Massachusetts' Moped Friendly Scooter Models.

[SteveK]

Which scooters are termed mopeds in MA? I've been to all the dealers in MA (and one in CT) shopping for scooters. There is a misconception by some of them that all you need is a 50cc automatic and in some cases a "special note" from them to get through the DMV for a cheap moped sticker versus a "limited use" or motorcycle tag. After now buying a few moped law friendly scooters and asking specifics at the DMV, they gave me a list of "qualified" scooters.

They are constantly revising this list. I have seen 2 revisions in the last couple weeks. I wonder if they aren't changing this list based on speeding tickets received by scooter pilots. One thing is for sure...big brother IS watching..... muwahahaha

Here it is:
http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/rmv/docu ... ed_Use.pdf

[ed85379]

Generally a 50cc *with* a speed manager installed so it can't go faster than 29 MPH is what is required for it to not be considered a motorcycle in MA. It is the speed, technically, not the engine displacement. Of course, the state has no way of knowing if you've disabled the speed manager, unless you're pulled over going faster than that I suppose.

Seriously, is the registration/insurance savings worth being limited to putting along at 29mph max? It wasn't for me.

[TVB]

Skimming the list, it looks like they're calling anything that maxes out at 30mph a "moped", and anything that maxes at 31-40mph (which in most cases is a derestricted 50cc) a "limited use". But they must be basing this chart on individual – non-representative – samples.

[Syd]

AZ is simple: If it doesn't have functional pedals, it is a motorcycle. It's pretty clearly worded in the law, but most people, even at the DMV, seem to to get confused on the distinction.

[SteveK]

Ed it indeed needs to not exceed 50cc's to be a moped. It cannot exceed 30 mph as well. If it does 30-40mph it is a LUV, needs plate, excise, insurance, title, inspection sticker and motorcycle endorsement, fees for state parks and beaches, parking costs...etc.

Now in my case, multiply all these costs by three....

A motorcycle may be in order if above a 50cc but you know how that discussion goes.... ...heh

So this list is a warning. No matter what note from the doctor you may bring to the DMV. You may find yourself very surprised no matter what the dealer told you in words.... I know o several scoots for sale on Craigslist that people bought and could not get a sticker for. They got responses from their dealers like "Just go to another window and try again"....

[SteveK]

TVB I know of one certain scooter pilot (not naming any names here that start with S ) who bought a new scooter that was shipped from a certain factory to a certain state other than his own that was derestricted.

That certain dealer did not charge "S" sales tax. The dealer said it would be collected in his home state. The state failed to collect it at the DMV as well...

This title did not say restricted or otherwise. Just the scooter model was enough to pass it on through....because it was on this list.

But S is a plump jolly old soul with much "wind resistance" and the scoot cannot take him to 31 mph either.... The LUV plate may or may not apply in this instance, I just don't know.

[lilguy]

Sheesh, such disdain for 50cc scooters here. I'm not sure what that's all about, but I love my 50cc and it suits my purposes. It's not just about the registration or insurance savings and it's irritating when people assume that's why you purchased your 50cc. Also, I definitely don't "put" around.

[ericalm]

Many states put (usually restricted) 50cc scooters in a category with mopeds. Larger scoots are usually grouped as motorcycles. Both are purely for classification when it comes to laws for licensing, registration, parking, insurance, etc. Still, as scooterists, the nomenclature seems a bit off.

According to the feds, all scooters are a subset of motorcycles. Of course, the DOT doesn't set policy/regulations for speed restrictions, licensing and so on.

I guess you could take comfort in knowing that a restricted 50cc motorcycle (uncommon as they are) would also be a "moped."

[SteveK]

Sheesh, such disdain for 50cc scooters here. I'm not sure what that's all about, but I love my 50cc and it suits my purposes. It's not just about the registration or insurance savings and it's irritating when people assume that's why you purchased your 50cc. Also, I definitely don't "put" around.

