Mopeds are akin to useful, motorized bicycles that allow their users to travel with ease. Though they might not seem as dangerous as vehicles like motorcycles, mopeds also pose risks that could injure riders. California is one of the few states with specific laws surrounding low-powered motor vehicles like mopeds, recognizing the need to safely regulate these modes of transport to prevent accidents.
What Is a Moped?
California possesses different sets of laws defining what mopeds are and how drivers must operate them. According to the state, a moped is a vehicle that satisfies several criteria.
- Possesses two or three wheels
- Possesses an electric motor and an automatic transmission
- Can include pedals if not completely set in motion by its motor
- Is not capable of surpassing 30 mph on flat, level ground
These specifications separate mopeds from other motorized bikes, scooters, and off-roading vehicles. For instance, even if your vehicle fits all other characteristics of a moped, if it only reaches a speed of 20 mph, the state would most likely classify it as a motorized bicycle or a low-powered moped. This distinct typing of vehicles allows the state to set specific guidelines that cater to the characteristics of each group of motorized vehicles.
California’s Vehicle Code
California classifies mopeds as Type CVC 406 vehicles. Two specific codes are associated with this vehicle class.
Requirement 406(a) provides specification on what constitutes a moped that is high-powered.
- The vehicle must have a motor that produces no more than 2 brake horsepower
- The vehicle must be pedal and/or motor operated
- The vehicle must possess an automatic transmission
- The vehicle’s maximum speed is 30 mph, including instances in which the driver is pedaling and using the motor at the same time.
This code also indicates that drivers must equip their mopeds with special license plates and identification cards. Drivers must purchase these items from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to be valid. This requirement for special moped licensing only applies to high-powered moped variants.
Requirement 406(b) specifies characteristics of lower-powered mopeds.
- The vehicle possesses a motor that produces a maximum 1,000 watts of power.
- The vehicle’s maximum speed is 20 mph, including instances where both motor and pedals are activated.
Low-powered mopeds do not require special license plates or identification, nor does the state require registration or insurance for these vehicles. However, riders must be at least 16-years-old to operate a moped.
License and Registration for a Moped: How to Get a Moped License
Riders that possess a 406(a) classified moped must register their vehicle with the DMV and obtain an M1 motorcycle license. Drivers over 18 must satisfy certain requirements.
- Successfully complete an approved California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) or pass a motorcycle driving test
- Successfully complete a written test at the DMV
- Complete their application form
- Pass a vision test
Drivers under 18 possess their own set of additional requirements.
- Possessed their driver’s permit for at least six months
- Completed driver’s education and driver’s training course
- Completed a CMSP course
- Completed a motorcycle rider training course, similar to driver’s training
The DMV requires riders under 18 to complete all forms of driver’s and motorcycle training available. This is to ensure the safety of both the moped rider and the public when they eventually operate the vehicle.
Moped Regulations
Moped riders must also abide by California’s current helmet laws. The state requires individuals operating this class of vehicle to wear a helmet while riding on public roads. Another important regulation to remember is that riders must operate their vehicles only on roadways. This specification applies to all motor vehicles in the state of California.
Mopeds are a fun, effective method of travel that anyone 16 and over can utilize. However, it is important to maintain safe riding practices that adhere to California’s vehicle code and helmet law. If you or a loved one was injured while riding a moped, contact our Sacramento personal injury lawyers. We may be able to help you recover compensation if your injuries were caused by another’s negligence.
Note: If you are authorised to drive Car (C class) (Unrestricted) vehicles you may drive any: Moped (R-N class).
What is the difference between a moped and a scooter?
Mopeds and scooters are very similar in appearance but have a few fundamental differences. Scooters are motorcycles that have a step-through style frame. They generally have smaller wheels than a motorcycle and an engine positioned closer to the rear wheel.
When the engine capacity or top speed exceeds the specifications for a moped (i.e. above 50 kph or above 50 cc), the motorcycle is often referred to as a scooter and the appropriate licence class is required in order to ride it.
