There is no single U.S. CC limit for riding without a motorcycle license. A 50cc engine does not automatically mean you can ride without a license. Your state’s vehicle classification determines whether you need a motorcycle endorsement, an ordinary driver’s license or a permit.
Check Your State
Find your state below, then compare the vehicle’s specifications with the listed conditions. Engine size alone is not enough.
Evidence review: September 15, 2026. Arkansas, Colorado, Montana, Oklahoma and West Virginia still have unresolved points, marked below. This is not a complete road-use checklist.
Or browse by state name
Alabama
License or permit: Class M authorization; a restricted motor-driven-cycle license is available for ages 14–15.
Vehicle conditions: Motor-driven cycles, including mopeds.
Alaska
License or permit: A basic driver’s license; ages 14–15 may use the restricted M2 route. 50cc and above: motorcycle-license category.
Vehicle conditions: Motor-driven cycles with an engine <50cc.
Arizona
License or permit: Any class of driver’s license; no motorcycle endorsement.
Vehicle conditions: Moped with working pedals, a helper engine ≤50cc, and a maximum speed of 25 mph.
Arkansas
License or permit: Not yet determined: whether the separate motorized-bicycle certificate route is currently available and its eligibility requirements. Do not rely on this entry to ride without a driver’s license; confirm with Arkansas Driver Services.
Vehicle conditions: Motorized bicycle with an automatic transmission and an engine <50cc; distinct from a motor-driven cycle.
California
License or permit: M1 or M2 for a moped; M1 for a motor-driven cycle. Minimum age for a moped: 16.
Vehicle conditions: Moped/motorized bicycle under the DMV definition, including its speed, power and drive-system conditions.
Colorado
License or permit: A valid driver’s license is required for a qualifying low-power scooter. Not yet determined in this guide: whether an exactly 50cc vehicle meets the category boundary. Confirm that boundary with Colorado DMV.
Vehicle conditions: Low-power scooter: ≤3 wheels and no manual clutch; legislature’s guide specifies a gas engine <50cc.
Connecticut
License or permit: An operator’s license; no motorcycle endorsement for a qualifying motor-driven cycle. From Oct. 1, 2026, the 5-brake-hp alternative is removed.
Vehicle conditions: Seated motor-driven cycle: seat ≥26 inches; current motor alternatives include <50cc, ≤3,700 W or ≤5 brake hp.
Delaware
License or permit: A valid driver’s license.
Vehicle conditions: Gas moped: pedal or nonpedal bicycle, two tandem wheels with at least one 10 inches or larger, and displacement <55cc.
Florida
License or permit: A Class E operator’s license or other appropriate driving authorization; no motorcycle endorsement for this engine-size category.
Vehicle conditions: Two- or three-wheel motor vehicles of 50cc or less, including qualifying small scooters and mopeds.
Georgia
License or permit: A valid driver’s license, instructional permit or limited permit; rider at least 15.
Vehicle conditions: Moped engine ≤50cc, as described by DDS.
Hawaii
License or permit: A valid driver’s license; Class 1 is the dedicated moped license route. Check learner/nonresident restrictions.
Vehicle conditions: Two- or three-wheel moped, ≤50cc and 2 hp, maximum 30 mph, without clutching or shifting.
Idaho
License or permit: A valid driver’s license; no motorcycle endorsement for a qualifying moped.
Vehicle conditions: Gas moped: wheels <20 inches in diameter, engine ≤50cc, maximum 30 mph, and direct/automatic drive without clutching or shifting.
Illinois
License or permit: Any current, valid class of driver’s license.
Vehicle conditions: Moped: ≤50cc and 2 brake hp; speed attainable in one mile between 20 and 30 mph; no operator gear shifting.
Indiana
License or permit: A valid driver’s license or learner’s permit, or an Indiana ID with an MDC endorsement. An ordinary ID alone is insufficient.
Vehicle conditions: Motor-driven cycle: ≤50cc, seat/saddle, no more than three wheels, compliant equipment and MDC registration.
