{"id":37,"date":"2020-02-19T12:36:36","date_gmt":"2020-02-19T20:36:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/motorcycles-mopeds-and-scooters\/"},"modified":"2026-04-14T10:31:32","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T17:31:32","slug":"motorcycles-mopeds-and-scooters","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/vehicle-registration\/new-registration\/motorcycles-mopeds-and-scooters\/","title":{"rendered":"Motorcycles, Mopeds, and Scooters"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-dmv-bg-container bg-slant skewed-bg full-width teal-blue background-light\"><div class=\"container container--wide\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-dmv-columns content-columns colums-1-3-2-3\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-dmv-column col\">\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-dmv-column col\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-dmv-container shadow-box\">\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size\">What\u2019s the difference between a motorcycle and a motor-driven cycle? Is a moped the same as scooter? Here you\u2019ll find the answer to these questions along with registration and driver licensing requirements for using motor-powered cycles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Did you know motorcycles, mopeds, scooters and ebikes have different rules on the road? Download the <a href=\"\/portal\/file\/motorcycle-driver-handbook-pdf\/\">California Motorcycle Handbook (PDF)<\/a> to learn more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-dmv-spacer-block spacer-box\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Motorcycles<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"391\" height=\"179\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Motorcycles-1.png\" alt=\"Image of two examples of motorcycles 150cc or larger (one moped, one motorcycle).\" class=\"wp-image-38\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Motorcycles-1.png 391w, https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Motorcycles-1-300x137.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 391px) 100vw, 391px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A motorcycle has 2-3 wheels and an engine size larger than 150 cc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span role=\"region\" class=\"format-label--note\"><span class=\"format-label__text\">Note<\/span> Motorcycles with 3 wheels or a side car require only a Class C driver&#8217;s license.<cite class=\"dmv-citation\"> <em>California Vehicle Code <\/em>(CVC) \u00a712804.9<\/cite><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-dmv-spacer-block spacer-box\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Motor-Driven Cycles<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"463\" height=\"220\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/mototcycle_1-2_under150cc.png\" alt=\"A green motor-driven cycle standing beside a blue motor-driven cycle\" class=\"wp-image-280\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/uploads\/2020\/02\/mototcycle_1-2_under150cc.png 463w, https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/uploads\/2020\/02\/mototcycle_1-2_under150cc-300x143.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 463px) 100vw, 463px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A motor-driven cycle has 2-3 wheels and an engine size smaller than 149 cc.<cite class=\"dmv-citation\">&nbsp;CVC \u00a7405<\/cite><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You must register a motor-driven cycle, and you must have a motorcycle license (M1) to drive one.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-dmv-spacer-block spacer-box\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Mopeds<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/uploads\/2026\/04\/light_blue_moped_150x150.png\" alt=\"Blue moped\" class=\"wp-image-319694\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/uploads\/2026\/04\/light_blue_moped_150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/uploads\/2026\/04\/light_blue_moped_150x150-12x12.png 12w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Some mopeds have pedals so you can ride them when the motor is off. <cite class=\"dmv-citation\">CVC \u00a7406<\/cite><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You must have a motorcycle license (M1 or M2) to drive a moped.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You must be at least 16 years old or older to drive a moped, and you must wear a helmet while you ride.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You do not need insurance to register a moped, but you do need special <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/vehicle-registration\/license-plates-decals-and-placards\/license-plates\/\">license plates<\/a> and an identification card, along with a one-time $23 registration <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/vehicle-registration\/registration-fees\/\">fee<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span role=\"region\" class=\"format-label--note\"><span class=\"format-label__text\">Note<\/span> You do not have to renew your moped registration in the same way as you register other vehicles.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-dmv-spacer-block spacer-box\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Scooters<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-dmv-columns content-columns colums-1-2-1-2\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-dmv-column col\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"205\" height=\"205\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/electricscooter.png\" alt=\"A blue electric scooter\" class=\"wp-image-403\" style=\"width:147px;height:147px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/uploads\/2020\/02\/electricscooter.png 205w, https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/uploads\/2020\/02\/electricscooter-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 205px) 100vw, 205px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-dmv-column col\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Red_scooter_150x150.png\" alt=\"Red scooter\" class=\"wp-image-319691\" style=\"width:114px;height:136px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Red_scooter_150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Red_scooter_150x150-12x12.png 12w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A motorized scooter has 2 wheels, a motor, handlebars, and a floorboard that you can stand on while riding it.