Motorized Bikes & Mopeds
In February 2015, Springfield enacted a new ordinance changing the requirements to operate a motorized bicycle (scooter). The new ordinance requires a valid operator’s license, protective headgear and proof of financial responsibility. The ordinance also establishes requirements for when a passenger can ride.
106-514: License required to operate motorized bicycle; passengers prohibited when; protective headgear required; proof of financial responsibility.
(a) No person shall operate a motorized bicycle on any highway or street in this city unless the person has a valid license to operate a motor vehicle.
(b) A person operating a motorized bicycle shall ride only upon the permanent and regular seat attached thereto. Such operator shall not carry any other person nor shall any other person ride on a motorized bicycle anywhere within city limits unless the motorized bicycle is designed to carry a passenger. If a motorized bicycle is designed to carry a passenger, the operator shall not carry more than one passenger.
(c) Every person operating or riding on any motorized bicycle upon the streets of the city shall wear protective headgear at all times the motorized bicycle is in motion. The protective headgear shall meet the standards and specifications established by the state director of revenue.
(d) No person shall operate any motorized bicycle upon the streets of the city without proof of financial responsibility for the motorized bicycle that is the same as the proof required by RSMo 303.010 et seq for motor vehicles. The operator of a motorized bicycle shall exhibit proof of financial responsibility upon the demand of any police officer who lawfully stops or contacts such operator while the officer is engaged in the performance of his duties. For purposes of this section, an insurance identification card, a liability insurance policy, a liability insurance binder, or a receipt which contains insurance policy information as set forth in RSMo 303.024.2 shall be satisfactory proof of financial responsibility, provided such card, policy, binder, or receipt demonstrates coverage of the motorized bicycle.
Motorized bicycle: "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 horsepower, and is capable of propelling the device at a maximum speed of not more than thirty (30) miles per hour on level ground."
To summarize, operators of motorized bicycles (scooters) must have a valid driver’s license to operate the vehicle. A passenger can only ride when the motorized bicycle is designed and equipped for a passenger (designated seat and some type of footrests). Both the driver and passenger must wear DOT approved helmets, and the driver must provide proof of financial responsibility upon the demand of a law enforcement officer who lawfully stops such operator.