New legislation coming out of New York State’s capital is looking to require moped sellers to register with the DMV before buyers can take them home. This according to a Streetsblog organization report. All vehicles in NYS must be registered and have license plates, even motorcycles.
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Mopeds in NYS require a license plate
The DMV defines mopeds and motor scooters (gas-powered) as limited-use vehicles with two or three wheels. This segment of vehicles shares the same requirements as motorcycles. An electric scooter or bicycle with electric assist cannot be registered but can still ride on roads in NYS.
Three different classes represent top speed
Riders must have a driver’s license plus registration and can’t use them on sidewalks. There are three different classifications of mopeds, Class A, B, and C. You can find the Class on the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin. They all must be registered. For quick online registration for most vehicles, including cars, SUVs, mopeds, and motorcycles, try eTags.
The main difference is in their top speed; Class A represents over 30-40 mph, Class B over 20-30mph, and Class C 20 mph or less. Certificate of titles are not required for any Class of mopeds and scooters. Class A and B require insurance coverage. Class A riders can ride on any lane, while Class B and C can only ride on right-hand lane and shoulder except when making a left turn.
Micromobility vehicles are made for short distances
As micromobility rises, and government wants to reduce carbon emissions, plus drivers crave less congestion, mopeds and scooters are getting more popular in an already over-crowded New York. Currently there’s an influx of micromobility vehicles, primarily for short trips. They have quickly proliferated in various U.S. cities especially among food delivery personnel, couriers/messengers, and other who don’t really commute long.
Illegal mopeds and motor scooters are being seized
Aside from lack of registration, many mopeds are being sold illegally. 8,607 mopeds were seized in the first eight months of 2023, according to the New York City Police Department. That’s double last year’s amount. Right now, it’s the buyer’s responsibility to register their motor scooters and mopeds, not the sellers or dealers.
SEE ALSO: MOTORCYCLE HISTORY-HOW U.S. REGISTRATIONS GRE TO 9 MILLION
The DMV can enforce penalties against unregistered moped and scooter dealers, as many of them are because the vehicles themselves are illegal. Investigations are going on to fix the problem. Legal mopeds and motor scooters have a VIN (vehicle identification number) so they can be registered with NYS DMV. The illegal ones don’t have a VIN so riders can’t get a New York State license plate. Most buyers don’t even know their mopeds aren’t legal, as they’re purchased in stores and online.
23 businesses slapped with violations, 8,607 mopeds seized
Streetsblog continues their report saying the Department of Consumers and Worker Protection began to enforce a NY City Council local law 39 (introduced in March 2023) mid-September 2023. The law prohibits selling uncertified batteries and illegal mopeds. 23 businesses were slapped with violations for their illegal mopeds sales. In December 2021, the NYPD had seized 44 illegal mopeds during a raid on five storefronts. By 2023, as mentioned before, over 8,000 mopeds were seized.
