What’s the difference between a motorcycle and a motor-driven cycle? Is a moped the same as scooter? Here you’ll find the answer to these questions along with registration and driver licensing requirements for using motor-powered cycles.

Did you know motorcycles, mopeds, scooters and ebikes have different rules on the road? Download the California Motorcycle Handbook (PDF) to learn more!

Motorcycles

A motorcycle has 2-3 wheels and an engine size larger than 150 cc.

Note Motorcycles with 3 wheels or a side car require only a Class C driver’s license. California Vehicle Code (CVC) §12804.9

Motor-Driven Cycles

• A motor-driven cycle has 2-3 wheels and an engine size smaller than 149 cc. CVC §405
• You must register a motor-driven cycle, and you must have a motorcycle license (M1) to drive one.

Mopeds

• Also known as a motorized bicycle, a moped has 2-3 wheels and an electric motor with an automatic transmission that produces less than 4 gross brake horsepower.
• Some mopeds have pedals so you can ride them when the motor is off. CVC §406
• You must have a motorcycle license (M1 or M2) to drive a moped.
• You must be at least 16 years old or older to drive a moped, and you must wear a helmet while you ride.
• You do not need insurance to register a moped, but you do need special license plates and an identification card, along with a one-time $23 registration fee.

Note You do not have to renew your moped registration in the same way as you register other vehicles.

Scooters

• A motorized scooter has 2 wheels, a motor, handlebars, and a floorboard that you can stand on while riding it.CVC §407.5
• You can only drive motorized scooters on a bicycle path, trail, or bikeway, not on a sidewalk, and you cannot exceed a speed of 15 mph.
• You do not need to register motorized scooters.
• You can drive a motorized scooter with any class driver’s license.

Miniature Motorcycles, Electric Motorcycles & Motorized Scooters

• Please note that miniature vehicles (also known as mini choppers or pocket bikes) cannot be registered or operated on public streets because they do not meet Federal Safety Standards.
• Electric Motorcylces (eMotos)  are off-highway electric vehicles that are subject to off-highway vehicle registration and must display an OHV permit or plate. To qualify as an eMoto, the vehicle must be designed for off-highway use, powered by an electric motor, have handlebars for steering, a straddle seat, two wheels, and no pedals.
• Motorized Scooters can be operated on public streets, but they do not require registration. Riders must be at least 16 years old and possess a valid driver’s license or permit to operate a motorized scooter. Helmets are required for operation.