House Research Department
Updated: October 2008
Low-Power Vehicles
Page 3
Summary of Low-Power Vehicles
The tables below outline the basic requirements for each type of low-power vehicle. Subsequent
sections provide more detail on vehicle descriptions and regulations.
Golf Cart &
Motor Scooter &
Certain ATVs
Mini-truck
Motorcycle
Motorized Bicycle
50 cc and 2 hp
Not defined
Motor scooter: not
ATV: 800 cc
Key
engine, top speed
defined
engine, four
characteristics
of 30 m.p.h.
Motorcycle: seat or
flotation tires,
saddle, up to three
max. weight of 600
wheels
pounds
Golf cart: not
defined
None; possible
None; possible
Title, registration,
Registration and
Registration
DNR registration
DNR registration
and license plate
license plate
for ATVs
as ATV
None
None
Driver's license
Driver's license or
Licensing
with two-wheeled
permit
vehicle
endorsement
Liability and
None
Liability coverage
Liability coverage
Insurance
personal injury
(same as passenger
(same as passenger
coverage (same as
autos)
autos)
passenger autos)
Generally same
Not allowed on
Generally same
Generally same
Operation
traffic laws as
public roads
traffic laws as
traffic laws as
rules
motorcycles and
motorcycles and
other motor
other motor
other motor
vehicles
vehicles
vehicles
Helmet if under
Rearview mirror;
None
Helmet if under
Safety
18; eye protection
slow-moving
18; eye protection
equipment
for all operators;
vehicle emblem
for all operators;
headlight must be
headlight must be
on at all times;
on at all times
taillight required
for night
