WINTHROP — Police Chief John Goodwin and the Winthrop Police Department have noticed an increasing amount of scooters and mopeds on the roads of Winthrop and would like to remind residents of the following laws and safety guidelines for operating such vehicles.
The Winthrop Police Department plans to increase enforcement of laws regarding mopeds, scooters and motorcycles, but first would like to remind all residents of those laws, and the different definitions of scooter, moped and motorcycle.
“Scooters and mopeds are a lot of fun, but they can also be dangerous when used incorrectly and illegally,” said Chief Goodwin. “I urge all Winthrop residents who intend to ride a scooter, moped or motorcycle to familiarize themselves with the laws surrounding these vehicles.”
Motorized Scooters
A “motorized scooter” is defined as being any two-wheeled tandem or three-wheeled device that has handlebars, can be stood or sat upon by the operator and is powered by an electric or gas-powered motor. Motorized scooters do not include mopeds, motorcycles, or motorized wheelchairs.
The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles does not register motorized scooters because they are not recognized as motor vehicles. In addition, motorized scooters have many operating restrictions:
- They cannot be operated at speeds greater than 20 mph.
- Cannot be ridden on state highways or limited access roadways.
- Cannot be ridden after sunset or before sunrise.
- Operators cannot carry passengers.
- Operators must be 16 years of age and have a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit.
- Operators must keep to the right side of public ways at all times, including when passing a motor vehicle.
- Operators must use the proper electronic and hand signals before stopping or turning.
- Operators must wear an approved safety helmet.
- Operators are subject to all state traffic laws and regulations.
Motorized Bicycle, or Moped
A “motorized bicycle” is defined as being any pedal bicycle which has a helper motor or a non-pedal bicycle with a motor that does not exceed 50 cubic centimeters of cylinder capacity, has an automatic transmission and cannot attain a speed over 30 miles per hour.
Motorized Bicycles are regulated by a registration process with the Registry of Motor Vehicles. Applications can be downloaded online at massrmv.com or are available at any registry branch. Operators must have a registration decal affixed to the rear of the vehicle and are subject to the following operating restrictions:
- They cannot be operated at speeds greater than 25mph.
- Cannot be ridden on state highways or limited access roadways where signs prohibiting bicycles are posted.
- Cannot be ridden on off-street recreational paths but can use bicycle lanes along roadways.
- Operators must use the proper electronic and hand signals before stopping or turning.
- Operators must be 16 years of age and have a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit.
- Operators and passengers must wear approved safety helmets.
- Operators are subject to all state traffic laws and regulations.
- Operators cannot carry a passenger while operating on a permit.
Motorcycles
A motorcycle is defined as any motor vehicle that has a seat or saddle for the rider that is designed to travel with no more than three wheels contacting the ground, except a golf cart, an industrial three-wheeled truck, a motor vehicle in which the operator and passenger ride within an enclosed cab, or a moped.
Motorcycles are considered motor vehicles and must be registered as a motorcycle under the following criteria:
- The certificate of origin (C/O) identifies the body type as a “motorcycle.”
- It meets the state law definition of a motorcycle.
- The manufacturer certifies the vehicle meets the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for a motorcycle.
Motorcycles must be operated with the following restrictions:
- Operator and passenger must wear an approved helmet.
- Operator must wear appropriate eye protection unless the motorcycle is equipped with a windshield or screen.
- Operator must have a proper Class M license or motorcycle endorsement.
For guidance from the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles on whether your vehicle is a scooter, moped or motorcycle, click here.
