Anyone know the laws on scooters, mopeds, etc. in MO?

[xmas74]

I've been thinking about getting one for around town driving. I live about five miles from work and the charge would last to work. (I'm interested in electric. Good for around town and I won't be tempted to take it on the highway, as I would w/ some of the newer and faster gas Vespas on the market. Turns out in MO those are not allowed on the highway). I've been looking at a 2 seater-will hold up to 330 lbs, which would be great for myself and my daughter. I'm not too afraid to stick her on-it goes only about 20 or so mph and she's old enough to hold on.

Just a few questions: can I use just my regular license or will I have to upgrade to a class M since it is motorized? Do I have to license the vehicle and if so, where do you get insurance coverage for that? (Called around and a few agents were clueless about it, suggesting motorcycle insurance which doesn't quite sound right.) And, can I put my daughter on the back of a two-seater, since it only gets speeds of 20 mph? Helmuts would be mandatory (from me, I don't care what the law says) and I've read where you can get straps to strap the children in. I also saw one online where they had modified it to raise the back so that the second rider could lean against it, making a harness easy to attach and use.

Any responses would be more than welcome. I've been looking up the info online and the average electric scooter/moped costs about 1-2 cents an hour to recharge, w/ the average recharge taking four hours. I've spoken to my employers, offering to pay them on a monthly to recharge the vehicle at work. They said that one dollar would more than cover it if I really wanted to pay anything at all. Right now I just need info about how the laws work in MO and the DOR site isn't very specific.

Thanks in advance!

[evlbstrd]

1. Did you see this?

What are the licensing requirements for motor scooters or mopeds (under 50cc)?

Licensing for a scooter or moped depends on whether the vehicle meets the definition of a motorized bicycle. The Missouri statute definition of a motorized bicycle is as follows:

"Any two-wheeled or three-wheeled device having an automatic transmission and a motor with a cylinder capacity of not more than fifty (50) cubic centimeters, which produces less than three (3) gross brake horsepower, and is capable of propelling the device at a maximum speed of not more than thirty (30) miles per hour on level ground."

A motorized bicycle does not have to be registered with the Missouri Department of Revenue. However, you must have a valid driver license to operate a motorized bicycle (though no motorcycle endorsement is required).

Missouri statute does not require a helmet to be worn when operating a motorized bicycle. Please contact your local law enforcement agencies for any county/municipal codes that deal with helmets and motorized bicycles.

Keep in mind that no motorized bicycle may be operated on any public thoroughfare located within this state that has been designated as part of the federal interstate highway system.

[xmas74]

2. But can they nail me on having Callie w/ me on it?

That's something else I'm wondering about.

[evlbstrd]

3. It doesn't say anything about passengers.

I'm sure you'll have a helmet for her, though.

[xmas74]

4. Yes.

She'll have a helmet.

I just never know what to expect. The officers around here sometimes like to go out of their way to find things, just because they can.

[evlbstrd]

5. Will she fit in a backpack?

[proud2BlibKansan]

6. I'd have to hotline that, evl