Laws on the Road: What’s the Smallest Street-Legal Motorcycle?
August 7, 2022 | Sagi Shaked | Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycles provide a fun way to commute and get around town. Florida, like every other state, has state-specific laws regarding motorcycles. Not all motorcycles are allowed on the road, and riders must follow certain laws to legally operate a motorcycle.
While motorcycles are exciting, riders are also accident-prone. If you experience a motorcycle accident in Miami, allow a motorcycle accident lawyer to assist you with handling your case.
What Is a Motorcycle?
According to Florida law, a motorcycle is a motor vehicle with a seat or saddle designed to travel on no more than three wheels.
Florida Laws Regarding Motorcycles
There are various laws to consider if you’re interested in riding a motorcycle in Florida.
In Florida, you must have a valid motorcycle license. Two or three-wheeled motorcycles with 50cc engines or greater require special licensure.
While motorcycle insurance in Florida isn’t legally required like car insurance, it’s best to ride with insurance, as motorcycles are dangerous and accidents happen frequently.
Additionally, there are several motorcycle laws on the following subjects:
- Motorcycles must have headlights
- Handlebars cannot be higher than the rider’s shoulders when seated
- Motorcycles must have footrests for passengers
- Riders and passengers must wear protective eye gear or face shields
- Motorcycles must have at least one rear-view mirror
- Motorcycles must have working turn signals
Like cars, motorcycle owners must register their motorcycles with the Department of Motor Vehicles before legally operating on the road.
Motorcycles vs. Scooters
While some believe motorcycles and scooters are almost identical, they are dissimilar in many ways.
Firstly, motorcycles have bigger engines, ranging from 150cc to over 2,000cc. On the other hand, scooters have much smaller engines, ranging in size from 50cc to 250cc.
Motorcycles can also usually go much faster than scooters, with some motorcycles having the capacity to exceed 100 mph. Scooter speeds depend on the size of the engine, with 50cc engines hitting about 40 mph and 250cc scooters having the capacity to go up to 75 mph.
Motorcycles are safe for street and highway use, while scooters are often not allowed on highways, as they cannot go fast enough and pose dangers to the rider.
Florida does not have a specific definition for motor scooters; therefore, they fall under the legal definition of a motorcycle. Because scooters are treated similarly to motorcycles, riders must follow the same requirements, having a valid driver’s license to operate the scooter.
Smallest Motorcycles Allowed on Florida Roads
Some of the smallest motorcycles allowed on Florida roads include the following:
BMW G 310 R
The BMW G 310 R has a 313cc motor and a top speed of 90 miles per hour. This model is the first BMW bike smaller than 500ccs.
Kawasaki Z125 Pro
This compact bike is low to the ground and a great option for beginners. It features a 125cc engine.
Yamaha YZF R3
This Yamaha bike is equipped with a 321cc engine, with the ability to reach a top speed of 110 mph.
Honda Grom
The Honda Grom is one of the most lightweight street bikes. It has a 125cc engine and hits a top speed of 59 mph.
Honda CB300R
The CB300R is small but powerful, with a 286cc engine that tops out at 95 mph.
A Miami Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help After a Collision
Motorcycles of any size are dangerous, and accidents are common. Motorcycle accident claims can be challenging to handle, but you don’t have to do it alone. A motorcycle accident attorney can handle your case if you experience an accident while riding your motorcycle in Miami, FL.
Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Law Firm in Miami, FL
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Miami, FL and need legal help, contact our Miami motorcycle accident lawyers at Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers
20900 NE 30th Ave Suite 715
Aventura, FL 33180
(305) 937-0191