Do You Need a License to Drive a Motorized Scooter in Georgia?

Posted in Blog on March 20, 2023

If you want to operate a motorized scooter in Georgia, you need to understand the laws that apply to these particular vehicles. For mopeds and motorized scooter operators, the state of Georgia has various requirements that we should delve into in order to ensure you remain legal on state roadways.

The License Needed for a Motorized Scooter

There are various types of scooters that operate on the roadways throughout Georgia. This includes mopeds, scooters with an engine of 50cc or more, electric scooters, and E-bikes. Each of these different vehicles has various requirements concerning licensing and where they can be ridden:

• Mopeds 49cc or less. Individuals are required to carry a learner’s permit or driver’s license in order to operate a moped in Georgia. However, individuals do not have to have insurance. These vehicles can be ridden only on roads where there is a minimum speed limit of 35 mph or less.
• Scooters 50cc or more. Individuals must obtain a motorcycle license in Georgia in order to operate a scooter of this size. Individuals must carry the same insurance required by motorcyclists in the state of Georgia. There are no special areas where individuals must ride these scooters. 
• Electric scooters. Individuals operating electric scooters do not have to have any type of license or insurance. These vehicles can be ridden on bike paths, in bike lanes, and on roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or less.
• E-bikes. The requirements for this type of vehicle are the same as the requirements for an electric scooter. 

Preparing for Safety

For legal purposes, the state does not differentiate between motorized scooters over 50cc and motorcycles. Individuals must be at least 17 years of age in order to obtain a motorcycle license in Georgia. There are two ways to obtain a motorcycle license:

1. Individuals can take a Motorcycle Safety Program Course where they will receive professional training. Individuals will earn a waiver that they can present in lieu of taking the road and knowledge tests in order to obtain their motorcycle license.
2. Individuals can apply for their motorcycle license directly with the DMV. Individuals will have to pass a knowledge test, a motorcycle skills driving test, and a vision test.

In addition to obtaining a motorcycle license to operate a scooter in Georgia, individuals must also insure the vehicle with the same insurance minimums they would for any motorcycle. This includes bodily injury liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident as well as property damage liability coverage of $25,000 per accident.

As mentioned above, individuals can operate electric scooters with a motor of 50cc or more on any road where individuals can operate motorcycles. However, please understand that electric scooters must only be operated in the areas mentioned above.

If an Injury Occurs

If you or somebody you care about has been injured in a scooter or motorcycle accident, we encourage you to reach out to an Atlanta accident attorney today. If the negligent actions of another party caused the incident, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage expenses, and pain and suffering damages.