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Am I able to ride a scooter on a learner's licence?

Nixon

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 14 December 2009

I replied to your question a couple of weeks ago re the requirement to have a licence to ride a Moped.

After receiving feed back from some who'd read your question, and my reply, I investigated further and have to say my original reply was incorrect.

To ride a Moped, which is identified as being a bike with a engine capacity of less than 50cc, a maximum power output of 2kw and a max speed of 50kph, you do need a NZ drivers licence of some description.

It can be as basic as a learner licence i.e. demonstrate a knowledge of the road rules by way of a scratchy test as well as passing an eyesight test. If you take this option you must display an 'L' plate and you're governed by the learners licence rules as to the hours you can ride the bike.

Sorry to mislead you but there are many opinions out there on this topic, causing us to refer to the highest level within Land Transport New Zealand to seek clarification of the rules.

We've also been advised there are bikes available on the NZ market which look like Mopeds and are in fact fitted with identical engines (less than 50cc) but with different gear ratios. The change in gear ratios allows the bikes to travel faster than the allowable speed of 50kph and they should be registered as a Motorcycle.

To ride these bikes you need to pass a practical test as per the rules for bikes between 50cc and 250cc.

One way to identify a Moped from a Motorcycle is by the registration label - Mopeds have a 'N' and Motorcycles have a 'G' printed on the label.

It is illegal to register a Motorcycle as a Moped.

Hope it all makes sense this time.