No worries here lilguy. I think the Genuine 2-stroke 50cc's are awesome in their slot. Went to Scooters Go Green and picked up a 50cc white Buddy (third scooter all 50cc's) just yesterday. The 50cc's there far out numbered any other engine size on the lot.

Well like I said, just an hour ago wifey was registering her new scoot. Next window over another was declined for being "blacklisted"...lol

The Roughhouses were all pre sold and they just got an order in. wifey loves her 50cc Budddy....and me a little more now too..

[robby]

SteveK what kind of riding do you do mostly? 95 mpg on a Roughhouse is really good. I'm really careful about not overthrottling/overbreaking and I get mid-80s.

[SteveK]

Robby, It is hilly around here. They call it the "Seven Hills" region. My riding is all back road and some secondary "highway" for lack of a better term. Almost no stop and go comparitively speaking to your ride. I'm pretty careful about the throttle while cruising and will back off the throttle as much as I can to not reduce speed but also to not indulge in the fuel. A lesson learned from driving a Hybrid cage.

I usually keep it below thirty mph but do see 40 every now and then (verified via GPS) when traffic is pushing.. My son is getting similar results and I'm not sure how he hits the gas but he is not slow poking around I'm sure. He even traverses the dirt roads and gravel pits to get around.

I weigh 215 and am 5'11" tall. He weighs 175 and is 6'0".

This Fuelly data does not take into account the Speedo/Odo errors that I have measured to be ~10%...HTH!

[Dooglas]

Sheesh, such disdain for 50cc scooters here. I'm not sure what that's all about, but I love my 50cc and it suits my purposes. It's not just about the registration or insurance savings and it's irritating when people assume that's why you purchased your 50cc.

I don't sense "disdain" for 50s. There are many 50 owners on the site. Strong preferences about particular models of course. Some people think a 125/150 is the minimum for the way they wish to use their scooter. Over on the MV site, folks say the same thing about 250/300s . I personally think it is all good as long as a person makes choices for informed reasons. The only argument you will get from me is about insurance and safety training. Those are two places where cutting any corners puts you and others at personal and financial risk - regardless of what you ride.

[robby]

Robby, It is hilly around here. They call it the "Seven Hills" region. My riding is all back road and some secondary "highway" for lack of a better term. Almost no stop and go comparitively speaking to your ride. I'm pretty careful about the throttle while cruising and will back off the throttle as much as I can to not reduce speed but also to not indulge in the fuel. A lesson learned from driving a Hybrid cage.

I usually keep it below thirty mph but do see 40 every now and then (verified via GPS) when traffic is pushing.. My son is getting similar results and I'm not sure how he hits the gas but he is not slow poking around I'm sure. He even traverses the dirt roads and gravel pits to get around.

I weigh 215 and am 5'11" tall. He weighs 175 and is 6'0".

This Fuelly data does not take into account the Speedo/Odo errors that I have measured to be ~10%...HTH!

Nice work! I think it's the stop-and-go traffic that kills me (I commute mostly in Cambridge and Boston). I'm 6'0", only weigh 155 lbs, and I watch my throttle, but I hit lots of lights. My Fuelly numbers also disregard odomoeter error so they should be proportional to yours in that sense.

Sheesh, such disdain for 50cc scooters here. I'm not sure what that's all about, but I love my 50cc and it suits my purposes. It's not just about the registration or insurance savings and it's irritating when people assume that's why you purchased your 50cc.

I don't sense "disdain" for 50s. There are many 50 owners on the site. Strong preferences about particular models of course. Some people think a 125/150 is the minimum for the way they wish to use their scooter. Over on the MV site, folks say the same thing about 250/300s . I personally think it is all good as long as a person makes choices for informed reasons. The only argument you will get from me is about insurance and safety training. Those are two places where cutting any corners puts you and others at personal and financial risk - regardless of what you ride.

Agree with this, but just want to add that lots of us 50cc owners buy insurance even though we don't have to. I think I pay $120/year for a $500k policy with roadside assistance. Easy decision.

