What Are The Michigan Laws For Mopeds, Orvs And Scooters?

When the weather warms up, it is common to see a variety of mopeds, scooters, motorcycles and other vehicles on roadways across Michigan. While these two- and three-wheeled motorized vehicles share many features, they also have significant differences. What’s more, each type of vehicle is governed by a different set of rules regarding licensing, insurance, helmets and other issues. Here is an overview of the Michigan laws regarding mopeds and other similar vehicles to help make your rides safer and more enjoyable. And, if you or a loved one is injured in a crash, hiring an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer is the best way to protect your rights and receive the compensation you deserve.

WHAT IS A MOPED?

According to Michigan law (MCL 257.32b), a “moped” is a two- or three-wheeled vehicle with the following characteristics:

• A motor that does not exceed 100 cubic centimeters piston displacement 
• Brake horsepower of 2.0 or less 
• Cannot go faster than 30 miles per hour on a level surface 
• Does not have a manual gear shift 

A vehicle that does not have these features will probably be classified as a scooter or a motorcycle, which are subject to different laws and regulations.  

WHAT ARE THE MICHIGAN LICENSING REQUIREMENTS FOR MOPEDS AND OTHER ELECTRIC VEHICLES?

Licensing rules vary according to the operator’s age and the type of vehicle.

It is legal to operate a moped with a valid driver’s or chauffeur’s license. Otherwise, those 15 and older can apply for a moped license. Applicants must pass a vision test as well as general knowledge and traffic sign tests. If the person subsequently obtains a Michigan driver’s or chauffeur’s license, the moped license must be forfeited. In addition, if you are under 18, your application must be signed by a parent or guardian.

To operate an off-road vehicle (ORV) or all-terrain vehicle (ATV) on public lands and state-designated trails and routes, an ORV license and an ORV trail permit from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are required.

DO MOPEDS, SCOOTERS AND ORVS HAVE TO BE REGISTERED IN MICHIGAN?

Mopeds must be registered with the Secretary of State. Upon registration, you will be issued a three-year decal that must be displayed on the back of the vehicle. Mopeds that will be operated strictly on private property do not have to be registered.

ORVs, which can have three or four wheels, must be registered with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Scooters and electric bikes do not have to be registered.

DO I NEED A TITLE FOR A MOPED, SCOOTER OR ORV IN MICHIGAN?

Michigan law does not require titles for mopeds and scooters.

Those purchasing an ORV or ATV are issued an “off-road” title, which prohibits use of the vehicle on public streets and roads. Certain side-by-side ORVs may be retitled as an “assembled vehicle” for on-road use providing it is retrofitted with certain equipment. Details can be found on the Michigan Secretary of State website.

Recommended reading: Michigan Motorcycle Helmet Laws

WHAT ARE THE MICHIGAN HELMET LAWS FOR MOTORCYCLES, MOPEDS, SCOOTERS AND ORVS?

Helmet laws vary according to the type of vehicle. Nonetheless, wearing a helmet when riding any vehicle, including a bicycle, is highly recommended. Numerous studies show that helmets can protect against serious head injuries in the event of an accident.

Motorcycles

Motorcyclists and passengers 21 or older may ride without a helmet in Michigan. However, they are required to have at least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits. In addition, motorcycle operators must have held a motorcycle endorsement for at least two years or have passed an approved motorcycle safety course.

Motorcycle operators and passengers under 21 years old must wear an approved helmet. 

Mopeds

Those 18 years old and younger must wear an approved helmet while riding a moped on a public road.

ORVs

With a few limited exceptions, all ORV operators and passengers must wear an approved helmet and protective eyewear.

Scooters

Helmet laws for scooters depend on the vehicle’s classification. For example, a scooter that is able to travel at 30mph or faster is usually classified as a motorcycle. Therefore, the rider would have to follow the same Michigan helmet laws that apply to motorcyclists. If the scooter is classified as a moped (speed capacity does not exceed 30mph), the rider is subject to the helmet laws for mopeds.

Recommended Reading: What Every Biker Needs to Know About Michigan Motorcycle Helmet Laws

WHAT ARE THE INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR MOPEDS, ELECTRIC SCOOTERS AND ORVS IN MICHIGAN?

Liability insurance is not required for most mopeds. However, a moped that has been modified to travel at speeds faster than 30mph is considered a motorcycle under Michigan law. As such, the owner is required to purchase mandatory motorcycle liability insurance of at least $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident.

In addition, insurance is not required for electric bikes, scooters and ORVs. Nevertheless, it’s wise to insure these vehicles under a homeowners or renters policy in case of theft or damage. 

Recommended reading: The Three Types of Distracted Driving: What Every Michigan Driver Should Know

HOW DO MOPEDS DIFFER FROM MOTORCYCLES, ORVS AND SCOOTERS?

A vehicle that does not meet all of the criteria listed above is usually considered a motorcycle. However, a scooter may be a moped or a motorcycle depending on its size and potential speed. Scooters capable of speeds greater than 30mph are generally classified as motorcycles.

An ORV (off-road vehicle) is any three- or four-wheeled vehicle that can be driven over natural terrain without a designated road or trail. ORVs include all-terrain vehicles (ATVs, four wheelers, gators) such as water-to-land vehicles and utility task vehicles. ORVs must be registered with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Recommended reading: Who Is At Fault In A Lane Splitting Accident?

WHAT EQUIPMENT IS REQUIRED FOR A MOPED?

According to the Michigan Vehicle Code, a moped must be equipped with the following:

• Headlight mounted 24-54 in. from the ground, powerful enough to illuminate objects at least 100 feet ahead
• Brakes on both wheels
• Horn that is audible from at least 200 feet away
• Tail light
• Brake light
• Muffler (not required for electric-powered mopeds)
• Rear view mirror
• Permanently mounted seat
• Handlebars no higher than 15 in. from the lowest point of the seat to the highest point of the hand grips

IS THERE A MINIMUM AGE FOR DRIVING A MOPED IN MICHIGAN?

You have to be at least 15 years of age to operate a moped according to Michigan moped laws. Those who do not have a valid driver’s or chauffeur’s license are eligible to apply for a moped license. In addition, if you are under 18, your application must be signed by a parent or guardian.

Recommended reading: 12 Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

OTHER IMPORTANT MICHIGAN MOPED LAWS

• Mopeds are not allowed on bike paths or sidewalks
• A moped cannot carry more than one person
• No more than two mopeds may ride abreast of one another  
• Drivers must use turn signals and follow the same traffic rules as motorcycles and passenger vehicles such as cars and trucks
• Mopeds are not allowed to ride between traffic lanes (lane splitting), even if the vehicles are stopped or moving slowly

IF YOU ARE INJURED IN A MOPED ACCIDENT, WE CAN HELP

Our entire legal team is well-versed in the complex Michigan laws surrounding mopeds and motorcycles. We know what it takes to win your case, and we are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Accident law is complicated, but finding the right moped or motorcycle injury attorney is simple. 

Don’t let the legal clock run out. Call 1-800-CALL-SAM today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our knowledgeable legal team.