Can I Ride This Scooter in CT without a License?

by Mark
(Connecticut )

The scooter I want to ride

The scooter I want to ride

I am 15 years old and I wanted a gas moped or scooter that you can sit down on that's 49cc. I live in Connecticut; could I ride a scooter like this on the road without a license?


See this link about the scooter I want

ANSWER: Hi Mark... Thanks for asking your question here. In Connecticut, as explained on this page, you need a driver's license to drive any motorized 2-wheel vehicle. But you don't need a motorcycle endorsement on that license for 49cc scooters. The scooter, however, does not need a license plate or registration.

Our other reader, Ron Goldwyn, will chime in and correct me if I have any of the facts wrong here. He rides a 49cc scoot in Connecticut, so he knows!

Have fun,
Kathi

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Comments for Can I Ride This Scooter in CT without a License?

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Sep 29, 2016
 Scooter NEW
by: Adrian

Are you able to ride your Scooter with a learners permit?
Jul 26, 2011
 Riding the scooter
by: Ron Goldwyn

Kathi is correct. In CT to ride a scooter on public roads with an engine of less than 50cc, you MUST have a regular drivers license.
So what happens if you are stopped on a public road and you are underage? You could lose your scooter and you may be in trouble when you are old enough to get your automobile license in a couple of years.
I have a 16 year old grandson living with me and my scooter is off limits to him for now. I know it is tempting but don't take the risk.
Jul 26, 2011
 driving a scooter without a license
by: Anonymous

they could give u a fine if u drive a scooter without have a regular lisence???????
Oct 10, 2010
 Hey Ron
by: Anonymous

Hey Ron... Are you afraid of getting run over by a scooter? Are you someone who has nothing better to do? Stop worrying about others and move on.
Aug 18, 2010
 It's Personal Attacks I Don't Want...
by: Kathi

Yes, Ron, we are in agreement overall philosophically. I DO believe in scooter licensing and I emphatically believe in wearing helmets, as stated throughout this site. So you're right there.

And I definitely don't mind anyone stating a strong opinion on this site or making waves, as you say. What I'd like to avoid is any of us personally attacking the character of someone else on this site.

We each have a right to our own opinion, and if someone states an opinion we don't like, then we are free to say that here... without attacking the person themselves. I simply want us to keep our discussions focused on the opinions, rather than the person. Make sense? :)
Aug 17, 2010
 Riding Scooters
by: Ron Goldwyn, Milford CT

Dear Kathi,

You and I think alike, as we are adults. In CT every month someone dies while riding a motorcycle and 75% of the time they find that they did not wear a helmet. These are facts.

The law says they don't have to wear head protection because an idiot has the right to kill themselves. But sometimes these drivers don't go to their grave alone. They take innocent people along with them.

I know all about freedom of speech, but that doesn't mean you have the right to yell fire in a theater when there is no fire. It is just as wrong to encourage someone to preach that it is okay to ride a scooter on public roads when the laws clearly state one must have as a minimum a valid drivers license.

Kathi, I know you don't want someone making waves on your website, but there are always a time for exceptions and I believe this was a time when law abiding drivers had to speak out to protect us from the lawless. Do you agree?
Aug 16, 2010
 This is a friendly website...
by: Kathi

Folks, let's keep things civil here. To my eyes, Billy is only expressing an opinion that such small scooters shouldn't require the driver to be licensed. I know a lot of 50cc riders who feel that way. I don't think it means that Billy is not a law-abiding citizen or a terrible person.

I don't happen to agree with him, however. Scooters have motors and can reach speeds up to 35mph, even the small 50cc ones. Losing control of a scooter, even at only 10 or 20MPH, can do damage to the rider and anyone or anything he/she hits.

So it makes sense to me that anyone who rides a scooter should have to do something to prove their ability to do so safely. And particularly since scooters might appeal to teenagers who are not old enough to get a car drivers license yet or to people who can't afford a car or qualify for a license, I do think there could be a danger in letting just anyone drive one.

But again, that's just my opinion. I intend this website to be a place where people can express conflicting opinions freely, without having to worry about being subjected to personal attacks.

So if you disagree with someone, say that and why you disagree... but don't make it personal, OK?

Thanks all for your cooperation!
Aug 13, 2010
 Driving without a license.
by: Ron Goldwyn, Milford CT

Billy... Most of us here are law abiding citizens. We obey the laws that are meant to protect all of us.

I sincerely hope you don't live in my state, if your attitude is that if we need a means of transportation--be it a scooter, car, truck, motorcycle, boat or airplane--just go and find one to use, regardless of the danger you may put other citizens in.

I certainly hope that NO-ONE follows your advice.
Aug 13, 2010
 I don't think it should matter
by: Billy

I really don't think it should matter, As long as you have some sort of ID, showing how old you are you should be allowed to ride a 49cc scooter on the road.

What if someone can't get their licenses and they need some sort of transportation to get to and from a job? They should be allowed to ride at least a scooter.
Nov 04, 2009
 Scooters in CT
by: Ron Goldwyn, Milford CT

Dear Mark,
Every state has their own motor vehicle laws, be it for a gas or electric vehicle, if it is to be driven on a public street.
CT, as Kathi stated requires you to have a regular drivers license for a vehicle with an engine of less than 50cc and an additional motorcyle license if the 2-3 wheeled vehicle has a larger engine. They must also have license plates and carry insurance.
Mark, while at 16 years of age you may get a learners permit and a license at 17 the new laws for teenage drivers requires you to have an adult passenger accompany you. But a 49cc scooter only allows for one person to be aboard. So we are stuck with conflicts. If we have to learn to drive an automobile and take the test in one, why not just drive a car. For a year the new law says that you may not have any underage passengers and there are many other restrictions as well.
So go online as search out the CT MVB laws for getting a Teen age Drivers License and the the laws for a vehicle with an assisting engine. Study them and learn for yourself just what our state requires. I too have a 15 and a 17 year olf grandsons who are both in high school and are not allowed to drive my scooter.

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