Do Electric Motorcycles Need Licenses?

Electric motorcycles are the trend that every nature lover rider wants to ride. Still, to ride the motorbike, you need a motorbike license. Now the question arises, do electric motorcycles need licenses?

You need a class M1 for riding more than 50 CC electric motorcycles and a class M2 license for riding an electric vehicle below 50 CC; however, if you’re riding an electric three-wheeler, you may require a C class EV license. You shall be liable for a fine and 6 months imprisonment if a cop catches you riding an EV without a license. 

Let’s consider what it means and what you can do about it. 

While writing this post, I leave no stone unturned so you can learn about electric motorcycle licenses. 

Do Electric Motorcycles Need Licenses?

Because of nature’s friendliness, the electric motorcycle is the new trend that every rider wants to experience. Now the question arises, do electric motorcycles need a license? 

You need a motorcycle license to ride the electric motorbike because the electric motorbike comes with power equivalent to a gasoline motorbike. And to handle this much power, you need a motorcycle permit or license. 

Even in some countries, the green motorbike license is issued to riders who ride electric motorbikes; this license comes with an additional benefit that is absent from the traditional motorbike license. 

What Motorcycle Can You Ride Without a License? 

Our parents and teachers always taught us that we must carry a motorbike license, but did you know you can ride some motorbikes without a license?

You can ride a low CC motorbike like a below 50 CC motorbike without a motorbike license. But you’ll need a motorbike license if you ride a motorbike above 50 CC. 

However, each state may have its own rules for motorbike licenses. I recommend you carefully read your state’s transport rules and regulations for more information. 

Do You Need a Motorcycle License for Scooter? 

Indeed you don’t need a motorcycle license for a low CC motorbike, but do you own a scooter? Then the question arises, do you need a motorcycle license for a scooter? 

Although every state has its rules, most of the scooters in the US come with more than 50 CC engines which quickly highlight you on the road and declare you as a responsible rider owning a high CC two-wheeler. 

Again, I recommend reading your state transportation rules for more accurate information. 

Do You Need a Motorcycle License for a Moped? 

So far, you understand that scooters fall in the category of high CC two-wheeler; now the question arises, do you need a motorcycle license for a moped? 

Most mopeds in the US have less than 50 CC engines, meaning you can ride mopeds freely without carrying a license. But it doesn’t mean you can ride a moped carelessly; you must follow all rules and regulations for two-wheelers. 

What Type of License is Required for Electric Motorcycles? 

So far, you understand what motorcycle can’t require a rider to carry a license; now the question arises of what types of license are required for electric motorcycles. 

Indeed a motorcycle license is required for riding a motorcycle, but do you know that two types of license are dedicated to the electric vehicle?

Class M1 and class M2 are the two types of electric motorcycle licenses that you need to ride an electric motorcycle on the highways. Class M1 license permits you to ride any electric vehicle, such as an electric scooter and electric motorbike. 

But you may need a Class C license if you have an electric three-wheeler or a small cart attached to the electric motorbike. 

Class M2 license is for riders who ride the electric moped or any other electric vehicle that can’t cross the top speed limit of 30MPH. Class M2 is for beginners and has many restrictions; however, if you ride any electric vehicle that can cross 30 MPH or comes with more than 50 CC engines, you should go with an M1 license. 

If you’re a beginner, I’d highly recommend you try your hand at a moped electric vehicle and have the M2 class license. But if you’re an experienced rider, you can easily go with a motorbike requiring a class M1 license. 

Have you wondered if you need an electric motorbike license if it comes with a clutch, find out HERE.

What if You Ride an Electric Motorbike Without a License? 

Indeed you need a license to ride your EV; now the question arises, what if you ride an electric motorbike without a license? 

If you’re riding your EV without a license, you shall be liable for the fine or spend at least 6 months in jail. However, the fine amount would vary with the number of documents you lack. 

For example, if you’re riding without a license, then you shall be liable for just a fine. And, you’re liable for punishment and a high fine if you don’t have any motorbike documents. 

And to avoid this, I would recommend always carrying the motorbike license with you. 

What’s the Fine for Not Having a Motorcycle License? 

So far, you understand the consequence of not having a motorcycle license; now the question arises, what’s the fine for not having a motorcycle license? 

Although every state has rules and regulations regarding the fine on riders who don’t have a motorcycle license. But on average, you’ll get fined approx $100-$1000. 

However, the amount of the fine highly depends on the reasons why you don’t have a motorcycle license and what’re some other documents you don’t have. 

What if You’ve Motorcycle License but No Insurance? 

So far, you have an idea of the average fine you need to pay if you don’t have a motorcycle license. Now the question arises, what if you don’t have a motorcycle license but any insurance? 

If you don’t have motorcycle insurance, it would be the worst situation because you’re in danger. If you do not have motorcycle insurance, you can’t file any claim, which puts you in a challenging situation. 

Not only this, you will have to pay a fine for not having motorcycle insurance, and the fine would be around $100-$1000. 

Suppose you’re planning to buy motorbike insurance. In that case, your motorbike insurance costs depend on your age, area, and the type of motorbike you’re riding. 

Motorbike insurance will likely be expensive for you if you’re a young rider. Also, suppose you’re living in an area where there are a lot of motorbike theft cases. In that case, insurance will likely be too expensive for you. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Final Verdict: 

Do Electric Motorcycles Need Licenses? You need a class M1 for riding more than 50 CC electric motorcycles and a class M2 license for riding an electric vehicle below 50 CC; however, if you’re riding an electric three-wheeler, you may require a C class EV license. You shall be liable for a fine and 6 months imprisonment if your cop catches you riding an EV without a license. 

I’ve also mentioned the situation where you don’t have motorbike insurance but an electric motorbike license and how you can protect yourself from sticking in this situation.