[SteveK]

Sheesh, such disdain for 50cc scooters here. I'm not sure what that's all about, but I love my 50cc and it suits my purposes. It's not just about the registration or insurance savings and it's irritating when people assume that's why you purchased your 50cc.

I don't sense "disdain" for 50s. There are many 50 owners on the site. Strong preferences about particular models of course. Some people think a 125/150 is the minimum for the way they wish to use their scooter. Over on the MV site, folks say the same thing about 250/300s . I personally think it is all good as long as a person makes choices for informed reasons. The only argument you will get from me is about insurance and safety training. Those are two places where cutting any corners puts you and others at personal and financial risk - regardless of what you ride.

Well you wouldn't like NH then. No Insurance required even on autos. Some places are still free in this land... They can drive anywhere in the country too. And you always have the option of purchasing insurance to protect you from uninsured/underinsured motorists....

[SteveK]

Nice work! I think it's the stop-and-go traffic that kills me (I commute mostly in Cambridge and Boston). I'm 6'0", only weigh 155 lbs, and I watch my throttle, but I hit lots of lights. My Fuelly numbers also disregard odomoeter error so they should be proportional to yours in that sense.

Thanks!

The best part about living round hills is you pay to go up, but going back down is free!...

[sotied]

The main reason I got my scoot was for the ease of parking. What burns me a bit is in MA, parking is up to the municipality. So, if you park in Boston, you need to be at a scooter/motorcycle spot on the street if you have a plate. If you don't have a plate and you're driving a monster 50cc, then you risk having your scoot carted to the impound.
If you're in Cambridge or Somerville - as recently as a couple weeks ago, you could park anywhere for free without a problem. Word is that plated scoots are soon going to need to pay.
Biggest issue is that many of the streets around Boston metro now have those 'sticker' meters and none have places where you can lock your scoot.
Mayor Menino has pledged that the next version of meters (quarter an hour unlimited for scoots and motorcycles) will have rings you can lock your scoot to.
Thoughts? Comments? Questions?

[SteveK]

Jeff, if it is termed a motorcyle by state law, why would one expect the benefits of a moped class scooter? That would seem to discriminate against motorcycles that do not have the pass-through for the legs....no?

See this is where the nuts and bolts of what is and isn't a non-motor vehicle comes into play. If one want's a motor vehicle then fine. But to play you gotta pay is all.

I'd be up in arms if I had to pay to park my 250cc motorcycle but a 250cc scooter could park for free...

It uncontiitushaunal I tell ya'!!!...

[ed85379]

Jeff, if it is termed a motorcyle by state law, why would one expect the benefits of a moped class scooter? That would seem to discriminate against motorcycles that do not have the pass-through for the legs....no?

No. It's about the physical size, or it should be.

My 150 Blackjack is *exactly* the same size as the 50cc Buddies, so why should parking for me be any different than from them?

It's also about weight. A 700 pound motorcycle cannot exactly be carted off as easily as my 220 pound scooter, so again, I should be able to park with the similarly sized vehicles. I'm not complaining about the need for registration and insurance, I am only bothered by the stupid parking issues.

[SteveK]

Jeff, if it is termed a motorcyle by state law, why would one expect the benefits of a moped class scooter? That would seem to discriminate against motorcycles that do not have the pass-through for the legs....no?

No. It's about the physical size, or it should be.

My 150 Blackjack is *exactly* the same size as the 50cc Buddies, so why should parking for me be any different than from them?

It's also about weight. A 700 pound motorcycle cannot exactly be carted off as easily as my 220 pound scooter, so again, I should be able to park with the similarly sized vehicles. I'm not complaining about the need for registration and insurance, I am only bothered by the stupid parking issues.

Well that is a slippery slope indeed. Now it becomes should sub-compact cars get to park for free vs compact? Mid size vs luxury? Pedal only vs moped?

It could whittle down to "Pedestrian Only Parking"...

I do get your point though Ed. Maybe you are right and it should be based on size.

All I know is it'll sure be great when we go to the local rec area for some swimming and they don't charge us the 8 dollars for admission....

I'm curious on how this new parking rule comes in...Good Luck!