Iowa
License or permit: A valid driver’s license or a moped license. Under 16: approved moped course required.
Vehicle conditions: Motorized bicycle/moped that cannot exceed 39 mph on level ground without human assistance.
Kansas
License or permit: A valid driver’s license or the restricted motorized-bicycle license route.
Vehicle conditions: Motorized bicycle: ≤130cc, 3.5 brake hp and 30 mph maximum design speed, with automatic transmission.
Kentucky
License or permit: An operator’s license. No stand-alone moped license since July 15, 2024.
Vehicle conditions: Moped: ≤50cc and 2 brake hp, automatic transmission and maximum 30 mph.
Louisiana
License or permit: A valid Louisiana driver’s license; rider at least 15.
Vehicle conditions: Pedal motorized bicycle: ≤50cc and 1.5 hp, automatic transmission and maximum design speed 25 mph.
Maine
License or permit: An operator’s license or an eligible motorcycle/moped instruction permit.
Vehicle conditions: Gas moped ≤50cc, 2–3 wheels ≥10 inches in diameter, and no operator clutching or shifting.
Maryland
License or permit: A valid driver’s license or moped permit; no Class M required. Moped: pedals and ≤1.5 brake hp. Motor scooter: separate design rules and ≤2.7 brake hp.
Vehicle conditions: Moped or motor scooter meeting MVA’s specific design and power limits; gas displacement ≤50cc.
Massachusetts
License or permit: A valid driver’s license or learner’s permit; rider at least 16. Operating speed is limited to 25 mph.
Vehicle conditions: Motorized bicycle/moped: ≤50cc, automatic transmission and maximum capability of 30 mph.
Michigan
License or permit: A valid driver’s license, qualifying GDL credential, or moped license. Moped license available from age 15.
Vehicle conditions: Moped: ≤100cc, no operator gear changes and no capability above 30 mph on level ground.
Minnesota
License or permit: A valid driver’s license or motorized-bicycle operator’s permit. Moped permit from age 15; course/testing required.
Vehicle conditions: Motorized bicycle/moped: gas engine ≤50cc, ≤2 brake hp, and maximum 30 mph on level ground.
Mississippi
License or permit: A motorcycle endorsement on the driver’s license.
Vehicle conditions: Motor scooter within DPS’s definition, including ≤50cc and 2.7 brake hp.
Missouri
License or permit: A valid driver’s license; no motorcycle endorsement.
Vehicle conditions: Motorized bicycle: 2–3 wheels, ≤50cc, <3 brake hp, automatic transmission and maximum 30 mph.
Montana
License or permit: Not yet determined: the license requirement for a vehicle meeting the moped definition. Confirm with Montana MVD; this entry does not establish a license exemption.
Vehicle conditions: Moped: 2–3 wheels, working pedals, ≤2 brake hp, maximum 30 mph, direct/automatic drive. No CC cap in the definition.
Nebraska
License or permit: A valid operator’s license.
Vehicle conditions: Moped with working pedals, ≤50cc and 2 brake hp, automatic transmission and maximum 30 mph.
Nevada
License or permit: A valid driver’s license of any class.
Vehicle conditions: Moped: no more than three wheels, ≤50cc and 2 gross brake hp for the gas category, and maximum 30 mph under the statutory test.
New Hampshire
License or permit: A valid driver’s license, qualifying motorcycle license, or moped license.
Vehicle conditions: Moped: speed attainable in one mile ≤30 mph; gas engine ≤50cc, without operator gear shifting.
New Jersey
License or permit: A basic automobile driver’s license; no separate motorcycle endorsement for this category. This is the low-speed-motorcycle category, not the motorized-bicycle category.
Vehicle conditions: Low-speed motorcycle: <50cc OR ≤1.5 brake hp, with maximum speed ≤35 mph on a flat surface.
New Mexico
License or permit: A valid driver’s license or permit; no motorcycle endorsement for a qualifying moped.
