Motorcycle, moped and other two-wheeled motorized vehicles

See Wisconsin Motorcycle Safety Program for courses, personal protective equipment and more.

Definition (WI statute)

• Has an engine or battery
• Has a seat or saddle requiring the rider to sit astride
• Not more than three wheels
• Steering controlled by handlebars
• Acceleration and braking is controlled with handlebar and foot controls
• Capable of speeds in excess of 30 miles per hour

To operate

• A valid Class M motorcycle license or valid motorcycle instruction permit is required to operate a motorcycle.
• Completing only a 3-Wheel Basic Rider Course or passing a road test using a three-wheel motorcycle restricts the Class M driver license to “three-wheel cycle only”
• You may need to pass a motorcycle rider course​ to obtain a driver license with a class M

Title and plate

• Motorcycle owners are required to apply for Wisconsin title. A motorcycle must have a license plate to be driven in Wisconsin.
• See Homemade motorcycle

Traffic laws

• Operator must follow all traffic laws. (See Wisconsin Motorcyclists’ Handbook)

Definition (WI Statute)

• Has three wheels
• Driver and occupant sit in seats, not straddle a seat
• Has a steering wheel

To operate

• A valid Class D driver license is required to operate an autocycle.

Title and plate

• Autocycle owners are required to apply for Wisconsin title. An autocycle must have a license plate to be driven in Wisconsin.

Traffic laws

• Operator must follow all traffic laws. (See Motorist Handbook)
• Local ordinances may have other restrictions

See Wisconsin Motorcycle Safety Program for information on personal protective equipment and more.

Definition (WI Statute)

• The engine is an integral part
• Has an engine less than 50 cubic centimeters (CCs) with an automatic transmission, or 130 CCs if it is a bicycle type with fully operative push pedals. (See Electric bicycle)
• Mopeds are designed for only one person. It is illegal to carry a passenger on a moped.

To operate

• Anyone with a valid Class D Driver license can drive a moped

Title and plate

• Moped owners are required to apply for Wisconsin title. A moped must have plates to be driven in Wisconsin.

Traffic laws

• Mopeds are subject to all traffic laws just like any other motor vehicle. You must obey traffic signals and stop signs, yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and slow down in school zones.
• On roads where the speed limit is 25 MPH or less, two mopeds may operate side-by-side if both riders agree. On roads where the speed limit is more than 25 MPH, mopeds must ride single file. On roads with two or more lanes in each direction, mopeds must operate in the right lane except when turning left.
• Mopeds are not allowed on freeways or roads where mopeds are specifically prohibited (including private property without owner’s permission), sidewalks, along fence lines or off the traveled surface of the roadway.
• Mopeds are entitled to a full traffic lane but may not impede traffic.
• Mopeds may park in spaces designated for other motor vehicles, in bicycle racks or on sidewalks, unless otherwise prohibited.
• See Wisconsin Motorists’ Handbook for more specific rules for the road.

Definition (WI statute and statute)

• Electric bicycles are bicycles that are equipped with fully operative pedals and an electric motor of 750 watts or less
• Electric bicycles can provide motor assist up to 20 mph if operated by a throttle or up to 28 mph if assisting a pedaling rider (if over, see Moped)
• Stops providing power when bicycle reaches 28 mph

To operate

• A driver license is not required for operation of an electric bicycle
• No person under the age of 16 years may operate an electric bicycle (Class 3) with throttle power that reaches speeds up to 28 mph
• Like all bicycles, electric bicycles are legal to operate on public roads but must follow restrictions for Interstates and some US Highways
• Local ordinances may have other requirements
• See Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for information on operating on state trails

Title and plate

• Wisconsin DMV does not title or register electric bikes
• Local ordinances may have other requirements

Traffic laws

• May operate on public paths, trails, bicycle lanes
• Check local laws for street and DNR for state trail information
• Follow all bicycle safety and bicycle regulations for public roads

Definition

• An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is smaller (net weight of 900 pounds or less and a width of 50 inches or less), has four wheels and the driver straddles the seat
• A utility-terrain vehicle (UTV) is designed to be used primarily off highway
• Driver and occupants sit in seats
• Is larger than an ATV (3,000 pounds or less and up to 65 inches wide)
• Has a steering wheel; tail light; brake light; two headlights; seat belts; and roll bar or similar device.
• The Wisconsin DNR publishes additional resources on ATV safety and registration.

To operate

• ATV and UTV operators born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, who are at least 12 years old for ATV (and at least 16 years old for UTV) must complete an ATV and UTV safety certification course in order to operate on public ATV/UTV trails and areas in Wisconsin (See Wisconsin DNR).
• Wisconsin DMV does not oversee licensing of ATV and UTV
• Local ordinances may have other restrictions

Title and plates

• Wisconsin DNR registers ATV and UTVs, not Wisconsin DMV

Traffic laws

• State law allows all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) to operate on a state highway in certain cases and must follow ATV route signs
• ATVs and UTVs are not allowed on interstate highways
• Local ordinances may have other restrictions

Definition

• Electric standup scooter (see moped for ride on scooter)
• Has handle bar

To operate

• State law does not require you to have a driver license to ride an electric scooter
• Local ordinances may have other requirements

Title and plate

• Scooters and other motorized transportation cannot be titled or registered with the Wisconsin DMV
• Local ordinances may have other requirements

Traffic laws

• When local ordinances allow, a person may operate an electric scooter or an electric personal assistive mobility device on any sidewalk but must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and give an audible signal when passing.
• Local ordinances may have other restrictions

Other motorized transportation

• Mini bikes, motor bikes, mini motorcycle, pocket rockets are small but can be powerful. They are not intended for operating on roadways and may present safety hazards to the operator and others. DMV does not regulate licensing or registration. Local ordinances may have other restrictions.
• Most other motorized vehicles (e.g. mobility chairs, Segways, electric skateboards, longboards or boardless, one wheels) are not intended for operating on roadways and may present safety hazards to the operator and others.
• In most cases, operators are not legally allowed to ride on the state highways and the Interstate. Local ordinances may have other restrictions.