Maryland Scooter Laws?

[Teethgrinder]

Does anyone know the exact laws that apply to scooters in Md.? My wife expressed interest in a Vespa, but it seems that to buy a Vespa with any real "go" (150-250cc's), it becomes a motorcycle in the eyes of Maryland. Is this the case? She really doesn't want a 50, I think. At what point does she have to get an "M"?

Bucho? Anyone?

[Rut Row]

Erin (Mrs Bucho) should have the answer - she just got her license.

[Roadracer_Al]

Yes. Anything 50cc and over is a motorcycle.

A lot of 49cc models can have the motor either bored out or replaced wholesale -- for example, the Honda monkey bike motors can be replaced with chinese 150cc motors -- and they'll go plenty fast.

[Bucho]

Yes, anything bigger than a 50 is a "motorcycle", requiring a motorcycle license to drive it, and be registered and tagged.

To fit into the 49cc or less "dont have to be tagged" catagory, there are also a few other specifications. I think a step through frame like a scooter or be like a moped. A 50 cc motorcycle still needs to be registered and tagged. Can't getaway w/ driving an XR50 on the road w/ lights and stuff. Most cops probably don't know this, they might ignore you, or they might not...

[Bucho]

Erin's bike is pretty much the perfect learner bike, in my opinion at least. You might be able to talk her into teaching your wife on it, if thats the path your wife wants to take.