Can You Ride A Motorized Bicycle Without A License? 18 States Where You Need More
Looking to improve your bike commute experience, you should probably consider getting a motorized bike. A motorized bicycle is basically a bike that has a motor attached. This motor powers the bike’s wheels, and the rider can either use the motor to propel the bike forward or give their pedaling a boost.
Since a motorized bicycle is a little more “complex” than an ordinary bike, you might be wondering, can you ride a motorized bicycle without a license?
The answer to that question will vary according to where you intend to ride your motorized bicycle. Different areas have different regulations on the use of motorized bikes. Most states will allow you to drive a motorized bike on their roads as long as you have a standard driver’s license. However, a few might require you to get a special license. States that require a special license for motorized bicycles are the following.
1. Alabama
Age requirement: 14 years and above
This state considers any motor-driven bike, regardless of engine displacement, as a motorized bike. It requires motorized bike riders to have a motorcycle license with a “B” restriction. You will need to pass a written exam and renew your license every four years.
2. California
Age requirement: 16 and above
Motorized bike riders need to get either an M1 or M2 motorcycle rider’s license in California. You also need to register your motorized bike and get a specialty license plate.
3. Iowa
Age requirement: 14 and above
Iowa considers a motor-driven bike a motorized bike if it can reach a maximum top speed of 39 mph on level ground. You need to either have a valid driver’s license or a valid moped license. If you have a moped license, it needs to cover the cc displacement of your engine.
Motorized bike riders in Iowa need to register their bikes; they also cannot carry passengers.
4. Kansas
Age requirement: 15 and above
Kansas also requires motorized bike riders to have a valid driver’s license or a valid moped license.
Different Kansas counties will have additional requirements regarding the registration of motorized bikes. You should check with your local DMV for the specific requirements for your area.
5. Kentucky
Age requirement: 16 and above
You can only ride a motorized bike in this state if you have either a valid driver’s license or motorcycle license, a learner’s permit, a motorcycle permit, or a Class E moped license.
6. Louisiana
Age requirement: 15 and above
To ride a motorized bike in this state, you need a valid driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement. You also need to register your bike.
7. Michigan
Age requirement: 15 and above
Michigan requires motorized bicycle riders to have a valid driver’s license. However, you can also drive a motorized bike in Michigan if you have a chauffeur’s or moped license.
This state requires you to register your motorized bike and apply associated decals.
8. Minnesota
Age requirement: 15 and above
Minnesota motorized bicycle riders need to have either a valid driver’s license or a moped license. If you have a moped license, you also need to have proof of insurance. Finally, you need to register your bike and obtain a special license plate.
9. Mississippi
Age requirement: 17 and above
Mississippi requires motorized bicycle riders to have a motorcycle license or motorcycle endorsement. They also need to register their bike.
10. New Hampshire
Age requirement: 16 and above
This is another state that requires you to have either a valid driver’s license or moped license to ride a motorized bike, and you also need to register your bike.
11. New Jersey
Age requirement: 15 and above
This is another state where you need either a valid driver’s license or a moped license. You also need to register and title your bike and take out liability insurance.
12. New York
Age requirement: 15 and above
You need one of three things to operate a motorized bike in New York State: A valid driver’s license, a learner’s permit, or a motorcycle license. You also need to register your bike and purchase insurance for it.
13. North Carolina
Age requirement: 16 and above
Motorized bicycles in North Carolina should not have an engine displacement greater than 50cc and must have automatic transmission. You don’t need a license, but you need to register your bike with the state DMV.
14. North Dakota
Age requirement: 14 and above
It would help if you had either a driver’s license, a learner’s permit, or a motorcycle license. You’re also going to have to register your bike.
15. Ohio
Age requirement: 14 and above
You need a valid driver’s license or moped license. You also need to register with the DMV every year and have a license plate.
16. Oklahoma
Age requirement: 16 and above
You need to obtain either a class A, B, C, or D license in this state. You also need to register and title your motorized bicycle and get the appropriate tags.
17. Texas
Age requirement: 15 and above
Texas requires motorized bicycle riders to have a motorcycle license with a P36 restriction. They also require riders to register the bikes and purchase insurance for them. Motorized bikes need to have annual bike inspections.
18. West Virginia
Age requirement:
This state categorizes all motorized bikes as the same class as motorcycles, so they can’t be used on trails, bike paths, or sidewalks.
West Virginia requires motorized bike riders to have a valid driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement. You will also need to register and title your motorized bicycle with the DMV.
Check Your Areas Motorized Bike Laws
As you can see, there is a wide variety of legislation governing motorized bicycles. Depending on your area, you may or may not need a special license, and you may or may not need to register your bike with the DMV.
Different states also have different rules regarding helmets and the light and mirrors attached to your bike. It’s best to check your area’s specific legislation governing motorized bicycles before taking to the roads.