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Home → Bureau of Motor Vehicles → Vehicles → Information About Registering Something Other Than a Passenger Vehicle → Off-Road Vehicles, Motorized Scooters, Mopeds, and Motorcycles

Off-Road Vehicles, Motorized Scooters, Mopeds, and Motorcycles

Image of Low Speed Truck Image of Gator Image of scooter

  • Cannot be registered under M.R.S.A., Title 29-A for use on public roads. However, may be registered under Title 12 through Inland Fisheries & Wildlife
  • Registration not required
  • Can be registered as a moped
  • Can be registered as a motorcycle
  • Cannot be used on a public way
  • Can be used on a public way like a motorized bicycle or tricycle
  • Can be used on a public way when registered
  • Can be used on a public way when registered

Some common types of off-road vehicles include Pocket Bikes, Mules, Gators, Terminal Tractors and ATV's. An ATV can only be operated for farm purposes using an occasional crossing permit

A Pocket Bike or similar vehicle that does not meet the definition of a motorized scooter, moped, or motorcycle is considered an off-road vehicle.

**Must meet all the following criteria:

  • 2 or 3 wheels;
  • *Each wheel (not tire) is less than 10" in diameter;
  • Motor less than 25 cc's

OR

  • Electric motor not exceeding 750 watts
     

**Must meet all the following criteria:

  • 2 or 3 wheels;
  • *Each wheel (not tire) is 10" or larger in diameter;
  • Motor does not exceed 50 cc's

OR

  • Electric motor not exceeding 1,500 watts

**Must meet all the following criteria:

  • 2 or 3 wheels;
  • *Each wheel (not tire) is 10" or larger in diameter;
  • Motor more than 50 cc's

OR

  • Electric motor 1,500 watts or more
OFF-ROAD VEHICLESMOTORIZED SCOOTERSMOPEDSMOTORCYCLES
  • Cannot meet inspection standards due to vehicle design and configuration
  • Inspection not required
  • Inspection not required
  • Inspection required
  • Operator's license not applicable since cannot be used on public way
  • Any class of operator's license, instruction permit, or endorsement required
  • Any class of operator's license is required
  • Any class of operator's license with a motorcycle endorsement is required

Note: *Wheel diameter is measured across the outer edge of the wheel rim. 
**If all criteria are not met in any category, the vehicle is considered an off-road vehicle

Definitions:
Title 29-A, Section 101, subsection 47-A		Operation of:
Title 29-A, Section 2091
Driver License Requirements:
Title 29-A, Section 1254		Safe Operation:
Title 29-A, Section 2062
Motorcycle Driver Education:
Title 29-A, Section 1352		Instruction Permits: 
Title 29-A, Section 1304
Equipment Standards:
Title 29-A, Sections 1901-1925		Inspection:
Title 29-A, Section 1751

You may contact the BMV Registration Section with questions or comments at: (207) 624-9000, Extension 52149 or by e-mail at: registrations@maine.gov