be required to obtain a motorcyle license, registration, license plate, etc? If there is, is it based on horsepower, cc (engine size), speed, weight, etc?

Thanks in advance!

Craig
The exact definitions of scooter/moped versus motorcycle may vary by state. In VA, if it goes faster than 30 mph (on level ground), has more than 2 brake horsepower or an engine larger than 50 cc, it's a motorcycle. Dealers in VA are required to have a sticker describing this on the moped. If it's not a moped, and it's got a motor and less than 4 wheels, it's a motorcycle and you need insurance, registration and a class M license. Otherwise -- you simply are required to carry ID that includes your name, date of birth and address, and you must be 16 or older. You must follow the traffic laws (this applies to bikes on the roads, too!) -- and be aware that you are MUCH less visible than a car. Helmets are a very good idea; I've handled several moped accidents where helmets would have reduced or eliminated injuries.

(Segways are "electric personal mobility assistive devices"... see section 46.2-100 of the VA code.)

Jim

[jks9199]

Here is some Virginia info from the DMV:

http://www.dmvnow.com/webdoc/citizen/vehicles/moped.asp

Virginia DMV
Contact Us Office Locations Site Map About Us
spacer
DMV Home
What can I do online
Citizen Services
Commercial Services
General Information
Forms and Publications
Moving ?
Resources
spacer



spacer




Vehicle Services: Mopeds

Virginia Code section 46.2-100 defines a moped as a conveyance that is either:

* a bicycle-like device with pedals and a helper motor that is rated at no more than two brake horsepower and that produces speeds up to a maximum of 30 miles per hour
or
* a motorcycle with an engine displacement of 50 cubic centimeters or less and a maximum speed of less than 30 miles per hour.

Operation of mopeds on highways and public vehicular areas by persons under the age of sixteen is prohibited by Virginia law.

Moped riders must carry some form of identification that includes name, address, and date of birth.

Although you do not need a driver's license to operate a moped, you may not operate a moped if you have been declared a habitual offender and your license is suspended or revoked for driving under the influence.

Moped drivers are required to abide by the same traffic laws and regulations as automobile drivers. Detailed information on Virginia's traffic laws and regulations is available in the Driver's Manual. In addition, certain local governments may impose restrictions on moped operation.

All DUI laws apply to mopeds operated on public highways.

You may also want to review the Motorcyle Operator Manual. Information specific to moped safety is available online as well.

This isn't accurate; mopeds are specifically excluded from the statutes about driving without a license (see 46.2-301 of the code of VA).

But you CAN be arrested for DUI on a moped!

Jim

[stevieD]

Technically, you can be cited for DUI while operating a bicycle on the road.
As far as the moped/scooter, if it travels faster than 30mph, you need to tag it, insure it and be licensed to operate it. Not a big deal but it will cost you yearly.
The MSF, motorcycle safety foundation, offers courses to obtain your license. It is actually a lot of fun and the right thing to do if you are going motorized.
Yamaha has the Zuma for around $1500 and will do about 50mph. Just remember that these vehicles are NOT approved for use on the Interstate.

[CRAIG2]

I guess the great news is that it's still only costing me about $23.00 to fill up my tank from an eighth of a tank.

[jks9199]

Technically, you can be cited for DUI while operating a bicycle on the road.
.

Not under VA law; MD or DC may be entirely different. That's why I tried to qualify my post with VA. (To be boring... 18.2-266 is the statute for DUI in VA; it specifies "motor vehicle, engine or train" and further states "For the purposes of this article, the term "motor vehicle" includes mopeds, while operated on the public highways of this Commonwealth." A moped IS NOT a bicycle under the VA code (they're defined at 46.2-100), though both are subject to the laws and regulations governing vehicles when operated on the roadway.) I happen to know that in MO, you can be arrested for DUI while riding a horse, just to illustrate how different things can be.

Most dealers are pretty responsible (the fines and liability involved keep them honest) about making sure that buyers understand whether what they've got is a moped or motorcycle. Where problems arise are when they're sold second hand, and when people modify them... or when they try to use a motorcycle that looks like a moped.

I admit; it's confusing as hell. But -- that's most of VA law for you!

Jim

[stevieD]

Bicycles are afforded the same rights on the road and must follow the same laws and regulations of the road. 10:1 says that if Law Enforcements pulls you over on a bike and you are intoxicated, they will haul you in and cite for DUI/DWI. Whether the charge holds up in court is another matter.
It is definitely a gray area but lawyers write the laws so they have something to argue over.
In VA it is also unlawful to operate a moped/scooter if your driving privileges have been suspended or you are deemed a habitual offender.

[jks9199]

Bicycles are afforded the same rights on the road and must follow the same laws and regulations of the road. 10:1 says that if Law Enforcements pulls you over on a bike and you are intoxicated, they will haul you in and cite for DUI/DWI. Whether the charge holds up in court is another matter.
It is definitely a gray area but lawyers write the laws so they have something to argue over.
In VA it is also unlawful to operate a moped/scooter if your driving privileges have been suspended or you are deemed a habitual offender.

Not under the code; section 46.2-301 (http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+46.2-301) which covers driving while suspended or revoked specifically states " For the purposes of this section, the phrase "motor vehicle or any self-propelled machinery or equipment" shall not include mopeds."

And, 18.2-266 (http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+18.2-266) applies to "any motor vehicle, engine or train." There's actually a different code section for aircraft and boats (29.1-738 for boats and 5.1-13 for planes).

I find someone pedaling or scootering along drunk as a lord, and they get hooked for being drunk in public (small fine, no impact on operator's license or insurance) so that they don't end up underneath a car. The bike/scooter/moped is impounded for safekeeping, and they can pick it up as soon as they get out of jail. But I get someone operating a motor vehicle -- they lose their license for 7 days immediately (administrative suspension), and upon conviction, will face further sanctions against their license -- and getting insurance is going to be challenging, and expensive. The fine is typically in the $500 to $1000 range, and it's not at all common for there to be a suspended jail sentence attached. HUGE difference. (Habitual offender violations get even worse; the second conviction is a felony.)

But -- you are right in stating (and I want to emphasize, because a bicyclist was just killed in crash involving a tractor trailer) that bicycles are subject to the rules of the road. More accurately, since it's generally legal in VA to bike on the sidewalk (subject to local restriction) or in the road, they've got all the same duty and privileges of anyone else where they're riding. On a sidewalk, they've got the duties and privileges of a pedestrian. On the road, they're a vehicle, and subject to the provisions of Chapter 8 (46.2-800 et seq.) of the VA code.

Jim