Scooter Laws/Requirements?

A few months ago, my brother purchased a Motor Scooter to drive back and forth to work. However he moved and is no longer able to use it. He asked my husband and I to store it at our house because we have a shed he also told us that we could drive it whenever we wanted. We told him no problem and we currently have it here. Well just recently he asked us if we wanted to buy it from him, since he no longer has any use for it. He was told by the dealer he bought it from, BRAND NEW, that here in Joplin, MO where we live, it does not have to be licensed, the person driving does not have to have a drivers licesence, nor does it have to be insured, and it is street legal, how much of that is true? My husband doesn't have a license so this really would be a godsend to us to help us save on gas. If he truly can drive it without any of those things. Also anyone know the helmet laws in MO. Thanks!

Well, you have a nice brother to offer the bike to you. Hope he sells it for a reasonable price. Okay, let me say this. Asking the question about the laws is nice. However, I would suggest that you find out what the cc of the bike is. Just ask your brother. Then, I would call your local Police Department or even better...go into the Department of Motor Vehicle. Tell them the number of cc of the bike that you are getting (do this before you purchase the bike from your brother). You see, if it is 49 or 50cc chances are (based upon where you live, and their laws), you don't require a motorcycle license. Some places require that you have a Drivers license, but not a Motorcycle license (cc is low). And if your bike is over 50cc almost every state requires that you have your Motorcycle Endorsement.

Trust me, it's better that you check on these things yourself. If your husband is pulled over (as most of us are from time to time), he could be hit with heavy fines if he is found not to be in full compliance. Better safe than sorry.

Also check on the laws governing wearing a helmet. Even if they say that it is not a necessity, if your head hits pavement, you would something to keep it from cracking like a egg. (smile) Even a seasoned rider takes a spill. If you love your husband, have him wear the Helmet!!

You can also ask the question about the insurance. Some states don't require it on 49 or 50cc bikes, but then again, some states do. To cover someone elses property that you may drive into. And best of all, to cover Theft.
Here's to the laws working in your favor,
Good Luck

Sorry cant answer your question...Im in Australia, but I love the fact that you have info on your profile & included all the info needed to answer your question.. drives me crazy when people ask questions with incomplete info & dont allow contact to ask them what it is they need to know...

where i live you must strap a ham to your back, be wearing some sort of crotch ruffles, and being singing the 'happy happy fanny' song in order to be lawful while riding a scooter, at least that is what the traffic officer who stopped me said

It loks like you`re OK without all that IF it does NOT exceed 30mph...

You didn`t mention WHAT KIND of scooter it was.



Missouri -
Greetings all:
After an email to the Missouri Highway Patrol, I recieved a copy of the statutes involving "motorized bicycles:
1.Must have drivers license
2.No use on interstate highways
3.Not more than 50ccs
4.Less than 30mph on level grade
5.Ride as far to right as possible
6.Less than 3 brake horsepower
Nothing else except standard lighting, brakes, and auto transmission