The 50cc scooter is an automobile, and it is classified under the motorcycle category by many states in the USA. The 50cc or more petite scooter is an alternative way of moving around, incredibly shorter distance places, and the fact that it has an engine and can cause accidents makes it compulsory for the imposition of several rules and regulations on its users. There is certain information you should have concerning using the 50cc and smaller scooters in your region.
So, Do You Need a License to Drive a 50cc Scooter?
Yes, you will be required in some states to have the standard learner’s permit or driver’s license to operate a 50cc scooter or smaller automobiles.
What You Should Know About Mopes Like 50cc scooter
Automobiles like the 50cc scooter are referred to as Mopes in the USA. Motorcycles are cheaper than most other automobiles, and they are much cheaper to maintain. In many European countries where the streets are narrow, scooters like the 50cc have become a common sight because they are more practical to maneuver than the fancy SUVs and sports cars.
Though they are less potent than the traditional automobile, you will still require a license before driving one on the road.
The United States Of America Moped Laws
In the USA, the conditions you can drive mopes like scooter 50cc vary from one state to another. In most cases, the engine size of the scooter will determine the applicable laws. In most states, the standard learner’s permit or driver’s license must operate a 50cc scooter.
If the engine size exceeds 50cc, you will need to pass through motorcycle endorsement to obtain a license. In this case, you will need to apply for a motorcycle permit, and that means you have to partake in a road skill test designed for the motorized scooter.
Once you pass the roadside test, you will automatically obtain your license for a motorcycle, including a scooter.
What You Should Know About The Engine Sizes Of Scooters
Mopeds, including scooters, come in diverse engine sizes, but the commonest ones are 50cc, 150cc and 250cc.
The 50cc engine scooters are great for people who live in the smaller cities and those who don’t use the highways often. The maximum speed recommended for the 50cc by the law is 30-40mpg in most states. These 50cc engines are also known to be easy on gas, and they can accelerate to about 100 mpg speed.
The 150c engine scooter can go faster than the 50cc engine, attaining a maximum speed of between 50 and 60 mpg. Despite the increased speed allowance, you should avoid using the 150cc engine scooter on the highway.
The 250cc engines are the ones you will find on the bigger motorbikes like the Vespas. They are allowed to reach a minimum of 75mph or more. With the 250cc engine scooters, you will feel confident in matching the speeds of many cars on the highway. The 250cc engine scooters may not be as economical as the smaller engine sizes when it comes to gas usage, and they will attain a speed of 60mpg to over 120mpg.
Reasons Why You Might Want To Get A 50cc Scooter
There are several reasons you should consider getting a 50cc scooter, even if you don’t have to use it all the time. It can be a great compliment to your regular car or other larger automobiles. Scooters are not as shinny as sleek automobiles, yet they turn heads in many countries for the same reasons.
If you are looking to cut transport costs, perhaps a scooter will be an ideal option to consider ahead of other options. A scooter costs far less than a car as it may go for around $1000 or less depending on the engine size.
While all states require you to insure your car, some states don’t have to insure your scooter. Mopes like scooters are more fuel-efficient than most cars.
The super-light and compact design of scooters is also an appealing part worth considering. Being stuck in traffic with your bigger automobiles can lead to frustration, but a scooter can make you maneuver your way easily through traffic.
Since scooters have much lower centers of gravity, as a result of the location of the engine in the back section, you will feel you are going very fast on them. Though the average maximum speed for the 50cc scooter is 40 mph, most of these scooters come with automatic transmission for easy control.
Storage is very easy with scooters. Unlike cars that need big garages for storage, you can make your scooter lean on the side of your house. Parking your scooter in a crowded street is also easier than parking a car. There are lots of security features that can now be found on scooters. They are therefore more secure than ever before.
Motorcycle Licenses In The USA- Key Information You Should Know
Licensing motorcycles in the US is similar to licensing cars and other automobiles. The following are key information to have before applying for a license for your 50-cc scooter;
1. Minimum Age for License
For most states of the country, the minimum age to obtain a motorcycle license, including the one for a scooter, is between 15 and 16 years. For the state of California, for instance, you must be at least 15vyears and 6 months old to qualify for a license.
If you are 17 years or older, you may need an instruction permit, and there must be no scooter riding after dark. California also makes it mandatory that scooter drivers must not carry passengers.
For many states, you may not qualify for the class M1 or class M2 licenses if you are older than 21 unless you can provide proof of the completion of the motorcycle training program.
2. Physical Requirements
To obtain a license, you must pass the vision screening and a written motorcycle exam. You must have completed the mandatory driver’s education course in most cases.
3. Training Requirements
Training requirements can be optional in some cases. To be on the safer side, you should consider a motorcycle training class before you apply for a motorcycle license. This training is important if you are a beginner rider and you need to sharpen your skills before you start driving long distances.
The motorcycle training class usually lasts between two and four days, and it involves learning with an instructor. You will learn a lot, including the anatomy of the scooter, scooter-specific traffic, and road laws, choosing the right riding gear, safe riding techniques, and defensive maneuvers such as swerving with your scooter.
One of the benefits of taking the motorcycle training class is that you may qualify for exemption from written exams and road tests. Perhaps the only downside to this course is that it can cost you between $200 and $500, depending on the state you reside in.
4. The Test Requirements to Obtain a Scooter License
Once you take and pass the written exam, you will get a learner’s permit that allows you to ride your scooter on public roads. The topics that are covered in the test include; road rules, motorcycle terminologies, state laws, and safety practices. You can go through the resources provided at your local DMW website to prepare adequately for this test.
5. Practice Skills Acquired, on the Road
Now that you have obtained a certificate or permit from the previous training, you will be allowed to practice your skills on private and public roads. In the early stages of getting a leaner’s permit, you may be restricted to the daylight hours only. A licensed motorcyclist rider will accompany you at this stage, and you are not allowed to carry a passenger at any time of the day.
If you are under 18, some states may require that you log in the number of hours you were supervised for online.
6. Take the Skills Test
The last step towards getting a full scooter’s license is the road test. In this test, you will have to display your ability to maneuver your motorbike, especially in a closed or any other secluded area. This test involves the proper use of brakes, maneuvering, accelerating, and quick return.
In some states, you will need to demonstrate real-world skills. In this case, you will get out there and interact with other motorcyclists and other automobile users. In general, you will need a motorcycle with complete body parts and in good condition.
You will also need the proper motorcycle riding gear, including the helmet, low-heel boot or shoes, long-sleeve top or jacket, and long pants. You will also need proof of passing the written exam and proof of liability insurance that qualifies your scooter for the road test. All these are essential components of completing your licensing requirements.
