Do You Need a License To Drive a Motorized Scooter in Washington State?

Motorized scooters are becoming a popular way to get around Seattle and other parts of Washington State. They’re easy to ride, quick for short trips, and more affordable than cars or motorcycles, but many people wonder: Do you need a license to legally ride one? 

The answer depends on what kind of scooter you’re using, how fast it goes, and how it’s classified under Washington law. This article explains everything you need to know in simple terms, so you can stay safe and legal while riding.

Types of Motorized Scooters in Washington

In Washington, not all scooters are the same in the eyes of the law. The two most common categories are mopeds and motor-driven scooters. A moped is defined as having an engine no larger than 50 cubic centimeters (cc), or an electric motor that can’t go faster than 30 miles per hour. 

Anything that goes faster or has a larger engine is generally considered a motor-driven scooter, which is treated like a motorcycle. There’s also a third category called motorized foot scooters, like electric scooters you stand on (for example, Bird or Lime scooters). These are usually powered by batteries and top out around 15 to 20 miles per hour. 

Understanding what kind of scooter you’re riding is the first step to knowing what’s legally required of you.

Do You Need a License to Ride a Moped?

If you’re riding a moped in Washington, you do not need a motorcycle license or endorsement. However, you must have a valid Washington State driver’s license. Even a regular Class C license will work. Mopeds must also be registered with the state, have a license plate, and meet basic equipment requirements, such as working lights and reflectors.

Helmets are required by law for all moped riders, and the helmet must meet federal safety standards. You also need to follow all the same traffic rules as other vehicles on the road, including obeying traffic signals and yielding to pedestrians. While insurance isn’t legally required for mopeds, having it is still a good idea in case of an accident. 

Mopeds are not allowed on sidewalks, hiking trails, or bike lanes unless there’s a specific local rule that says otherwise. They’re designed for use on regular roads.

Larger Scooters Require a Motorcycle Endorsement

Scooters that go faster than 30 miles per hour or have engines larger than 50 cc are not considered mopeds. Instead, they are legally treated like motorcycles. To ride one of these scooters, you must have a valid Washington driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement. 

To get a motorcycle endorsement, you’ll need to complete a state-approved motorcycle safety course. This includes both a written knowledge test and a riding skills test. Some courses allow you to skip the skills test at the DMV if you pass the course. 

Once you have the endorsement, you can legally ride scooters and motorcycles that meet this category.

What About Electric Kick Scooters?

In Washington State, you do not need a driver’s license to ride a motorized foot scooter. There is also no need to register the scooter or get insurance. These scooters are not allowed on sidewalks unless a city makes a specific exception. In most places, you must ride in bike lanes or on the road, and always follow regular traffic rules. 

While helmets are not required by state law for riders over the age of 16, wearing one is still strongly recommended. Head injuries are among the most common scooter-related injuries, and a helmet can make a big difference in a crash.

Staying Legal and Safe on Scooters in Washington State

To summarize, the type of scooter you ride in Washington State determines whether you need a license. Small mopeds and electric kick scooters usually don’t require a motorcycle license, but you still need to follow basic traffic laws and safety rules. 

Larger scooters with powerful engines do require a motorcycle endorsement and full registration. No matter what type of scooter you’re using, wearing a helmet, staying alert, and understanding the rules of the road will help keep you safe—and on the right side of the law.

Contact an Experienced Seattle Personal Injury Attorney For Help With Your Claim

If you’ve been injured in Seattle, WA, and need legal assistance, contact Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers. Contact our legal team and schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer today. We proudly serve King County in Washington and its surrounding areas. Visit our law office at:

Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers
2101 4th Ave 1030 Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 727 4000
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