<cite class=\"dmv-citation\">CVC \u00a7407.5<\/cite><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You can only drive motorized scooters on a bicycle path, trail, or bikeway, <strong>not<\/strong> on a sidewalk, and you cannot exceed a speed of 15 mph.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You do not need to register motorized scooters.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You can drive a motorized scooter with any class driver&#8217;s license.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-dmv-spacer-block spacer-box\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Miniature Motorcycles, Electric Motorcycles &amp; Motorized Scooters<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Please note that miniature vehicles&nbsp;(also known as mini choppers or pocket bikes) cannot be registered or operated on public streets because they do not meet Federal Safety Standards.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Electric Motorcylces (eMotos)<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;are off-highway electric vehicles that are subject to&nbsp;<a href=\"\/portal\/vehicle-registration\/new-registration\/register-an-off-highway-vehicle-ohv\/\">off-highway vehicle registration<\/a>&nbsp;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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Motorized Scooters<\/strong>&nbsp;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\u2019s license or permit to operate a motorized scooter. Helmets are required for operation.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-dmv-spacer-block spacer-box\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-dmv-illustration aligncenter is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/images\/illustrations\/checklist.svg\" alt=\"A paper checklist lying on a desk with a ring of keys, a paper clip, and a stop light.\" class=\"dmv-illustration\" width=\"291\" height=\"262\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Need something else?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"featured-tiles-block full-width full-width--slant\">\n\n\t<div class=\"container container--full\">\n\t\t\n\n\t<div class=\"content-tile\">\n\t\t<div class=\"content-tile__info\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Motorcyclist Driver Guide<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Take a look at our special guide to motorcycle requirements and safety.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"content-tile__ctas\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"\/portal\/driver-education-and-safety\/special-interest-driver-guides\/motorcyclists-guide\/\">Motorcyclist guide<\/a><\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\n\t<div class=\"content-tile\">\n\t\t<div class=\"content-tile__info\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Motorcycle License Plates <\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Order a customized motorcycle license plate, get your vehicle identification number (VIN) plate, and more.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"content-tile__ctas\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"\/portal\/vehicle-registration\/license-plates-decals-and-placards\/\">Motorcycle plates<\/a><\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\n\t<div class=\"content-tile\">\n\t\t<div class=\"content-tile__info\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Register a Motorcycle<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>If you own a motorcycle, moped, scooter, or other motor-driven cycle, you need to register it with DMV.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"content-tile__ctas\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/vehicle-registration\/new-registration\/register-a-motorcycle\/\">Motorcycle registration<\/a><\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":65,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ep_exclude_from_search":false,"dmv_page_popups":[],"dmv_ribbon_color":"","dmv_top_illustration":"motorcycle.svg","dmv_page_title":"","dmv_page_subtitle":"","dmv_exclude_from_search_results":false,"dmv_allowed_editors":[],"dmv_display_translate_button":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[37],"tags":[10109,10112,10115,10118,10124,14222,14225,10100,10097,10088,10091,10082,10085,10121,10079,10103,10094,10106],"dmv_task":[11,65],"dmv_functional_page_type":[64],"dmv_content_type":[],"class_list":["post-37","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-motorcycles","tag-149-cc","tag-150-cc","tag-3-wheeled-cycle","tag-4-gross-brake-power","tag-electric-motor","tag-electric-motorcycle","tag-emoto","tag-engine-size","tag-moped-vs-scooter","tag-mopeds","tag-motor-driven-cycles","tag-motor-powered-cycles","tag-motorcycles","tag-scooter-with-pedals","tag-scooters","tag-what-is-a-motor-driven-cycle","tag-what-is-a-motorcycle","tag-what-is-the-difference-between-a-motorcycle-and-scooter","dmv_task-educational","dmv_task-regulations","dmv_functional_page_type-informational"],"featured_image_src":null,"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Motorcycles, Mopeds, and Scooters - California DMV<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What\u2019s the difference between a motorcycle and a motor-driven cycle? Is a moped the same as scooter?\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/vehicle-registration\/new-registration\/motorcycles-mopeds-and-scooters\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Motorcycles, Mopeds, and Scooters - California DMV\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"What\u2019s the difference between a motorcycle and a motor-driven cycle? 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