City of Lancaster

Bureau of Police
39 West Chestnut Street
Lancaster PA

NEWS RELEASE
Date: 19 Sept. 2008 Subject: Scooters

Original: Supplementary: Released By: Sgt. Todd Umstead

Recently, a local newspaper featured an article explaining the rules and regulations
surrounding the operation of scooters and motorcycles. One sentence in the article, while
accurate, has led to some confusion among members of the public concerning the legal
operation of these vehicles. The article stated “To drive a motor scooter with an engine above
50cc on the road requires a license.” This is correct - in fact, a motor scooter with a 50cc or
greater engine is considered a motorcycle and would require a motorcycle permit or license to
be operated on a public road. Some citizens have misinterpreted this sentence to assume that
driving a motor scooter with an engine LESS than 50cc on the road does not require them to
possess a driver’s license. THIS IS NOT THE CASE.
According to PA Title 75 (PA Vehicles Code) ANY person operating a motorized vehicle of
any type on a public highway or roadway must possess a valid driver’s license. In addition,
most motorized vehicles must also be registered, inspected, and insured. There are some
exceptions, as follow:

1.) An electric personal assistive mobility device (operated by a person with a physical
disability) does not need to be registered, inspected or insured, nor does the operator
need a to possess a driver’s license
2.) A Motorized Pedalcycle (commonly referred to as a Mo-Ped) does not need to be
INSPECTED or display a valid inspection sticker. However, a motorized pedalcycle
must be registered and insured, and the operator must possess a valid driver’s license.
These requirements also apply to a bicycle with an attached electric or gas engine.

As a general rule, any gas or electric powered vehicle operated on a public roadway falls
within the vehicle laws of Pennsylvania, and must be registered, inspected, insured and
operated by a licensed driver.

Due to the growing popularity of motorized scooters, it is the intent of the Lancaster City
Bureau of Police to provide this information so that citizens are aware of and act within the
legal requirements established by the Vehicle Code of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The information contained in this news release is intended as a general guideline and is not
all-inclusive. Persons with specific questions concerning laws regulating the use of motor
scooters should contact the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation or their local police
department.