Riders ask us all the time, “Can I use these engine kits without a license?” The short answer: probably not, but it all depends on where you live.
Laws and regulations on motorized bikes and mopeds vary from state to state. Here in California, we consider any motor-assisted bicycle that rides at 20 MPH or slower a motorized bike, and motorized bikes do not require a motorcycle (M1) or scooter (M2) license. However, other states do not have a distinction between a motorized bike and a motorcycle, and require an M1 license to operate either.
So whether you have a moped, a motorized bike, electric wheel kit, or gas engine, here are a few questions you want to ask before hitting the streets again:
Can a rider operate a motorized bike or moped in your area?
Engine kit and moped laws are tricky when it comes to whether or not something can be ridden in the streets. In California, for example, the vast majority of 2-stroke bike engines cannot be ridden on the street because of environmental regulations on emissions. However, an engine that goes below 20 MPH (40cc engine, or 1000w’s or below) can fit in to the motorized bike category, which are legal to operate in this state.
Some states allow motorized bikes on off-road trails, but not on major streets and highways. The best source of info would be from your state’s department of motor vehicle’s website or office, to ensure you can own and operate one of these engines on your own bike.
Do I have to register my bike with the DMV? And if so, what’s the cost?
Yes, you will need to head down to the DMV and register your bike. In California, motorized bikes and mopeds with automatic transmissions that go below 20 MPH are considered “motorized bikes” and only need a one-time plate fee that doesn’t require renewal. That’s only $18. Other states may require annual to semi-annual renewals of $50 or more.
Some states do not require you to register your motorized bike, but we still recommend doing so.
How about insurance?
Insurance is a little trickier. Remember the days of insurance-free automobiles? Well, that’s sort of how motorized bikes work (at least in California). Here, if you have a true motorized bike you are “exempt from the motor vehicle financial responsibility,” which is the insurance info needed to operate a car. Many states follow the same guidelines, but it’s best to check your local DMV and law enforcement agencies to make sure you’re riding with or without insurance legally.
We recommend purchasing insurance if at all possible. Some riders cannot afford another expense on top of their other bills, so we understand not wanting to. However, if it’s feasible, we recommend getting some type of coverage. We all know drivers can be terrible, so make sure you and your bike are covered against drivers and their mistakes.
Do you need a license?
In most states, motorized bicycles do not require a license for riding. Motorized bikes are defined in the California DMV handbook as such:
“ A “motorized bicycle” is also defined as a vehicle with pedals and an electric motor (not more than 1,000 watts) which cannot be driven at speeds of more than 20 mph on level ground even if assisted by human power. “
As long as your motorized bike falls within those guidelines, you can ride it without hassle in California. Any bigger than that (say, it goes up to 30 mph) you will need an M1 or M2 license. From our research, we’ve seen that this is also the case in many other states.
As you can see, the laws and regulations for motorized bikes vary greatly from state to state, so it’s helpful to contact your local DMV and ask them if your bike would be considered a motorized bike. If you ask them these simple questions, you should get an idea of what’s legal in your area.
Live in California? Click here to view the laws on motorized bikes
Outside of California? The awesome members of the non-profit motorized bike forum Motor-Assisted Bicycling compiled a list of states and their moped/motorized bike laws. Just click here to look up your state and view their DMV website for motorcycle and motorized bike laws
Any Canadian riders out there? Click here for a list of moped laws in Canada
