2009 - MA changed laws which apply to some scooters
On August 1, 2009, Massachusetts put into effect new regulations which apply to 49cc "Scooters" which are capable of speeds greater than 30MPH, but less than 40MPH. They created a new category for these scooters called "Limited Use" or "LU" and new regulations apply to these bikes which differ from those for "Mopeds" or "Motorcycles"
MOPEDS, LIMITED USE or LU, & MOTORCYCLES Defined
1) "Mopeds" must be under 50cc's and have a top speed of no more than 30MPH.
(Note: Scooters that are commonly called 50ccare actually between 49-49.9 and therefore under 50cc)
2) "Limited Use" or "LU" vehicles are under 50cc and have a top speed of between 31-39MPH
3) "Motorcycles" have a top speed of at least 40MPH.
If your "scooter" fits the description of "Moped" or "Motorcycle" the new laws DO NOT apply to you.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE: The RMV uses the word "Scooter" to describes something very different than, well, just about everybody else in the world! To avoid confusion, when you go to register, use the appropriate name for you vehicle as listed above.
"Limited Use"or "LU" Regulations
New owners of Limited Use vehicles now must have their scooters insured,registered and annually inspected. Their license plate will have the letters "LU".
IMPORTANT NOTE: Owners of "Limited Use" scooters who got their "moped" sticker prior to Aug.1, 2009, are "grandfathered", meaning you are o.k. as is, until your current sticker expires.
Unlike "mopeds", "LU" vehicles are NOT allowed to: pass on the right travel in bicycle lanes park on sidewalks.
Unlike "motorcycles", "LU" are NOT allowed on major highways.
How will the RMV know the difference?
When you go to the RMV to register your 49cc scooter it will be your word as to whether your scooter is a "Moped" or "LU". You will be contesting to what the top speed of your scooter is.
Some Certificates of Origin state that the scooter is not capable of more than 25MPH or 30MPH. However, this information may not be accurate.
The benefits of registering as a "LU" vehicle
Having insurance is a good thing. If insured, you will redeem the value of your scooter if it is stolen, you will be compensated if your scooter is damaged. You will have assistance in paying any medical bills, if you are injured.
Also, if your stolen scooter is found, the police will be able to identify you as the owner and return your bike to you.
Being honest about the speed capabilities of your scooter means you won't have to be watching out for police lurking behind bushes and around corners.
What will the new regulations cost you?
Insurance, with minimum coverage will cost less than $100 PER YEAR! Progressive offers motorcycle insurance with great coverage for around that same amount.
The RMV will charge you $25 registration fee per year, plus a one time $75 Title fee.
Inspection will cost you $20 - $30
IF you choose to register your LU as a moped and then get caught going more than 30MPH, you may be fined for Improper Registration and for Lack of Insurance. Since you are riding illegally, the officer can have your scooter impounded which will then cost you storage fees. Now, you'll have to re-register properly and pay the fees. Then you will wish you registered honestly and paid the money!
Re: Sidewalk Parking for "Scooters"
Mopeds can park on sidewalks LU and Motorcycles can NOT park on sidewalks.
Officials say new sidewalk parking restrictions for LU vehicles WILL NOT BE ENFORCED for the time being, UNLESS you park obstructively or block handicap ramp or access.
Lawmakers are now reconsidering how to handle parking for "Scooters". Expect regulations and accommodations to change in the future.
Howother cities are handling the parking issue.
In other U.S. cities, such as San Francisco, CA and Austin, TX, governments are supporting scooters and encouraging people to use them because they use less gas, emit fewer emissions than cars, ease congestion of traffic and the demand on parking.They have done so by providing parking spaces specifically for scooters and motorcyclesfree or for considerably less than what a car pays.
Voice your opinions - Sign Petitions
News of these new regulations was met with an outpouring of opposition.
There seems to be no basis for disallowing scooters which can exceed 30MPH from parking on sidewalks, while scooters of the same size can because they are slower.
Many feel that the registration issue should be held separate from the parking issue. A more sensible approach would be to base sidewalk parking permission on the physical size of the bike, not it's speed or engine size.
The institution of a whole new category to cover an 8MPH difference (31-39MPH) is unnecessarily complex.
Many feel that it would have made more sense to change the definition of "Moped" to include all 49cc bikes capable of speeds up to 39MPH. The moped regulation which, not only states that a moped not be capable of more than 30MPH, also requires riders to agree to NOT operate their scooter at greater than 25MPH. Many roads have a speed limit of 35MPH, so insisting riders travel at 25MPH is actually less safe than allowing them to travel 35MPH.
There were a few petitions going around in 2009 (links below), including two on Governor Patrick's website. People voiced their opinions loudly there and on the Boston Globe's site.
I don't know if these links are still active, but you can check them out.