Vehicle conditions: Moped: 2–3 wheels, automatic transmission, engine <50cc and maximum 30 mph on level ground at sea level.
New York
License or permit: Class A: M or MJ. Classes B and C: any driver’s-license class, subject to permit restrictions.
Vehicle conditions: Certified limited-use motorcycles: Class A over 30–40 mph; Class B over 20–30 mph; Class C up to 20 mph.
North Carolina
License or permit: No driver’s license required; rider must be at least 16.
Vehicle conditions: Moped (excluding motor-driven bicycles and electric assisted bicycles): 2–3 wheels, engine ≤50cc, no external shifting device and maximum 30 mph on level ground.
North Dakota
License or permit: A valid permit or license; minimum age 14.
Vehicle conditions: Motorized bicycle/moped: ≤49.98cc, 2 brake hp and 30 mph; 2–3 wheels, width ≤32 inches, footrests/pedals and automatic drive.
Ohio
License or permit: A valid driver’s license or a moped license. Moped-license route starts at 14.
Vehicle conditions: Pedalable moped: ≤50cc and 1 brake hp, and maximum 20 mph on a level surface.
Oklahoma
License or permit: Not yet determined: which small-vehicle category and credential apply. Service Oklahoma requires a motorcycle endorsement for motorcycles and motor-driven cycles; confirm the classification of your vehicle before relying on an exemption.
Vehicle conditions: Motorized bicycle, motorized scooter, moped and motor-driven cycle: distinct categories.
Oregon
License or permit: A valid driver’s license; no motorcycle endorsement for a qualifying moped.
Vehicle conditions: Gas moped under the seated-vehicle definition: 35.01–50cc, maximum 30 mph and direct/automatic drive without clutching or shifting.
Pennsylvania
License or permit: A Class C license covers this category.
Vehicle conditions: Motor-driven cycle with automatic transmission and engine ≤50cc.
Rhode Island
License or permit: An operator’s license; rider at least 16. No special motorcycle license for a qualifying vehicle.
Vehicle conditions: Motorized bicycle or motor scooter ≤50cc, 4.9 hp and 30 mph.
South Carolina
License or permit: A valid driver’s license or Class G moped license. Class G from age 15; younger riders have operating restrictions.
Vehicle conditions: Gas moped ≤50cc and an automatic transmission.
South Dakota
License or permit: A valid motor-vehicle driver’s license or permit; no motorcycle certification required for a moped.
Vehicle conditions: Moped: 2–3 wheels, combustion displacement ≤50cc and direct/automatic drive without clutching or shifting.
Tennessee
License or permit: A valid regular driver’s license; a restricted motorized-bicycle license route is available at age 15. 51–125cc M-Limited is still a motorcycle credential.
Vehicle conditions: Motorized bicycle: Driver Services describes the small-engine category as ≤50cc.
Texas
License or permit: A Class C driver’s license for a qualifying moped.
Vehicle conditions: Statutory moped: saddle, no more than three wheels, ≤30 mph in one mile, ≤5 brake hp, and gas engine ≤50cc without gear shifting.
Utah
License or permit: A valid driver’s license; no motorcycle endorsement.
Vehicle conditions: Moped with working pedals, ≤50cc and 2 brake hp, maximum 30 mph and automatic/direct drive.
Vermont
License or permit: Motor-driven cycle: licensed driver, age 16+. Qualifying motor-assisted bicycle: no operator’s license, age 16+ on highways.
Vehicle conditions: Motor-driven cycle: ≤50cc, 2 brake hp and 30 mph with automatic/direct drive. Separate motor-assisted bicycle: working pedals, maximum 20 mph under the statutory rider test, gas output ≤1,000 W or 1.3 hp.
Virginia
License or permit: No driver’s license required; age 16+ and government-issued photo ID required. DUI-related suspension restrictions still apply.
Vehicle conditions: Moped: seat ≥24 inches high, no more than three wheels, gas engine ≤50cc; must be operated at ≤35 mph.
Washington
License or permit: A valid driver’s license of any class; rider at least 16; no special moped examination.
