Genuine Scooters

50cc and Under Law
Mopeds
In order for a motorized bike to be classified as a moped in the state on Pennsylvania, it must meet the following requirements:
– It must have both pedals and a motor that can propel the vehicle.
– The motor must not be bigger than 50 CC, and it must produce no more than 5 brake horsepower.
– It must have a top speed of 25 mph.
– It must have an automatic transmission.

You will need a valid Class C driver’s license to drive your moped on public roads. Additionally, you will need to get your moped registered (which is renewed annually) for a small fee of $9. Once registered, you will be issued a moped license plate which must be properly fitted and displayed on your moped.

You are not required to wear a helmet or eye protection while riding, but it is highly recommended.

Scooters
Scooters are defined as “motor-driven cycles” in Pennsylvania, and fall somewhere in between moped and motorcycle regulations. To be considered a motor-driven cycle, your scooter must have a motor that produces no more than 5 brake horsepower.

Unlike mopeds, scooters are required to be inspected, and you will be issued a regular motorcycle license plate.

You need wear eye protection at all times while driving a motor-driven cycle. You must also wear a helmet if you are under 21 years old.

Lastly, you will need a Class M driver’s license to operate a motor-driven cycle; if you have a Class M license with an “8” restriction, then you scooter’s motor must be smaller than 50 CCs.

If your motor scooter exceeds the specifications outlined above, then it is considered a motorcycle, and you must obey all of the motorcycle laws and requirements.
Links: www.motorizedbicyclehq.com/motorized-bicycle-laws-pennsylvania/

Registration Laws/ Licensing Laws
As a Pennsylvanian, you must register your motorcycle with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) before riding on the road is allowed.

To get a Class M (Motorcycle) license, an individual must pass a basic motorcycle knowledge test and apply for a Class M learner’s permit. The learner’s permit allows the applicant to ride only between sunrise and sunset and, except for a rider licensed to operate another class of vehicle, only while under the instruction and supervision of an individual who holds a Class M license. Class M permit holders cannot carry any passengers other than an instructor properly licensed to operate a motorcycle. The permit is valid for 1 year. The cost of the permit is $10.00.

If you are under 18, you must have your permit for at least 6 months and have 65 hours of supervised riding before taking your skills test. In addition, you must take and successfully complete a Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program Basic Rider Course, which counts as 15 hours of supervised riding toward the 65-hour requirement, before you can receive your motorcycle license.

Please note that you may reapply for a motorcycle learner’s permit no more than three (3) times in a five (5) year period (four (4) total leaner’s permits within the five (5) years). You must successfully pass the motorcycle knowledge test each time you apply for a learner’s permit.
Links: www.dmv.pa.gov/Driver-Services/Motorcyclists/Pages/Motorcycle-License.aspx

Insurance Laws
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) requires motorcycle owners to prove they’re capable of handling the possible costs involved by meeting the state’s financial responsibility requirements. This is done by having acceptable levels of motorcycle liability insurance, or through self-insurance.

Pennsylvania Motorcycle Insurance Requirements

To meet the state’s motorcycle insurance requirements, you must have at least the following amounts and types of coverage:
– $15,000 of bodily injury protection for injuries or death occurring to one person in an accident.
– $30,000 of bodily injury protection for injuries or deaths occurring to more than one person in an accident.
– $5,000 of property damage protection for a single accident.
Links: www.dmv.org/pa-pennsylvania/insurance/motorcycle-insurance-minimum-requirements.php

Helmet Laws
Pennsylvania repealed its mandatory helmet law in 2003.

Motorcycle operators 21 years of age and older, who have either been licensed to operate a motorcycle for at least two years or who have completed a motorcycle rider safety course approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, are not required to wear helmets.

Passengers who are 21 and older are permitted to ride on motorcycles without helmets, so long as the operator of the bike is not legally required to wear a helmet.

Riders with a motorcycle learner’s permit are required to wear a helmet.

Those riding in a three-wheeled motorcycle equipped with an enclosed cab are not required to wear helmets.

All motorcycle operators and riders under 21, however, must wear helmets, regardless of how long the operator has been licensed or whether he or she has completed a safety course.

All motorcycle operators and riders are required to wear eye protection that is approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Links: www.edgarsnyder.com/motorcycle-accidents/state-helmet-laws/#pennsylvania

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