Just thought of something else. Knowing this state, and some of her towns, maybe they are trying in some misguided way to encourage fuel efficiency? I've seen laws that were far more odd than this...if it is.

Seems to make sense though that if there is a plate, it is a motor vehicle and not a moped. To Dooglas' post above...there is always full theft insurance if it is an issue. The little bikes can get stolen too without any at all. Right from the scooter parking are too. Shouldn't be aproblem if one doesn't mind the insurance bill right?

[sotied]

I got carried away on my soapbox earlier, but I was headed toward the 'physical size' argument. If my Buddy 125 is smaller than a Vespa 50 and that 50 can park on the sidewalk, why can't I - HYPOTHETICALLY - debadge my buddy and use dual-lok tape to remove my plate and park along side the fatter and heavier Vespa?

That's why a Burgman 450 has no business on a sidewalk while a Metro can but put anywhere.

That's also fueled my hesitance to get the Zuma 125 as my next new scoot because it is a bit bigger and would draw more parking attention.

**The thing I like (and hate) about those no-meter machines that let anyone park anywhere is that you get more spots out of each block (in theory if people knew how to park), but then you're still dinging me with my 33MPG Scion xA for the same parking fee as a Ford Excursion.

Maybe it all should be tied to physical size AND gas mileage. If you get more than 30 and are under 10-feet long you should park for free in the city.

*****There is a parking garage in Cambridge that charges a discount rate for cars under a certain length. I have to keep having them measure my Scion because they keep trying to charge me the big car rate and I'm only a few inches longer than a mini. Just because the xA sits higher off the ground, they think it's longer.

Ooooh, rant rant rant rant.

[SteveK]

Because motor vehicles are not permitted in areas where bicycles are and mopeds are?

My kid called the college where he goes and asked security if he could park his scooter at the bike rack. They called back and asked if if it was classified as a moped. He said yup. They said no problem...

He could've had a large scooter if he chose to.

C'mon guys, you get to go 75mph leave us a little perks would ya' please?...

[TVB]

Because motor vehicles are not permitted in areas where bicycles are and mopeds are?

I'd consider a moped a "motor vehicle". That's what the "mo" stands for.

Now, if I ran the world, I'd make a distinction between an actual moped (a vehicle that can be propelled practically by either motor or pedals) and a 50cc scooter, for parking purposes. Bikes and mopeds are just too easy to pick up and walk off with: they need racks in public places.

I ride a Buddy 50. I enjoy the cheap every-three-years registration, the waiver from jumping through the operator-licensing hoops, the freedom to carry just as much/little insurance on it as I want, and the other benefits that I get from having a slow, low-powered vehicle that someone at the state capital can't tell from a moped. But every time I come to a stop and put it on its center stand, I have to admit: it's not a moped. It's a motorcycle, and I park it just like I'd park a Harley, a Hyundai, a Hummer, or any other motor vehicle.

[corey]

i just got back to cambridge after living in spain for a while and need to register my buddy 50cc... will i still fall under the "motorized bicycle" category and be able to register with the simple sticker? or does it depend on the person at the counter with whom i speak to? also, i've been searching all over the dmv site and can't figure out what paperwork i need to register again. can anyone help me out with that? muchas gracias para todos!

[ed85379]

i just got back to cambridge after living in spain for a while and need to register my buddy 50cc... will i still fall under the "motorized bicycle" category and be able to register with the simple sticker? or does it depend on the person at the counter with whom i speak to? also, i've been searching all over the dmv site and can't figure out what paperwork i need to register again. can anyone help me out with that? muchas gracias para todos!

A 50cc should qualify as a "moped", not a motorized bicycle. Not sure what the difference is, but you will only need a sticker. Technically, if it isn't limited to 30mph, it goes up to a "limited use vehicle", but they can't check every bike, so they just have a list of models, and Buddy 50s are still listed as mopeds. Just, if they ask you, what is the max speed, make sure to say "Around 29-30?"

