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Scooters and mopeds are becoming increasingly popular across Australia because they are cost-effective, easy to park and simple to maintain. But many new riders ask the same question. Do you need a licence to ride a scooter? The answer depends on the scooter’s engine size, whether it has an electric motor or internal combustion engine, and the licensing rules in your state or territory.
Scooters, Mopeds and Licence Classes
Before looking at licence requirements, it helps to understand the difference between scooters and mopeds.
A moped usually has an engine capacity of 50cc or less, or an electric motor with limited power. These are suitable for short trips and lower speed roads.
A larger motor scooter with a bigger engine size can reach speeds suited to high-speed roads. In that case, it is classified the same way as a motorcycle.
In both cases, scooter riders share the road with other drivers and road users. That means they need the correct licence and the necessary skills.
Do You Need a Car Licence or a Motorcycle Licence?
Car Licence
In some Australian states, a car licence, also called a C-class licence, is enough to legally ride mopeds with an engine capacity of up to 50cc. For example, Western Australia and Queensland allow riders with a driver’s licence to ride a scooter under this limit without a separate motorcycle licence.
Motorcycle Licence
For scooters with larger engines or scooters that can travel faster than 50 kilometres per hour a motorcycle licence is required. This may involve holding a motorcycle learner’s permit, completing a pre-learner course, passing a practical riding test and progressing to a full licence.
Licence Requirements by State
Licence rules vary across Australia. Here are some key examples.
New South Wales
To legally ride scooters in New South Wales, you must hold a motorbike licence or a motorcycle learner’s permit. A car licence on its own is not enough. Mopeds with an engine size up to 50cc also require at least a motorcycle licence. Riders must follow all road rules, including speed limits and restrictions on carrying a pillion passenger, until a full licence is obtained.
South Australia
In South Australia, you can ride a moped with a C-class car licence. To ride larger scooters a motorcycle licence is required.
Western Australia
In Western Australia, holders of a car licence can ride a moped with an engine capacity of 50cc or with an electric motor. Anything bigger requires a motorcycle licence.
Northern Territory and ACT
In the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory, all scooter riders require at least a motorcycle learner's licence regardless of engine capacity. Riders need to complete a pre-learner course and practical test before moving to a full motorcycle licence.
Electric Scooters and E Scooters
Small e-scooters used on footpaths are not the same as motor scooters. In most states, you do not need a scooter licence for low-powered devices with top speeds of around 25 kilometres per hour. Larger electric motorcycles that can reach the same speeds as petrol bikes require a motorcycle licence.
Why Licences Matter
Having the correct licence is more than a legal requirement. It ensures that scooter riders develop the necessary skills through training, such as a pre-learner course. This improves safety for riders, pillion passengers and other road users. Without the right licence, a rider can face fines and also risk being uninsured if an accident occurs.
Final Word
So do you need a licence to ride a scooter? Yes. You always need either a car licence or a motorcycle licence, depending on your state’s rules and the engine size of the scooter. Whether you are in New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia or any other part of Australia, knowing the licence requirements will keep you safe and legal on the road.
If you are thinking about moving from scooters to motorcycles, Procycles can help. With a wide range of Kawasaki, KTM, BMW and Yamaha motorcycles along with expert advice on licensing requirements and riding gear, Procycles makes it easier to take the next step with confidence.