Last Updated on May 11, 2022 by Fair Punishment Team
Motorized scooters like Vespas or other brands of moped are becoming more and more popular modes of transport. They are relatively affordable, fuel-efficient, and super fun to drive.
Newer models, for example, can travel up to 100 miles thanks to their advanced technology that creates astounding fuel efficiency.
Even if you don’t get a brand new moped, you can expect an older model to travel 75 miles on a single tank of gas. Electric scooters are now available in some areas and feature a completely safe and efficient battery pack to keep gas prices at a minimum or eradicate them completely.
These cost-saving features are part of the reason why so many younger people are drawn to a Vespa as an alternative to their first car, But what exactly do you need to drive your Vespa or moped legally?
Keep reading to find out more and to stay on the right side of the law.
Driving A Vespa Legally
Before you let yourself loose on the road, you must make sure you are abiding by all laws and regulations applicable in your state.
This will cover all relevant documentation – things like a motorcycle license or vehicle insurance – but these requirements will vary from state to state so be sure to check the local law if you are unsure.
Documentation requirements will also differ depending on the size of your moped, the engine type, and the brand of moped that you purchase. Make sure that you have this information to hand to make the early steps of administration easier!
Engine Size
The size of a Vespa engine is one of the more important factors that need consideration. For most states, any moped with an engine that has a fuel capacity over 50 ccs (50 cubic centimeters) will be treated like a motorcycle and not a moped.
Engines over 50 cc will require a motorcycle license from the motor vehicle bureau. If you already have a legitimate driver’s license then you need to get a motorcycle endorsement on it.
If your moped has an engine capacity under 50 cc, then you do not need to acquire a motorcycle license. You should be covered by a normal learner’s permit or your full driver’s license.
Remember that these license requirements will vary from state to state so check with your local office if you are unsure.
Do I Need A Motorcycle License For A Vespa?
Most Vespas available today have an engine size of over 50 ccs, meaning that you will need to acquire a motorcycle license in just about every state.
However, Vespa has recently released a new range of mopeds that have an engine size of 49 cc – under most states’ engine size threshold. You will not need a license to drive one of these mopeds from the Tiny Vespa line.
Getting A Motorcycle License
The first step in getting your motorcycle license is to get a temporary motorcycle permit and then submit it to a probationary period. Once the probationary period has ended, you need to take a riding exam at a motor vehicle bureau.
If you pass the exam, you have a motorcycle license and are free to ride a moped of any size without restriction.
Vespa And Moped Insurance
If your moped requires a motorcycle license then it is likely that you will also need to get motorcycle insurance. This coverage is thankfully quite affordable as most moped engines are comparatively fairly small.
If your moped is small enough that you do not need a motorcycle license, then insurance is not mandatory anywhere in the US. This includes liability insurance.
That said, if you need finance or lease your moped then the lender may require some sort of insurance as part of your contract.
While insurance is by no means a guaranteed legal requirement it is always a good idea to at the very least consider what options are available to you and what protections you are given.
Remember – just because you don’t have to have something doesn’t mean you won’t need it!
Types Of Insurance
When thinking about insurance for your moped or Vespa, you need to work out what you want to be covered. You may feel it unnecessary to insure against theft or damage but what about covering medical costs for yourself and others?
Below is a list of the basic insurance types available and what they mean in practical application.
Medical Payments: This insurance model will pay out for medical expenses up to the coverage limit. Some companies will also cover funeral payments as part of this compensation scheme and you may have the option to extend coverage to anyone in your household who drives your vehicle.
Liability Coverage: Should you be involved in a collision that causes property damage and injuries and it is decided that it is your fault, you must pay for damages you are responsible for. This tends to be a legal requirement so having an insurance policy to cover some or even all of these costs – be sure to check your coverage limit – will be greatly beneficial.
Comprehensive: Comprehensive cover can help cover the cost of repairs to your moped if it is victim to vandalism, theft, damage from the weather, or other ‘acts of G-d.’ You will be responsible for covering the deductible value at the time of claim and there may be a limit on the value of your repairs.
Collision: Collision insurance will pay for damage to your vehicle in the event of a crash, regardless of who is at fault.
Uninsured Motorists: This type of insurance plan will reimburse you for any medical expenses or loss of income if you are in a collision with a driver who has no or insufficient liability insurance.
Roadside assistance: 24/7 emergency help at the roadside is always a good idea!
Final Thoughts
You do not need a motorcycle license to drive a Vespa or any moped with an engine size of 50cc or less. Many manufacturers utilize this fact and offer a range of mopeds with small-sized engines that do not require special licenses.
If the engine size is greater than 50 cc, then you need to look into getting a motorcycle permit and eventually a motorcycle license.
You do not need insurance for small-sized mopeds or Vespas anywhere in the US, but remember that some leasing or finance companies will require a level of coverage dictated by your contract.
Insurance is not mandatory, but is always recommended!