Good Gear Guide equipment
No matter what you ride - from scooter to superbike - good gear is an investment too important to ignore. It could make the difference between a nasty tumble and injuries that prevent you from ever riding again.
While riding either as rider or passenger, you are required to wear an approved helmet.
An approved helmet must be compliant with Australian and New Zealand Standard (AS/NZS) 1698 or United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Regulation No 22 (UN ECE22.05).
To ensure that your protective helmet is compliant with the WA legal standards and types, look for identifying marks on the helmet, such as a sewn-in label and/or a compliance sticker.
For the practical riding assessment, you must wear appropriate attire that consists of enclosed footwear, approved helmet, long trousers (tracksuit pants are not acceptable) and long-sleeved shirt or fully sleeved jacket. Gloves and eye protection are also highly recommended.
This is a guide to gear that will improve your riding comfort and could save you from preventable injuries.
To start learning to ride a moped you have to apply for a learner's permit and pass the motorcycle theory test.
Visit the learner's permit page for detailed information on completing step one of getting your licence to ride moped (R-N class) vehicles.
Information specific to getting a moped (R-N class) licence:
- You can apply for a learner's permit for a moped (R-N class) at 15 � years of age.
- You will need to pay for the theory test and an application fee.
- You will need to sit a motorcycle theory test consisting of 35 multiple-choice questions that relate to general road rules and specific motorcycle relevant questions.
- You will need to get 28 or more answers correct to pass.
Learner driver fees
There is no fee for renewing a learner's permit if the learner driver has passed the theory test in the past 5 years. If not, the learner driver will need to sit and pass the Computerised Theory Test (CTT) again.
Footnotes
Once you have been issued your learner's permit you can begin learning the skills you need to become a safe rider.
While you do not need to complete a minimum number of supervised riding hours for a licence to ride mopeds, it is strongly recommended that you get as much supervised riding in as many different road, weather and traffic conditions as you can.
Visit the learn to drive page for information on finding an approved supervisor.
Information specific to getting a moped (R-N class) licence:
- An approved supervisor must accompany you at all times either as a pillion passenger, in a sidecar or on another motorcycle.
- You must learn to ride on a moped that meets the standards for the relevant class of vehicle you are applying to ride.
- You can only ride a vehicle that is designed so as not to be capable of a speed exceeding 50 km/h; and either - has an engine capacity not exceeding 50cc; or is not powered by a piston engine.
- You must wear an approved helmet.
Approved supervisors
In order to be an approved supervisor, you must either be:
- a licensed driving instructor holding the relevant class, or
- hold a current licence of the relevant class; and
- have held a current and valid driver's licence for the class of vehicle in which you are teaching someone how to drive for at least four years or two years in the case of a moped.
You can sit your Practical Driving Assessment (PDA) once you have developed the ability to control your vehicle safely and have completed a sufficient level of supervised riding to pass your PDA. Visit the Practical Driving Assessment page for information on booking your PDA and what you need on the day.
Information specific to getting a moped (R-N class) licence:
- You must be at least 16 years of age to undertake the PDA.
- You must have successfully completed the Motorcycle Hazard Perception Test (HPT).
- The PDA will determine your general riding ability. This may include testing your ability to:
- Balance the vehicle at low speeds by riding around a figure 'O' without putting a foot on the ground.
- Correctly park and start on a hill.
- Perform a quick stop under full control without locking either wheel.
- You must wear appropriate attire that consists of enclosed footwear, approved helmet, long trousers and long-sleeved shirt or fully-sleeved jacket. Gloves and eye protection are also highly recommended.
You will have a provisional licence until you have ceased to be a novice driver and have reached 19 years of age during which time you have to display red and then green P plates.
During your provisional licence period, you must display P plates in a visible position at the front and back of your vehicle or motorcycle at all times.