Nebraska Moped Laws

A valid drivers(operator's) license is required to operate a moped.

Moped Defintion

A moped is defined as a bicycle with fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power, an automatic transmission and a motor not exceeding 50 cc that produces no more than two brake horsepower at a maximum design speed of no more than 30 miles per hour.

If at any time the pedals are removed the vehicle becomes an off-road vehicle restricted to operation on private property unless it meets the minimum requirements of a motorcycle.If it meets the minimum motorcycle requirements then must be titled and registered for legal operation on public roads.

A Minibike is defined as a two-wheeled motor vehicle that has a total wheel and tire diameter of less than 14” or an engine-rated capacity of less than 45cc, or any other two-wheeled motor vehicle designed by the manufacturer for off-road use.

A Certificate of Title is required for all Minibike’s sold new after January 1, 2004. Minibikes purchased prior to January 1, 2004, may be issued a Certificate of Title at the request of the owner with the presentation of the appropriate documentation to their designated County Official

Certificates of Title issued for Minibikes are intended as proof of ownership only and will contain the statement, “Not to Be Registered For Road Use.” Minibikes are off-road vehicles. They are not registered and are restricted to off-road use on private property.

An electric personal assistive device, or EPAD, is a self-balancing, two-nontandem-wheeled device, designed to transport only one person and containing an electric propulsion system. This includes, but is not limited to, manual wheelchairs, motorized wheelchairs and other aids that enhance the mobility of an individual. These types of electric personal assistive devices are exempt from titling and registration. Their use is restricted to off-road use on private property and they cannot be operated on the public roadways.

Mopeds are exempt from titling and registration. They can be operated on public roads as long as the operator complies with the laws regarding mopeds and the pedals are not removed.

Moped Insurance

Since mopeds are not classified as motor vehicles, and they do not not need to be titled and registered, they do not need to have liability insurance coverage.

Any moped that does not have pedals must be classified as a motorcycle if it meets the motorcycle requirements below.

• Total wheel and tire diameter of 14 inches or more.
• Engine rated capacity of 45 cc or more.
• Must have a permanent and regular seat attached.
• If carrying a passenger, must be equipped with proper seating and footrests for the passenger.
• Handle bars no more than 15 inches above the mounting point.
• All operators and passengers must wear helmets.
• Must be equipped with a brake adequate to control the movement of and to stop and to hold such motorcycle.
• Must be equipped with a horn in good working order capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance not less than two hundred feet.
• Must be equipped with a muffler in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise or annoying smoke.
• Must be equipped with lighted front and rear lamps; the taillight must be red.
• Must have a rear license plate
• Not required to have a signal light.
• Operator must have a Class M driver’s license or a Class O driver’s license with a Class M endorsement
• Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO) CANNOT indicate off-road use only. The manufacturer cannot have designed the vehicle as off-road, regardless of whether the off-road disclaimer appears on the vehicle’s MSO.
• Must display both the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Certification decals.

A person shall not operate or be a passenger on a motorcycle or moped on any highway in this state unless such person is wearing a protective helmet of the type and design manufactured for use by operators of such vehicles and unless such helmet is secured properly on his or her head with a chin strap while the vehicle is in motion. Failure to wear a helmet will result in a $50 fine plus $25 court cost.