Vehicle conditions: Moped: 2–3 wheels, ≤50cc and 2 brake hp, maximum 30 mph on level ground.
West Virginia
License or permit: Not yet determined: the applicable moped credential after reconciling the licensing definition and agency guidance. Confirm with West Virginia DMV; this entry does not establish a license exemption.
Vehicle conditions: Pedal moped: 2–3 wheels, ≤50cc and 2 brake hp, maximum 30 mph and direct/automatic drive.
Wisconsin
License or permit: A valid Class D regular/probationary license or an eligible moped permit. An ordinary learner’s instruction permit alone is insufficient.
Vehicle conditions: Moped at ≤30 mph under the state test: automatic motorcycle-type up to 50cc, or bicycle-type with fully working pedals up to 130cc.
Wyoming
License or permit: A valid driver’s license; state law allows holders of any vehicle-license class to operate a moped.
Vehicle conditions: Moped with working pedals, ≤50cc and 2 brake hp, maximum 30 mph and direct/automatic drive.
How to Use Your State’s Result
Start with the exact model you plan to ride. Have its specifications beside you when you search, rather than relying on a product name such as “scooter” or “moped.” Read the result in this order:
- Match the vehicle. Compare engine displacement, power, maximum speed and transmission. Where the entry mentions pedals, wheel count or seat height, check those too. Meeting the CC limit alone does not establish that the vehicle qualifies.
- Match your credential. Check whether the result calls for an ordinary driver’s license, a motorcycle endorsement or a specific permit. A learner’s permit is not automatically interchangeable with a full license.
- Resolve anything missing. If a specification is unavailable, ask the manufacturer. If the entry flags an unresolved rule, confirm the requirement with the state agency before using it to make a purchase or riding decision.
Does a 50cc Scooter Need a License?
A 50cc scooter is not automatically license-free. The answer depends on whether the vehicle meets your state’s category requirements and which credential that category requires. Even when no motorcycle endorsement is needed, an ordinary driver’s license or permit may still be required. Check the actual 50cc boundary too: “under 50cc” does not include exactly 50cc.
Does a 150cc Scooter Need a Motorcycle License?
Do not treat 150cc as a nationwide exemption. Check your state’s motorcycle or motor-driven-cycle requirements for that vehicle. A small-moped entry in the lookup does not answer the question for a 150cc scooter that falls outside its conditions. If your vehicle does not match the listed category, ask the state agency which license class applies.
“No Motorcycle Endorsement” Does Not Mean “No License”
A qualifying moped may be covered by an ordinary driver’s license in one state and require a different credential in another. Match both parts of the state entry: the vehicle conditions and the license or permit. Do not use a CC number as permission to ride.
Before buying, have the manufacturer’s engine, power, speed and transmission specifications ready. Also check your age and permit restrictions, registration, insurance, required equipment and permitted roads with the state agency.
FAQs
What if my scooter is exactly at the listed CC limit?
Check the wording carefully: “less than” excludes the stated number; “no more than” includes it. Other conditions still apply. In the state entries, < means less than and ≤ means no more than. Speed limits describe vehicle capability unless the entry says otherwise.
What if the seller calls it a moped?
Ask for its specifications and check the state’s legal definition. A sales label does not establish the vehicle’s licensing category. If the classification is unclear, confirm it with the state agency before riding.
Looking for a Kids’ Ride-On Instead?
Looking for a supervised children’s ride-on? Browse our kids motorcycles and choose by fit and intended riding area. These state licensing summaries do not establish road legality for children’s ride-ons.
2 thoughts on “What Is the Highest CC Without a Motorcycle License?”
Candice. Magana
Has anyone in California experienced a unlawful tow I had a 49 cc reaching top speed 21 mph I’m haveing a hard time I don’t have money to pay impound fees please is it not required or required to register my moped can some one send it to me please
Alan Larson
above 50 cc, California requires a class M1 (full motorcycle) licese. Some reports are that a M2 can be used for the 49 cc mopeds.