What's the difference?
Here's how mopeds and motorcycles differ across a range of vehicle and driver requirements.
| Mopeds | Motorcycles | |
|---|---|---|
| Registration and licensing |
Mopeds are defined as having a power output of 2kW or under, and a maximum design speed of 50km/h or under. | Motorcycles are two- or three-wheeled (with side car) and have a power output of over 2kW or a maximum design speed of over 50km/h. |
| Vehicle standards | Under vehicle standards, mopeds must meet requirements of vehicle classes LA or LB. | Under vehicle standards, motorcycles must meet the requirements of vehicle classes LC, LD or LE. |
| Entry certification |
Aren't required to be entry-certified when first put on the road in New Zealand. | Must be entry-certified when first put on the road in New Zealand. |
| Warrant of fitness(WoF) inspection |
Aren't required to be regularly inspected for a WoF. | Must be regularly inspected for a WoF. |
| Driver licence | Riders can hold any New Zealand driver licence (eg car driver licence) to ride a moped. | Riders must have a motorcycle driver licence to ride a motorcycle. |
Similarities
- Both must be designed and constructed to meet vehicle standards for lighting, brakes and tyres.
- They must both be registered and licensed before you can use them on the road.
- You must securely fix and clearly display the registration plate at the rear of your vehicle.
- You must wear an approved safety helmet.
- You cannot ride motorcycles or mopeds on the footpath.
- You can ride both along bus lanes and transit lanes - unless signs posted on the lane prohibit it.
Ensure your safety
- It's illegal to register a motorcycle as a moped.
- It's unsafe to drive a motorcycle without the proper driver training and driver licence.
- It's illegal and unsafe to ride either type of vehicle without an approved helmet to protect you. We also recommend you wear other safety clothing, such as protective gloves and footwear.
See more tips on motorcycle safety. See also Ride Forever (external link), a one-stop shop for motorcyclists that includes advice on road awareness, or Scooter Survival (external link) for similar information for moped riders.
Learn more about mopeds and the requirements that apply.
