Modern Vespa

I thought you did, but there's somebody selling one on craigslist in the Bay Area that claims you don't:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/421604266.html

-Dan

You do NOT need an M1 license to operate an MP3 in California, AT THIS TIME; however a new law could be inacted at any time that would change the licensing requirement. That being said, it would be a GREAT idea for you to take the MSF safety course before you bought and operated the MP3, because it does behave the same as a motorcycle; and requires similar skills to operating a motorcycle/scooter.

Interesting! I didn't realize that. So you just need a Class A automobile licensce? It must be different rules in Seattle -- I test-drove an MP3 at Amerivespa and they checked to be sure I had a motorcycle endorsement before letting me drive it.

I'm suprised that Piaggio isn't emphasizing that more -- seems like it would be a good selling point. (I already do have a motorcycle licensce, and I agree with what you said about advising MP3 owners to take the MSF course).

Thanks for the info!

-Dan

Actually, in WA state is is considered a TRIKE and you need a separate trike endorsement which you can get without having a MC endorsement. You can get the Trike endorsement by testing out at the DMV which would be ridiculously easy considering the fact that the test is designed for Harley trike conversions and motorcycles with a sidecar. Alternatively, you can take a weekend MSF course and get your Trike endorsement. I was told that the Trike classification has been appealed and some representatives from the DMV went down to Seattle Vespa to inspect the bikes and agreed that it was more like a motorcycle than a trike - but I don't believe the classification has been changed yet. However, it seems the Trike endorsement requirement is not being enforced and everybody seems satisfied with a MC endorsement.

Now, you're talking about a different issue. Piaggio requires its dealers to have all riders that test ride the MP3 possess a motorcycle endorsed driver's license. As I understand it, it is strictly for insurance reasons. My local dealer in Walnut Creek requires an M1 endorcement if you want to test ride an MP3; however the law does not require an M1 to ride the MP3 in California.

Since the MP3 has "Type: Motorcycle" stamped right on the body, I am guessing that a motorcycle endorsement is necessary.

piaggio will probably refer you to your state laws. If you contact the DMV in your state the should give you the ruling for your state.

Thanks for the fast reponse - I am interested in all the State laws regarding this actually.... not as a customer, but as media reporting on the MP3 and as a RiderCoach. If someone has info from their state specifically, please forward that to me or let me know your experience with difficulty getting the info...
Michelle

I just received some more info on the license requirements. Here's part of it...

"The license requirements vary from state to state (i.e. here in Georgia there are 2 license levels, one for 0 to 500cc motorcycles/scooters, another for 500cc plus motorcycles/scooters). Some states like New York have even more tiers - there the requirements aren't by displacement but by speed (i.e. there's a license for scooters that reach speeds of 30 to 40 mph, another for anything above, etc.). Some state require no special moto license for 50cc scooters, but a regular motorcycle endorsement for any scooter above 50cc. It's really really complex! Just like with motorcycles, anyone considering getting into the riding game needs to check with their local DMV on state regulations. The MP3, as a 400cc or 500cc maxi scooter,will definitely require the appropriate motorcycle endorsement.

Since it's for publication I would think that the best source(s) for this would be each state's DMV. Primary source research and all that... Here's mine: http://ncdot.gov/dmv/

To sum up for you though, in NC anything 50cc or under requires no special endorsement or even a driver's license at all but the rider must be 16+ for public roads. Anything over that that steers with handlebars and doesn't have a roof has to be licensed, registered, and insured as a motorcycle.

Thanks very much!

Like your handle, by the way...

From a previous thread,
https://modernvespa.com/forum/topic25430
the MSF state this:
Every state requires motorcycle operators to have a special motorcycle license or endorsement. Since the MP3 falls under the motorcycle definition, every state requires operators of this 3-wheeled motorcycle to have a motorcycle license/endorsement, with the exception of California, which exempts 3-wheeled motorcycles from the motorcycle operator license requirement. [Until 2007, Delaware also excluded 3-wheeled motorcycles from such requirement, but in 2007 it enacted a law, effective 6/14/07, requiring operators of 3-wheeled vehicles, when tandem wheels are less than 3' apart, to have a motorcycle endorsement.

http://www.msf-usa.org/emailer/piaggio/MSFpositiononPiaggioMP3-Jan2008.pdf

Actually, in WA state is is considered a TRIKE and you need a separate trike endorsement which you can get without having a MC endorsement. You can get the Trike endorsement by testing out at the DMV which would be ridiculously easy considering the fact that the test is designed for Harley trike conversions and motorcycles with a sidecar.

Actually, the current situation is that law enforcement wants to see a trike license since it has 3 wheels, but DOL wants to treat it like a motorcycle since it handles like one. The solution is that if you take the motorcycle riding test on an MP3 or the MSF course on an MP3 you get both the trike and motorcycle endorsement to keep everyone happy.