FAQ's About Scooters & Mopeds

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Scooter/Moped FAQ’s

 

What is a Scooter/Moped?

    

     Actually, Nevada law has no definition for a scooter. The law refers to these vehicles as a moped. To be defined as a moped, the vehicle must have a displacement of less than 50 cc’s (cubic centimeters) and must not be capable of a maximum speed of more than 30 MPH on a flat surface with not more than a 1% grade.

 

     Some confusion has come as a result of the speedometer displays on some models, but that is no longer being used as the test by the Mesquite Police Department. Your scooter/moped should have a note of the engine displacement attached to the body. If not, your owner’s manual will have the information and you should carry that manual with you on the scooter/moped.

 

     If a governor has been installed, you should have documentation of the installation with you as well.  If you are clocked on radar traveling more than 30 MPH, the scooter/moped will no longer be considered as such and the scooter/moped will be treated as a motorcycle. The driver MAY receive a citation(s) for no motorcycle license, no helmet or eye protection, no registration, and no insurance.

 

Do I need to register the scooter/moped with DMV?

    

     If the vehicle meets the specifications above, you do not need to register it nor does it require license plates.

 

Do I Need a Driver’s License to operate it?

    

     While the scooter/moped does not need plates or registration, the State of Nevada still considers it a motor vehicle and you must have a valid driver’s license to operate a scooter/moped. Since you must be 16 years of age to obtain a driver’s license that means no one under 16 can legally operate a scooter/moped. However, you do not need a motorcycle endorsement on your license to operate a scooter/moped.

 

Do I need insurance?

   

      Insurance to operate a scooter/moped is not required. However, some homeowner’s insurance policies can provide coverage and relatively inexpensive insurance policies specifically for scooters/mopeds are available. You should check with your insurance agent or the person who sells you the scooter/moped for more information on your specific situation.

 

Do I have to wear a helmet?

   

      A helmet is not required by law when operating a scooter/moped, however, the Mesquite Police Department strongly recommends that you wear appropriate head protection when operating a scooter/moped.

 

Where can I drive a scooter/moped?

 

     Scooters can be operated on all city streets. When driving a scooter/moped, you must use the right hand travel lane and not the ‘safety zone’ or bike lane next to the curb. You must drive with the flow of traffic in all cases and never take the scooter/moped on the Interstate.

    

     The Mesquite Police Department believes that scooters/mopeds can be a great option for our residents who have to make short trips in town, but the key is that the scooters/mopeds meet the specifications defined by Nevada law and be operated responsibly. Along with the need to operate the scooters/mopeds responsibly, it is important for drivers of all vehicles to be alert to these smaller vehicles and give them the room they need for maximum safety.

 

          Police Chief Douglas Law said, “The law is clear about the specifications regarding a moped/scooter.”  The police department hopes this clears up any confusion about what is required to operate a scooter/moped.

     If you have any questions, you can contact the Mesquite Police Department at 346-5262.