[corey]

i just got back to cambridge after living in spain for a while and need to register my buddy 50cc... will i still fall under the "motorized bicycle" category and be able to register with the simple sticker? or does it depend on the person at the counter with whom i speak to? also, i've been searching all over the dmv site and can't figure out what paperwork i need to register again. can anyone help me out with that? muchas gracias para todos!

A 50cc should qualify as a "moped", not a motorized bicycle. Not sure what the difference is, but you will only need a sticker. Technically, if it isn't limited to 30mph, it goes up to a "limited use vehicle", but they can't check every bike, so they just have a list of models, and Buddy 50s are still listed as mopeds. Just, if they ask you, what is the max speed, make sure to say "Around 29-30?"

cheers! thanks ed! really appreciate it... as for paperwork, what do i need? i can't remember... maybe nothing at all? just the vin?

[ed85379]

i just got back to cambridge after living in spain for a while and need to register my buddy 50cc... will i still fall under the "motorized bicycle" category and be able to register with the simple sticker? or does it depend on the person at the counter with whom i speak to? also, i've been searching all over the dmv site and can't figure out what paperwork i need to register again. can anyone help me out with that? muchas gracias para todos!

A 50cc should qualify as a "moped", not a motorized bicycle. Not sure what the difference is, but you will only need a sticker. Technically, if it isn't limited to 30mph, it goes up to a "limited use vehicle", but they can't check every bike, so they just have a list of models, and Buddy 50s are still listed as mopeds. Just, if they ask you, what is the max speed, make sure to say "Around 29-30?"

cheers! thanks ed! really appreciate it... as for paperwork, what do i need? i can't remember... maybe nothing at all? just the vin?

No idea. I ride a 150. I've never registered a 50 before.

[corey]

A 50cc should qualify as a "moped", not a motorized bicycle. Not sure what the difference is, but you will only need a sticker. Technically, if it isn't limited to 30mph, it goes up to a "limited use vehicle", but they can't check every bike, so they just have a list of models, and Buddy 50s are still listed as mopeds. Just, if they ask you, what is the max speed, make sure to say "Around 29-30?"

cheers! thanks ed! really appreciate it... as for paperwork, what do i need? i can't remember... maybe nothing at all? just the vin?

No idea. I ride a 150. I've never registered a 50 before.

just to follow up on this in case anyone else needs this info, i was able to re-register my buddy 50 as a moped/motorized bicycle this morning for $40 for two years and all i needed was the VIN and to check a few boxes indicating that it doesn't exceed 30mph, is automatic, and that the engine size does not exceed 50cc

[Syd]

^^Does it exceed 30mph?

[corey]

^^Does it exceed 30mph?

when i ask you this question you have the legal obligation to answer me honestly... are you a police officer?

yes it has the capability of exceeding 30mph, but where i live there is no need to exceed 30mph because it's all city streets and traffic

[Syd]

^^Does it exceed 30mph?

when i ask you this question you have the legal obligation to answer me honestly... are you a police officer?

yes it has the capability of exceeding 30mph, but where i live there is no need to exceed 30mph because it's all city streets and traffic

Me, a police officer? Ahh, no.

[SteveK]

Yes for MA just look at the list I liked to in the original post. There will be no questions asked of you at the counter. If it is on the list you are good to go period. If not on the list they will ask you about the top speed. If on the list and it says LU or MC next to it, get ready to shell out the greenbacks and have a motorcycle endorsement. For the LU class they have now implemented a "J" endorsement as of 6/1/11....not quite a motorcycle endorsement.

Leave it to MA to not neglect anyone.....

[TVB]

^^Does it exceed 30mph?

when i ask you this question you have the legal obligation to answer me honestly... are you a police officer?

Just so you know: That's a myth. Cops are allowed to lie about whether they're cops.
But also: You are not legally obligated to tell cops the truth.

Out on the street, no one is under oath to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. On the other hand, when you're at the DMV filling out forms and signing them... just be aware that there could be penalties.

[ed85379]

^^Does it exceed 30mph?

when i ask you this question you have the legal obligation to answer me honestly... are you a police officer?

