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How Old do You Have to Be to Drive a Moped

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The minimum age to legally ride a moped varies slightly from state to state. 

Some states will allow you to ride a moped as long as you hold a standard permit or driver’s license.

Other states will require a motorcycle or moped-specific endorsement.

Moped Age Requirements

In most states, moped riders must be at least 14 to 16 years old with a valid:

  • Moped permit.
  • Motorcycle license.
  • Learner’s permit.
  • Intermediate driver’s license. 

OR

  • Full driver’s license. 

If the rider is under 18 years old, they will often need to have completed driver’s education and/or a rider training course. For more information or questions specific to your state, be sure to visit your state’s official DMV website.

StateMinimum Age to Ride MopedLicense Required
Alabama14“B” restircted motorcycle license
Alaska14M2 motorcycle license
Arizona15 1/2Motorcycle endorsement
Arkansas10Class M or MD license
California16M1 motorcycle license
Colorado15Standard driver’s license
Connecticut16Standard driver’s license
Delaware16Standard driver’s license
Florida15Standard driver’s license
Georgia15Standard driver’s license
Hawaii15 1/2Motorcycle endorsement
Idaho14 1/2Standard driver’s license
Illinois15Standard driver’s license
Indiana15Motorcycle endorsement
Iowa14Standard driver’s license
Kansas14Standard driver’s license
Kentucky16Standard driver’s license
Louisiana15Standard driver’s license
Maine16Standard driver’s license or moped permit
Maryland15 3/4Standard driver’s license
Massachusetts16Standard driver’s license
Michigan15Standard driver’s license or moped permit
Minnesota15Standard driver’s license or moped permit
Mississippi15Motorcycle endorsement
Missouri15Motorcycle license
Montana14 1/2Standard driver’s license
Nebraska15Standard driver’s license
Nevada15 1/2Standard driver’s license
New Hampshire15 1/2Standard driver’s license or moped permit
New Jersey16Standard driver’s license
New Mexico15Standard driver’s license
New York16Standard driver’s license
North Carolina15Be at least 16 years old
North Dakota14Standard driver’s license or moped permit
Ohio15 1/2Standard driver’s license
Oklahoma15 1/2Standard driver’s license
Oregon15Standard driver’s license
Pennsylvania16Standard driver’s license
Rhode Island16Standard driver’s license
South Carolina15Standard driver’s license or motorcycle endorsement
South Dakota14Standard driver’s license
Tennessee15Standard driver’s license
Texas15Standard driver’s license
Utah15Motorcycle license
Vermont15Standard driver’s license
Virginia16Must carry a government issued ID card while riding
Washington15Standard driver’s license
West Virginia15Standard driver’s license
Wisconsin15 1/2Standard driver’s license or moped permit
Wyoming15Standard driver’s license
Washington DC16Standard driver’s license

Other Moped Requirements

Remember, moped laws typically only apply to 2-3 wheel vehicles with:

  • An engine size of no more than 49cc.
  • A top speed of no more than 30mph. 

Additionally, moped riders will generally need to:

  • Wear a DOT-approved helmet.
  • Wear proper motorcycle protective gear
  • Abide by any moped registration and insurance requirements.
  • Not ride on the sidewalk.
  • Avoid roadways with a posted speed limit above 30mph. 
  • Not ride on the freeway. 
  • Obey all traffic laws.  

Do you need a motorcycle license to drive a 50cc scooter?

In many states, you are not required to hold a motorcycle endorsement in order to ride a moped

The general requirement is that you’ll need to hold a valid, standard driver’s license. 

For more information, check out our guide on moped license requirements.

For scooters with an engine larger than 50cc and a top speed of over 30 mph, you will typically need to get your full motorcycle license

Regardless of whether or not you need a motorcycle license, it is still a good idea to get familiar with motorcycle safety and motorcycle riding techniques

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Content Editor: Ethan Orenstein

Ethan is not just any motorcycle enthusiast. With a decade of experience riding, maintaining, and restoring a range of motorcycles, Ethan brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Many of the tips and tricks shared on this site are born from hours spent wrenching on personal bikes. Paired with his experience as a journalist covering DMV & insurance topics, MotorcycleZombies.com is a must-visit site for any home-mechanic. Every article has been carefully reviewed and edited to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and simplicity - all to help bring your bike back from the dead and onto the road.

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