BREAKING NEWS.... Mayor Menino creates "Operation Kickstand" for the City of Boston. This legislation DOES NOT BAN MOPEDS OR MOTORIZED BICYCLES! IT IS in regards to ILLEGALLY REGISTERED and/or ILLEGAL OPERATION of them.
Scooters - Basic Information and Massachusetts Regulations
If you go to the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) and say "scooter" you'll confuse them. They call what we call "scooters" either a Moped, Limited Use Motorcycle, or Motorcycle. Read on to learn the difference...
Which of the 3 categories your bike falls in, depends on it'stop speed capabilities (on a level surface). See the table below...
This table below spells that out for you.
Category
Engine Size
Top Speed
Driver's License Type
Insurance Required
Registration Type
Safety Inspection Required
Moped
49-49.9cc
30 MPH
auto
No
2 yr. sticker
No
Limited Use Motorcycle
49-49.9cc
31-40 MPH
auto
Yes
LU Plate
Yes
Motorcycle
49cc & UP
41 MPH +
motorcycle
Yes
Motorcycle Plate
Yes
NEW REGULATION INTRODUCED 6/9/11
The RMV is working on a new license to go along with the
LU designation for LU Motorcycles and LU 3 wheelers. The license will be
classification "J" and specify which of those 2 types of vehicle you
are permitted to drive. This new license thing is supposedly in effect
already. RMV workers received a memo which stated "effective
immediately". However the wording of the memo at this point says drivers
"will be able" to get this license rather than "must". It states
nothing about a grandfather clause yet.
Not long ago that was true, a 49cc was a moped and any larger engine a motorcycle (engine size which is measured in cubic centimeters (cc's).)
The dealer will give you the paperwork for the type of registration you need. If it is a Limited Use Motorcycle or Motorcycle, the next stop will be your insurance agent or buying insurance online, like with Progressive. Once you get the insurance portion done, you take your paperwork to the RMV and they will give you your plate. They will keep your Certificate of Origin and mail you your new Title. If you have a moped, you will take the form the dealer gives you directly to the RMV for your "moped sticker".
The Moped stickers cost $20 and are good for 2 yrs. For LU or Motorcycle, the registration fee is $20 annually and the one time title fee is $75.
For starters, it's best if you approach using the correct terminology. Know what you have and say you're there for a) your moped sticker or b) to register your limited use motorcycle
Your word. They will just ask you.
Certificate of Origin from the manufacturer.
It may say the top speed right on it. It might also say "moped" or
"motorcycle". That is really the only valid verification of your top
speed, even though, still, it might not be entirely accurate.
The DOT's list. The DOT attempted to collect their own data from manufacturer
and distributor websites. The problem there is
again, the websites' info is not necessarily accurate, since that's more
about promotion than legality. And, it was impossible for them to find data on every make and model of "scooter" out there. So, chances are your bike is not on their list.
Your operator's manual? The agent may ask to see your manual. This is absurd because the manual could be created to cover several models of that manufacturer's scooters since they have many things in common. Speed is not necessarily one of those things.
Your Scooter? Nobody can tell a scooter's top speed by looking at it. The speedometer is absolutely no indication! The same speedometer is most likely installed on many different scooters. And, just like the speedometer there may go to 120, that doesn't mean your car can.
"Scooters" are still confusing to some agents, especially due to recent changes in regulations. TIP!! Brockton RMV is notorious for being difficult.
About Driver's License and Permit
You can get a permit at age 16. You must be 16 1/2 to get a license. Minors under 18 must also have parental consent and rider training for a license. Visit www.mass.gov/rmv/ for more information
Yes. Your permit is good for 2 yrs. You must take your road test before it expires. There are a couple of restrictions though. 1) You cannot carry a passenger. 2) You can not ride in the dark. You can only ride during the hours that are 1/2 hr. after sunrise until 1/2 hr. before sunset. 3) You cannot ride in another state unless that state permits it.
Get the Motorcycle Manual from the RMV and study it! (you can do that online or buy the booklet.) Click here to download the manual. You take a test at the Registry of Motor Vehicles. It consists of about 25 multiple choice questions. You must get 18 correct answers. The test is administered on a computer and available in multiple languages. You do not need an appointment. There is a fee of $30. (For certain disabilities, you can have extended time, a written or oral exam (oral is english only). Contact the RMV for details.) Very Important TIP!!! Even if you are not a minor, study the section regarding minors, alcohol, drug use and penalties. Several questions will pertain to these issues.
You take a road test, either at the RMV or in a Massachusetts Rider Education Program.
You must schedule the road test with the RMV call center. They're open M-F, 9-5. 617 351-4500 (from area codes 339, 617, 781, 857) or 1 800 858-3926 (from all other Mass area codes)
If you already have an auto driver's license, the M (motorcycle) endorsement costs $15 For just a Motorcycle License it costs $50.
NOTE: A junior operator under the age of 18 must
complete the Massachusetts Rider Education Program (MREP) to get a Class
M (motorcycle) license or endorsement and have parental consent.
Yes, as always at the RMV. New this year, you can now test in a MREP too. However, we only know of one school offering classes on scooters, Streetwise Cycle School.
Not if you are at least 18 years old. (A junior operator under the age of 18 must complete the Massachusetts Rider Education Program (MREP) to get a Class M (motorcycle) license or endorsement.)
REASONS TO TAKE A CLASS 1. you'll get a discount on your motorcycle insurance for the rest of your life. 2. you will be a more confident and safer rider by far. We highly recommend Streetwise Cycle School! It only takes one weekend to complete the course. They are the only school currently offering training and testing on scooters. Buy a scooter from us and receive 10% off your tuition.
About Insurance
What does it cost?
It depends on how much coverage you get, but on average, $100 per year.
Where can I get it?
You can go to the agent who insures your car. Or you can purchase some kinds online, if you have internet access and a printer. We recommend Progressive Insurance. They are affordable and offer roadside assistance! If you enroll with them online you get an additional discount.
Can I insure my moped, even though I don't have to?
Yes. In Mass. you now can.
Where can I get my "safety inspection"?
Not all inspection stations service motorcycles. Here is a link to help you find one in your neighborhood.
Near our shop, we recommend FTF Cylcles on Rt. 28, Randolph. They do inspections on Sat. too. BTW: You have 1 week from the date you register your bike to get your safety inspection
For Answers to more Frequently Asked Questions visit our FAQ page