Just so you know: That's a myth. Cops are allowed to lie about whether they're cops.
But also: You are not legally obligated to tell cops the truth.

Out on the street, no one is under oath to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. On the other hand, when you're at the DMV filling out forms and signing them... just be aware that there could be penalties.

Every state has different laws, and it may not be myth in all. Also, a police officer lying gives the defendant a much much better chance of arguing entrapment.

[boredgamelad]

Every state has different laws, and it may not be myth in all. Also, a police officer lying gives the defendant a much much better chance of arguing entrapment.

Uh, that's not exactly true. Entrapment is much more complicated than that and a lie or omission of fact by a police officer is not going to be enough to argue that someone was a victim of entrapment. The "police must identify themselves" thing is definitely a myth and a simple internet search will reveal plenty of sources detailing why.

The fact that sting operations exist at all should be evidence enough that this is a myth. If it were true in any state, all criminals would have to do to avoid ever being arrested for engaging in criminal transactions would be to ask every person they sell to if they're a cop.

[TVB]

Every state has different laws, and it may not be myth in all.

But it is. Unless you can show me a state which actually has a law requiring police officers to answer that question truthfully.

Also, a police officer lying gives the defendant a much much better chance of arguing entrapment.

Entrapment requires the police to actively persuade someone to commit a crime they were otherwise not inclined to do. According to a criminal attorney I used to know socially, "I wouldn't have done it if he'd admitted he was a cop" is known in his profession as a "confession", not a "defense argument".

[SteveK]

It's really only the undercover officers that do not have to identify themselves as police officers. But they must identify themselves while making an arrest or any legal process where you have been accused.

Lies? That's what Miranda is for and that should not be taken lightly. They can lie but you do not need to answer, even in interrogation....

[ericalm]

It's really only the undercover officers that do not have to identify themselves as police officers

If you can't figure out who the overcover ones are, you deserve to get busted.

[SteveK]

It's really only the undercover officers that do not have to identify themselves as police officers

If you can't figure out who the overcover ones are, you deserve to get busted.

+1

This would however apply to off-duty officers in plain clothes as well.

[TVB]

But they must identify themselves while making an arrest or any legal process where you have been accused.

Which leaves out approximately 98% of the typical police officer's day.

[SteveK]

But they must identify themselves while making an arrest or any legal process where you have been accused.

Which leaves out approximately 98% of the typical police officer's day.

Which may eliminate 98% of the police officers as a whole!....

[ericalm]

I can't even tell who's winning this pissing contest; it's just one big puddle now.

[SteveK]

I can't even tell who's winning this pissing contest; it's just one big puddle now.

Ewwww! Kinda warm though!...

So yes, if in MA do as the Massachusettians, Massachussites, Massachus-(whatever the heck we call ourselves ) do and just go by the list linked to above in the OP. Undercover, overcover, between the cover, they will all treat you the same in court if you do not.

[Irond Will]

Massachusetts residents are "Bay Staters", apparently.

I bought my scooter a few weeks ago and I've been really happy with my Buddy 50 puttering around Cambridge or into downtown Boston. I've considered moving up to a larger bike, but there are just so many factors that make the 50cc bikes preferable.

If I were to get a larger bike, I'd:

Need to get a motorcycle license
Have to buy insurance (I have comprehensive, but no liability)
Deal with getting a license plate
Make more trips to the hated RMV
And the big one: Be unable to park on a sidewalk

It really makes the 50cc bike very attractive. The whole benefit of an urban scooter is not having to deal with parking issues. If the Boston/ Cambridge cops are ticketing or towing anything with plates, then I'll stick with the "motorized bicycle/ moped" thank you very much.

(I was shocked to see that the Vespa 50s are considered LU. What a pain for Vespa owners - all of the irritations of owning a full-on motorcycle with none of the practical benefits of owning a scooter or a motorcycle!)

[Syd]

From the all the postings of scooter theft in the immediate Boston area, it sounds like you don't even need to buy a scoot - just grab one on the side of the road, on the sidewalk, in someone's back yard, whenever you need one. It sounds like bicycles in The Netherlands.

