How do I Find Street Legal Motorized Scooters?
Buying a scooter may be a bit like a treasure hunt, but it can also result in some legal problems. A smart buyer purchases a scooter knowing as much of its history as possible before handing over any cash. A few tricks of the trade below can save a lot of heartache later on.
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Things You'll Need
- Phone
- Local department of motor vehicles phone number
- Computer (optional)
- Internet connection (optional)
- Classifieds
- Means of transportation and a trailer
- A shop rag
Instructions
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Buying a Legal Scooter
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Obtain a copy of your state's department of motor vehicles regulations on allowable two-wheeled vehicles on roads and highways in your state. Download or print the information from the agency's website if one is available. Look for the specific rules on the minimum engine size a scooter must have to be legally ridden on your local streets and highways.
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2
Obtain the phone number or website of your local state department of motor vehicles and keep it handy. Review newspaper classifieds, motorcycle magazines, or Internet posting sites for scooters for sale in your area that meet minimum desired engine specifications. Look at accompanying photos and ad details to determine if the scooter has registration and a license plate.
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3
Call the seller and ask if the scooter is titled and currently registered. Ask the seller to provide the license plate number and the vehicle identification number on the scooter body if possible. Call the local department of motor vehicles office with the information and ask for a free search of the database. Avoid the scooter if the personnel tell you no data appears or, worse, that fines are owed for late registration.
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Visit the seller if the scooter checks out with the motor vehicles department. Confirm that the license plate and vehicle identification numbers provided by phone match up with those on the actual scooter for sale. Confirm that a license plate with current vehicle tags is attached. Ask to see the vehicle registration and title for verification. Examine the documents from the seller to make sure they are current and match the vehicle numbers provided.
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5
Obtain the actual title document and current registration papers when purchasing the scooter. Also obtain a bill of sale using your state's standard vehicle sale document if one is available. Load the scooter onto your trailer and take it home. Then visit your local department of motor vehicles and with the documentation finalize the transfer of the title and registration over to your name and address. Pay the necessary fees for the new registration.
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Tips & Warnings
Checking with your local department of motor vehicles can confirm that the scooter seller truly is the rightful owner of the vehicle, and it can also give you an idea of registration costs in advance, before you've committed to purchase the scooter in question.
Watch out for scooter sellers who say a scooter is titled but hasn't been registered lately. This usually means the scooter has anywhere from $100 to $400 in late penalties associated with unpaid registration fees, which will be due until the scooter falls off the books (usually after seven years). A new buyer will be stuck with the fees trying to re-register the bought scooter in his name.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Vespa Scooter Seat image by Billy Tait from Fotolia.com
