Do you need a motorcycle license to drive a scooter in North Carolina?

It depends. Most motorized scooters are legally defined as motorcycles per North Carolina law. The only exception involves scooters with engines that do not exceed 50cc, which are legally considered mopeds.

If you drive a moped, you don’t need a motorcycle endorsement or even a driver’s license. You must, however, be at least 16 years old, register your moped with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and carry liability insurance.

If you drive a motorized scooter with an engine that’s greater than 50cc, it’s considered a motorcycle by law. This means you must register and insure it as a motorcycle and have a motorcycle license to operate the scooter on public roads.