What is a Motor Scooter?

A motor scooter is defined in Maryland Vehicle Law, Section 11-134.5 as a non-pedal vehicle that:

1. Has a seat for the operator.
2. Has two wheels, of which one is 10 inches or more in diameter.
3. Has a step-through chassis.
4. Has a motor with a rating of 2.7 brake horsepower or less or if the motor is an internal combustion engine, with a capacity of 50 cubic centimeters piston displacement or less.
5. Equipped with an automatic transmission.

Driver License/Moped License Required

A Class M motorcycle license is not required.  However, each individual operating a moped or a motor scooter on any roadway in Maryland must have a driver license of some class issued in this state or from his or her state of residency.  A moped operator's permit issued to the individual is also valid.  The MVA will not issue a moped operator's permit to any individual whose driver's license is suspended or revoked.

Titling and Registering a Motor Scooter

Vehicles that fall into the category of Motor Scooters cannot be titled or registered in Maryland.  However, vehicles built for road use that have greater horsepower and cc's may be titled and registered as a motorcycle.

Note:  A person may not operate a motorcycle that has a rating of 1.5 brake horsepower or less, or a capacity of less than 70 cubic centimeters piston displacement, on a roadway where the posted maximum speed is more than 50 miles per hour, or on an expressway or other controlled access highway.

Prior to the sale of the vehicle, any dealer or agent or employee of a dealer, salesman, or other person who sells the motorcycle must inform the buyer of the operation restrictions.

Lawful Operation of a Motor Scooter

Traffic laws that apply to individuals riding a bicycle also apply to people operating a motor scooter.

When operating a motor scooter, the rider must ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practical and safe except when:

1. Making a left turn.
2. Operating on a one-way street.
3. Passing a stopped or slower moving vehicle.
4. Avoiding pedestrians or road hazards.
5. The right lane is a right turn only lane.
6. Operating in a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle or motor scooter and another vehicle to travel safely side by side.

Operators of motor scooters are encouraged to wear a DOT compliant motorcycle helmet.  They may ride side by side only if the flow of traffic is unimpeded and must exercise due care when passing a vehicle.  The use of headsets covering both ears or earplugs are prohibited except in certain circumstances.

A person may not ride a bicycle or a motor scooter on a roadway where the posted maximum speed limit is more than 50 miles per hour.  If the roadway has a bike lane paved to a smooth surface or a paved shoulder, a person operating a bicycle or a motor scooter must use the bike lane or shoulder and may not ride on the roadway except for a situation identified above as (1 through 6).

A motor scooter may not be operated at a speed in excess of 30 miles per hour.

Operators of motor scooters should check their local jurisdictions for any laws that may affect the operation of a motor scooter.  For example, motor scooters are specifically prohibited in Baltimore City under Article 19, Subtitle 40, which allows the police to seize a motor scooter and it is not recoverable.