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A motor scooter is a type of non-pedaled vehicle that meets the following standards:
1. Has two wheels, of which one is 10 inches or more in diameter
2. Has a seat for the operator
3. Has a step-through chassis
4. Is equipped with an automatic transmission.
5. Has a motor with a rating of 2.7 brake horsepower or less, and if the motor is an internal combustion engine,with a capacity of 50 cubic centimeters piston displacement or less.
Generally, motor scooters can achieve a speed of up to 40 MPH, but this varies by the manufacturer and model that you have. However, a motor scooter is not allowed to exceed the speed of 30 MPH on public roadways.
To operate a moped in Maryland, riders must have a valid drivers license from which ever state that they live in, or a valid Maryland moped operator's permit issued by the Maryland MVA.
- Moped operators are not required to wear a helmet.
- Mopeds may not be operated at speed greater than 30mph
- Mopeds cannot be operated on highways that have a speed limit greater than 50mph.
- Where there is a bike lane paved to a smooth surface or a shoulder paved to a smooth surface, a person operating a bicycle or a motor scooter shall use the bike lane or shoulder and may not ride on the roadway, except for common traffic procedures, which include:
1. overtaking and passing another bicycle, motor scooter, pedestrian, or other vehicle within the bike lane or shoulder if the overtaking and passing cannot be done safely within the bike lane or shoulder
2. preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into an alley, private road, or driveway
3. When reasonably necessary to leave the bike lane or shoulder to avoid debris or other hazardous condition
4. When reasonably necessary to leave the bike lane or shoulder because the bike lane or shoulder is overlaid with a right turn lane, merge lane, or other marking that breaks the continuity of the bike lane or shoulder.
- Gas and electric motorized toy scooters cannot be operated on sidewalks
- A person may not operate a bicycle or a motor scooter on any highway or roadway while the person is wearing any headset covering both ears
All "motor vehicles" are required to be registered in Maryland, but vehicles classified as either motor scooters or mopeds are exempt from this law. So all mopeds and motor scooters do not need to be registered with tags in Maryland.
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Comments should be taken as Opinions not as Statements of Fact 
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