[SteveK]

Massachusetts residents are "Bay Staters", apparently.

Figures too... Like someone in Idaho would really be able to tell where I am from...

If I were to get a larger bike, I'd:

Need to get a motorcycle license
Have to buy insurance (I have comprehensive, but no liability)
Deal with getting a license plate
Make more trips to the hated RMV
And the big one: Be unable to park on a sidewalk

(I was shocked to see that the Vespa 50s are considered LU. What a pain for Vespa owners - all of the irritations of owning a full-on motorcycle with none of the practical benefits of owning a scooter or a motorcycle!)

Annnd:

Get a sticker every year. If a liquid fueled LUV (like the Vespa) this includes an emissions test . Try and pass that with a 2 Stroker...
If LUV (like the Vespa) be banned from any road with a posted speed of 40mph+. This is not so so with the Mopeds...

Funny thing though, you can register a moped as a motorcycle if one chooses to. Go figure...

[XenonScooterGirl]

I have an all-electric "scooter" that does not exceed 30mph. There is no engine that has cc's, just a direct drive, 0 gas emissions, portable rechargeable battery scooter that is almost silent on the road. I road for the first time today without a "sticker" and just couldn't believe what an amazing experience it was to have no sound, no hot tailpipe, and doing some good for environment. Back to my reason for popping onto this board.

I have found nothing on the RMV site in Massachusetts that addresses these vehicles. I want to register it as a moped, but it is not on the approved list.

Does anyone know how one goes about working with the RMV for their approval of these scooters?

[robby]

I have an all-electric "scooter" that does not exceed 30mph. There is no engine that has cc's, just a direct drive, 0 gas emissions, portable rechargeable battery scooter that is almost silent on the road. I road for the first time today without a "sticker" and just couldn't believe what an amazing experience it was to have no sound, no hot tailpipe, and doing some good for environment. Back to my reason for popping onto this board.

I have found nothing on the RMV site in Massachusetts that addresses these vehicles. I want to register it as a moped, but it is not on the approved list.

Does anyone know how one goes about working with the RMV for their approval of these scooters?

You can register it as a motorized scooter.

"Motorized scooter'', any 2 wheeled tandem or 3 wheeled device, that has handlebars, designed to be stood or sat upon by the operator, powered by an electric or gas powered motor that is capable of propelling the device with or without human propulsion. The definition of "motorized scooter'' shall not include a motorcycle or motorized bicycle or a 3 wheeled motorized wheelchair.

http://www.malegislature.gov/Laws/Gener ... 0/Section1

[SteveK]

The RMV does not recognize the word scooter. If it is not atleast a motorized bicycle aka moped then it is not fit for registration at the DMV. And it cannot be operated on the roadways. Gopeds "scooters" are not allowed anywhere on the roads...

You can register the electric moped as a moped. As I said above in this thread, if it is not on the list, or the engine size is not on the COO you will be asked at the counter what the top speed is. If you answer it is 30 max, it is a moped. If you answer 31 it is a LU vehicle. If you misrepresent the max speed and get popped you will be charged with unregistered, uninsured, untitled, uninspected which will set you back around $1500....

No difference to them if it is an electric vehicle except if an LUV...then you need no emissions test..where the liquid fueled one's do require an emissions test. Motorcycles do not require emissions tests though...go figure?

That's it.

[tvd]

Did anyone get a letter in the mail from the RMV this week? I got one today saying my scoot was improperly registered. They say you have to register as an LU vehicle (i didnt know a motorcycle license was required for LU, thats gotta be new) and gave me the steps I'd need to take to register. But the odd thing is, they say i must do this in 30 days unless I can "prove" its properly registered. It doesn't say how this is accomplished, just that no letters from mechanics are valid. (say if you put a restrictor in, etc.)
Also, interested in hearing from LU riders in Mass who park on sidewalks and if that's been a problem.

[lilguy]

I know some LU riders that just take the license plate off and park on the sidewalk.