Is it a Scooter or Motorcycle

[zurg]

A recent post in the Re: Burgman 650's New Competition thread prompted me to read through that thread and there was a bit of a somewhat off topic discussion regards what is a scooter and what is a motorcycle.  One post there suggested that perhaps this topic should be taken up in the General Section.  So I went looking there and didn't find any so named thread.  It struck me that perhaps such a topic ought to exist on a Maxi-Scoot forum.

The difficulty I always see in discussions on this issue is that there doesn't appear to be any one, "official" body that makes/made the rules in this regard. As a result everybody's opinion is somewhat valid based on whatever they see as the defining characteristics of a scooter vs. motorcycle, and then some example can almost always be found which throws a monkeywrench in virtually everyone's "definition".

I have to say that my personal opinion is that I'm not sure why it even matters ... but it must because it comes up time and again.  So when it does I default to what I found the US Department of Transportation has to say on the matter.

 US Department of Transportation
  Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
  (See http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/fmcsr/FmcsrGuideDetails.aspx?menukey=571)

     Regulation 571.3

     Motorcycle means a motor vehicle with motive power having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground.

     Motor-driven cycle means a motorcycle with a motor that produces 5-brake horsepower or less.

     Regulation 571.123 S4.

     Scooter means a motorcycle that:
    (1) Has a platform for the operator's feet or has integrated footrests, and
    (2) Has a step-through architecture, meaning that the part of the vehicle forward of the operator's seat and between the legs of an operator seated in the riding position, is lower in height than the operator's seat.

So, from a US Federal perspective, a scooter is a motorcycle - your state's or country's mileage may vary.

It would be interesting to hear if some of our non-US members can find definitions used by their respective national government agencies on this issue.

[msgtphil]

'Mind over matter, if you don't mind it don't matter. The only time it is ever an issue is when those minding one thing or another believe it should matter to another.

[Maggie]

'Mind over matter, if you don't mind it don't matter. The only time it is ever an issue is when those minding one thing or another believe it should matter to another.

BINGO!

[jdbrot]

When people ask me if I ride a scooter or a motorcycle my answer is always "Yes".  

[John Backlund]

Since 'mopeds' no longer have pedals, there are no rules anymore, things are whatever people want to call them.

[Dan]

'Mind over matter, if you don't mind it don't matter. The only time it is ever an issue is when those minding one thing or another believe it should matter to another.

BINGO!

Double bingo.

[billg]

'Mind over matter, if you don't mind it don't matter. The only time it is ever an issue is when those minding one thing or another believe it should matter to another.

BINGO!

Double bingo.

[Maggie]

When people ask me if I ride a scooter or a motorcycle my answer is always "Yes". 

Nice!

[SilverBullet]

'Mind over matter, if you don't mind it don't matter. The only time it is ever an issue is when those minding one thing or another believe it should matter to another.

BINGO!


+3

[zurg]

When people ask me if I ride a scooter or a motorcycle my answer is always "Yes". 

And per US Regs, is correct on both counts.   

[davew]

'Mind over matter, if you don't mind it don't matter. The only time it is ever an issue is when those minding one thing or another believe it should matter to another.

BINGO!


+3

+4

[ChandlerScoot]

I still find it funny when people call my XC500 a "moped"     I mean, even if you could stick pedals on it, I can't see a human pedaling nearly 500lbs of wide girth down the road!

[MoganDavid]

A "motorcycle" is not a "motor vehicle" as defined by Michigan's No-Fault Law.  
 
Michigan Scooter Law
 
Recently there has been an increase in the use of “scooters” in Michigan and accidents involving scooters in Michigan. Some believe the increase is because of the price of gas, or that a scooter is inexpensive and can get you to your destination even if it’s many miles away from home while going the speed limit with other vehicle traffic. These scooters, such as the Suzuki Burgman, the Yamaha Zuma 125, and the Vespa S 150 are perceived by many to be “mopeds” that do not require insurance or a special license to drive.
 
Many scooters actually are “motorcycles” under Michigan law. What makes any 2 or 3 wheel vehicle that is driven on the highway a “motorcycle” is the engine size. If a vehicle has 2 or 3 wheels and its engine size is 51cc or more, then it shall be considered a motorcycle under Michigan law. This means that the scooter must be insured, and its driver must have a motorcycle endorsement (special motorcycle license which requires a safety class with written test or a written test at the Secretary of State with a road test.)
 
The Michigan No-Fault Law defines a motorcycle as: MCL 500.3101 (2)(c) "Motorcycle" means a vehicle having a saddle or seat for the use of the rider, designed to travel on not more than 3 wheels in contact with the ground, which is equipped with a motor that exceeds 50 cubic centimeters piston displacement. The wheels on any attachment to the vehicle shall not be considered as wheels in contact with the ground. Motorcycle does not include a moped, as defined in section 32b of the Michigan vehicle code, 1949 PA 300, MCL 257.32b. Motorcycle does not include an ORV.
 
 
257.32b “Moped” defined. “Moped” means a 2- or 3-wheeled vehicle which is equipped with a motor that does not exceed 50 cubic centimeters piston displacement, produces 2.0 brake horsepower or less, and cannot propel the vehicle at a speed greater than 30 miles per hour on a level surface. The power drive system shall not require the operator to shift gears.
 

Sent from my iPad

[MoganDavid]

Scooter?  Motorcycle?  These are really outside the box:
http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/motorcycles/news/10-extreme-alternative-motorcycles?src=nl&mag=pop&list=nl_pnl_aut_non_041212_extreme-motorcycles&kw=ist#slide-1