Washington State moped laws

[99RangerKrazy]

I'm thinking of buying a moped for my daily commuter, since they get around 80+ mpg. But I want a 150cc instead of 50cc and I looked up the Washington state moped laws and here is what I found.

"Moped" means a motorized device designed to travel with not more than three sixteen-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground, having fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power, and an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder displacement not exceeding fifty cubic centimeters which produces no more than two gross brake horsepower (developed by a prime mover, as measured by a brake applied to the driving shaft) that is capable of propelling the device at not more than thirty miles per hour on level ground.

The Washington state patrol may approve of and define as a "moped" a vehicle which fails to meet these specific criteria, but which is essentially similar in performance and application to motorized devices which do meet these specific criteria.

The last part is where I'm wondering. I was thinking if the 150cc would fall under the categorie of the "is essentially similar in performance and application to motorized devices which do meet these specific criteria". I would just call the DMV but it's Sunday so they're closed. Thanks guys.

 

[Sunk]

I know that you can ride a 49cc or smaller moped without an endorsement. While the 150cc would be essentially similar in application, its performance would probably be considered different enough to need an endorsement. I don't know if the WSP has pre-determined guidelines as to what 'similar performance and application' are or if you would have to go to them to get it approved. I say spend $125 and a weekend to get your endorsement, that way you can ride whatever you want, and you'll be better off safety wise.

 

[99RangerKrazy]

Yeah, you're right, it would be better to have it just in case.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

"moped" and "scooter" are two different beasts. a moped is basically a bicycle with a small motor to help the rider around (that can still be pedaled like a bike), hense the name: MO-tor PED-al. a scooter (like a vespa) relies solely on the motor.

and yes, anything over 49cc needs an endorsement.

 

[JFA_Spyderman]

Yo,
+1 on getting the endorsement. Then there are no problems.

 

[Sunk]

Be sure to plan way in advance to get the endorsement, as classes fill up way in advance. I plan on it, but probably won't be able to for a month.

 

[snake]

I took mine several years ago in February... only two people in the class, imagine that. It was actually hot in that damn parking lot, unseasonably warm even for south Texas. We lucked up, they just delivered two brand new bikes with 5 miles apeice on 'em and we both got the new ones... we did like 32 miles in that parking lot.

 

[Capt Jay]

Get the endorsement, if nothing more than to limit your liability.

That's just my opinion, I could be wrong ( but I'm not! )
Jay

 

[Martinnyc]

or there is one more option, tho i will probably get frowned upon. You could buy yourself a tomos moped, (the sprint is like 999 brand new if im not mistaken) which would still keep you in the moped category, then get your hands on an airsal 125cc kit, it's a JOKE to put on. That, with a biturbo exhaust should have you well over 60. A few summers back we bought 4 worked tomos mopeds from a police auction down here for like 300 bucks. We all fixed them up, and just rode them for the summer. We all had full sized bikes at home, and the mopeds were just fun, especially cause they were topping out at like 65mph.

or there is the other option like everyone said, and get your motorcycle license, and then get a 125 or 150 scooter.
i've been riding everything under the sun, ever since the day of my 16th b-day, and i finally just stepped down to a 125 scooter. it's way more fun, insurance is dirt cheap, and the 80mph top speed keeps me out of trouble.

http://www.ikesbikes.com/productsByCategory.asp?intCatalogID=1&strCatalog_NAME=New+Mopeds