Why do I have to take a motorcycle test for a scooter?

by Catherine Abler
(Fond du Lac, WI, USA)

Why doesn't the government make a separate test for scooters? Why do I have to study about clutches when my 125cc scooter doesn't have a clutch? This is unfair to scooter enthusiasts.

Comments for Why do I have to take a motorcycle test for a scooter?

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Jul 14, 2010
Right, Right...
by: Kathi

Jim is right, of course, and it's that way in every state I've researched too. I was flabbergasted when my road test official told me now I could ride a big Harley if I wanted to.

I DON'T want to, but it is kind of silly that I proved I could ride a small 125cc 4-stroke scooter well and that gives me the right to hop on a big-a** manual-shift motorcycle I know nothing about and definitely could NOT handle.

Laws don't always make complete sense!

Jul 14, 2010
Rules
by: Jim Zeiser

In New York State you need a Class M designation for anything over 50cc. It doesn't matter whether it's a 150cc scooter or motorcycle. People are allowed to take their road tests on scooters and then can hop right on a bike if they pass, which I think is wrong. The permit test doesn't discriminate between a scooter owner or motorcycle owner. You have to know all the rules in case you decide later to switch from one to the other.

Jul 14, 2010
Good Question!
by: Kathi

Hi Catherine... That's a good question, but not one I can really answer. I'm with you, though... the only question I missed on the written test for my motorcycle endorsement had to do with a motorcycle clutch, which I knew very little about.

It would be nice if scooters were treated separately, but all states lump all 2-wheeled motorized vehicles in together, for the most part, as far as regulations.

Perhaps one day, if scooters become as popular country-wide as motorcycles are, we'll get our own classification! :)

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