drive a motorized bicycle on the Is the scooter capable of What makes a road. traveling over 30 mph on level Scooter/MOPED ground? The motorized scooter is being a Motorcycle? marketed as a toy, and sold to Does the scooter comply with the youth of our communities. VESC-17, dated July 1977? The St. Joseph Police Department Anytime one of these devices is would like to remind citizens it is operated on a Missouri roadway The main question that is often illegal to operate motorized (city street, county road, or state missed out of the above bicycles on public streets and highway), they must abide by the questions, is the speed the highways unless the operator has same laws governing a motor scooter will go. If it is capable of a driver's license. This applies to vehicle (i.e.: stopping at posted traveling over 30 mph on level the newly popular mini- STOP signs, driving on the right- ground, then it is a motorcycles also. A motorized side of the roadway, yielding to MOTORCYCLE, and must follow bicycle is defined as any two- approaching traffic when turning all ordinances as such. Even if it wheeled or three-wheeled device left, and not exceeding the posted is only 49cc, but travels over 30 having an automatic transmission speed limit). This makes the case mph, it is still a MOTORCYCLE. and a motor with cylinder that the motorized scooter and capacity of not more than 50 mini-motorcycle truly are not When in doubt, if it is a Scooter or cubic centimeters, which produces toys. a Motorcycle, you should always less than three gross brake refer to the manufacturer’s horsepower, and is capable of When preparing to buy a website or contact your local propelling the device at a motorized bicycle/ Scooter ask police department to get the maximum speed of not more than the dealer and yourself these correct clarification on whether it 30 mph on level ground; it must questions: is a Scooter or Motorcycle. Within meet VESC-17. VESC-17 requires the city limits of St. Joseph, petals to propel the bike. City Does the scooter have less scooters are governed by Ordinance states that motorized than a 50cc motor? ordinance 28-943, which will put bicycles, commonly referred to as you in compliance with the scooters, can be operated on Does the scooter create less ordinance. public streets only if the driver than 3 gross brake holds a valid license. If your child horsepower? can't legally drive a car, he can't driver’s license. A driver’s permit does “The guy who sold it to me told me it not allow you to operate a scooter. was a scooter and I didn’t need a license” Motorized Bicycle or Motorcycle how do I tell Ultimately it is your responsibility to check your state and local laws regarding the difference? motorized bicycles and motorcycles.

Check the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) plate. Usually found on the kick panel or the lower portion of the frame depending on the make of your unit. If you see MOTORCYCLE anywhere on the VIN plate, which is clear evidence that you more than likely have a motorcycle and not This unit appears to be a motorized bicycle however a motorized bicycle. At this point the unit this particular model is actually a motorcycle. needs to be licensed, insured, the rider must have a Motorcycle endorsement and a Is the vehicle capable of traveling over DOT approved Helmet. 30 miles per hour on flat ground?

Assuming it fits the definition of a motorized bicycle listed on the reverse side. If the answer is yes then you have a motorcycle, thus requiring you to have a valid driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement, vehicle license, helmet and insurance. St Joseph Police Department 501 Faraon Street Have any modifications been made to St. Joseph, MO 64501 the motorized bicycle that allows it to 816-271-4701 Note the word MOTORCYCLE on the lower right achieve speeds greater than 30 miles per hand corner of the VIN plate. Traffic Unit hour on flat level ground? 816-271-5359 Do I have to have a license to ride a scooter? If the answer is yes then the motorized bicycle is now by definition a motorcycle. Yes, in order to operate a scooter (a motorized bicycle) you must have a valid