Mopeds

What is a moped?

To qualify as a moped, a vehicle:

• Must have 2–3 wheels.
• Must have an electric or liquid fuel motor with a cylinder displacement of less than 50 cc, and no more than 2 brake horsepower.
• Can't travel faster than 30 miles per hour.
• and
• Must meet all the federal standards for a motor-driven cycle.

Requirements

You don't need a motorcycle endorsement or auto insurance to ride a moped. However, to legally operate a moped in Washington:

• You must have a valid driver license.
• You must register the moped and display a valid license plate.
• You and your passengers must wear USDOT-approved helmets.
• You must wear eye protection if your moped doesn't have a windshield.
• You can't ride the moped on a sidewalk, bicycle path, equestrian trail, hiking/recreational trail, or fully-controlled limited access highway.

Related laws

• RCW 46.04.304: Moped
• RCW 46.20.500: Special endorsement — Exceptions
• RCW 46.61.710: Mopeds, EPAMDs, electric-assisted bicycles, motorized foot scooters — General requirements and operation
• RCW 46.61.720: Mopeds — Safety standards
• RCW 46.37.523: Motorcycles and motor-driven cycles — Head lamps
• RCW 46.37.524: Motor-driven cycles — Head lamps
• RCW 46.37.525: Motorcycles and motor-driven cycles — Tail lamps, reflectors, and stop lamps
• RCW 46.37.527: Motorcycles and motor-driven cycles — Brake requirements
• RCW 46.37.539: Motorcycles and motor-driven cycles — Additional requirements and limitations