Special Licensing for 50cc Scooter

Gas prices in the world are on a steady climb due to various political reasons and its limited availabilities. Although car manufacturers are working hard with new ideas that range from hybrid car (electric & gasoline) to hydrogen cell powered vehicles to reduce the consumption of gasoline, the government of Ontario should look into ways to encourage the use of two-wheel vehicles such as motorcycle and scooters. In the Ministry of Transportation in Ontario, there are various levels of license to drive different types of vehicle, ranging from cars, trucks, and buses. However, there’s only one type of license to drive a two-wheel vehicle, from a 50cc engine scooter (maximum speed of 60km/h) to a 650cc plus Harley Davison motorcycle. The Government of Ontario should revise the current regulation on motorcycle licensing, so a scooterist with a 50cc scooter should only require the M2 motorcycle license to drive permanently in the city, without the need of a full motorcycle M license.

First off, there are differences in the scooter regulation among provinces in Canada, where in British Columbia and Quebec (the two largest populated provinces aside from Ontario), one does not need any motorcycle license to drive a 50cc scooter on the road. To drive a 50cc scooter, all they need is a full permanent car driver’s license. On the other hand, Ontario has a very strict rule stipulating that any two-wheel powered vehicle capable of reaching above parking speed requires the motorist to get a full M motorcycle to maintain the license permanently. However, a moped, which also has a 50cc engine capable of reaching 60km/h (same as the scooter), does not require a motorcycle license at all. The only difference between the 50cc scooter and a moped is not the size, nor the speed, but simple that the moped has a pedal. Therefore it is classified as a bicycle with an assisted motor. Where is the logic in that!

A 50cc scooter can’t possibly have the sufficient speed to go on a highway, nor is anyone foolish enough to try. Thus, Ontario’s requirement to have a highway-exit M class motorcycle license to drive a 50cc scooter is in-comprehensible and absurd. However, the regulation in Vancouver and Quebec, where one does not require any training to drive a 50cc scooter, is a bit too relaxed. As a result, car drivers get angry and upset with untrained scooterists cutting into traffic. A 50cc scooter is not a bicycle and I believe the province should have a license where one only needs to go to a motorcycle training course to get a special scooter license (highway driving is not required) to drive on the city road permanently. If one desires to drive a higher powered scooter or motorcycle – with the ability to go on a highway – only then should it be necessary to get a highway-exit M motorcycle license.

In the end, if Ontario changes its regulation on low-powered scooter, where one only needs to get a M2 motorcycle license to drive a 50cc scooter, there’ll be more people driving scooters on the road. The benefit would be quite substantial with the increased usage of scooter as a mean of transportation because it saves gas, reduces pollution, saves a lot of parking space in downtown, and saves a lot of time in traffic with fewer cars on the road.

Comments

[Richer]

Hi, i'm 33 yrs, i have been driving a car since age 18. I recently got a 125cc SCOOTER absolutely love it. I can not believe that someone with a class G license can't take a one or two day course to obtain a permanent SCOOTER license .Also i would realy like to share the SCOOTER world with my childern i believe by the age 14 with a training they would ready and able to ride responsible. I only hope Ontario will see reason and change the age for SCOOTERIST. FOR THE LOVE OR SCOOTERS LETS EDUCATE OUR YOUNG SCOOTERIST!! CHANGE IS GOOD

[joseph]

don't buy a rebel bandit scooter. EVER

[Wuju]

Hey Calvin,

To be honest, the best place to check is the ministry of transportation to verify. However, I believe any powered vehcile with the exception of motor-assist vehicle for the elderly or disable should stay off the sidewalk. Using a full size bicycle for reference, it needs to be riden on the road; this should indicate that your gas powered scooter needs to do the same. My 2 cents. :)

[Calvin Murray]

Hi i am a fourteen year old highschool student at Dryden, Ontario Highschool i am 2 km away from the highschool i got a gas powered scooter for christmas which is 33cc 20 km/h i was wondering if the law says that i would be allowed to either go on the street or side walks! Please email soon

Thanks Calvin Murray

[Wuju]

Starting November 28, 2005, moped drivers will have to hold a Class M
licence or the new restricted Class M licence to operate their moped. You can
no longer operate a moped holding any driver's licence. You need to pass a
written test and starting Spring 2006 (when weather permits), you will need to
complete both the M1 and M2 road tests and, if successful, you will receive a
driver's licence that allows you to operate a limited-speed motorcycle (motor
scooter) and moped only.