House Research Department
Updated: October 2008
Low-Power Vehicles
Page 8
Motor Scooters and Motorcycles
Classification4
Motor scooters, as they are commonly known, generally differ
from motorcycles in a couple of ways. The engine is most often
located underneath where the operator sits, and the standard
design is step-through with a low platform for the operator's feet.
They are generally lighter (200 pounds), smaller (145 cc engine),
and slower (top speed under 60 miles per hour) than the average
motorcycle. Vespa and Honda are among the best-selling
manufacturers.
Motor scooters are not actually defined in Minnesota law
separately from motorcycles and are therefore classified as a type
of motorcycle. "Motorcycles" are defined as motor vehicles that
have no more than three wheels and a seat or saddle for the driver.
The classification excludes motorized bicycles, electric-assisted
Regulations
Motor scooters are treated under Minnesota law in the same manner as motorcycles, and the
The vehicle must be registered and carries a registration tax of $10. Minn.
Registration
of the vehicle. A certificate of title also needs to be obtained.
A valid driver's license with a two-wheeled vehicle endorsement is
Licensing
required. A two-wheeled vehicle instruction permit is available to a person
who is over 16 years old, has a driver's license, is enrolled in a two-
wheeled driver's safety course, and passes a written exam.
Liability insurance (which covers certain claims from another driver) is
Insurance
required and is the same as for passenger automobiles.5 Motor scooters and
motorcycles are exempt from the requirements of personal injury protection
under the Minnesota No-Fault Automobile Insurance Act (which
establishes minimum coverage levels for medical, lost wages, and related
expenses).
Operation is allowed on streets but not sidewalks. Motor scooter and
Operation
motorcycle operators are subject to the same traffic laws as operators of
other motor vehicles (except those that by their nature would not be
4
5
The minimum liability coverage is $30,000 per person for injuries, $60,000 per occurrence for injuries, and
$10,000 for property damage.
