Can Scooter Motorcycles Go on Highways?

[DeBraxton]

It depends on the motorcycle's speed. Motorcycles with a designed maximum speed below 60 km/h are not allowed on highways; those exceeding 60 km/h are not prohibited by laws and regulations. Here are the details: Traffic Law: Article 67: Pedestrians, non-motor vehicles, tractors, wheeled special machinery vehicles, articulated buses, full trailers, and other motor vehicles with a designed maximum speed below 70 km/h are not permitted to enter highways. Conditions for Motorcycles on Highways: Motorcycles must travel in the far-right lane, with a speed not less than 60 km/h and not exceeding 80 km/h. Riders must wear helmets, have complete licenses and insurance, and are not allowed to carry passengers.

[SaraMarie]

I usually commute on a scooter and have thought about highway riding. The law allows it, but with several strict conditions: the engine displacement must be above 125cc—scooters below this will be stopped; wearing a helmet is mandatory, and traffic police enforce this strictly; plus, carrying passengers is absolutely prohibited—even if the passenger seat is empty, you must ride solo. Last time I tried the highway, I could only use the right lane, keeping speed between 60 to 80 km/h. When trucks overtake, the wind resistance is intense, making the lightweight body feel dangerously unstable. I recommend checking brake pads and tire tread before setting off. Wet roads in rain require extra caution, and tunnels’ poor visibility increases accident risks. For long trips, planning an alternative national route might be wiser.

[Tina]

I've been riding scooters on highways frequently these years, so I know the rules inside out. When registering at the DMV, you must confirm the engine displacement meets requirements - some 50cc scooters with modified engines can't pass. There are weigh stations and document checks at entrance ramps, don't try to rush through. On the highway, you can't ride side by side, maintain at least 50 meters distance in case the vehicle ahead drops something. The passing lane is reserved for cars, we can only ride slowly on the side. Once I encountered crosswinds, the scooter wobbled like dancing, had to slow down to 40 km/h to stabilize. Also need to watch fuel levels, service stations are far apart, running out of gas midway would be troublesome.

[TravisRose]

This is a frequent topic in our motorcycle enthusiast group. To ride on highways, scooters must have legitimate license plates—knock-offs are a no-go. Always carry your driver's license and vehicle registration, as traffic police may conduct random checks. In actual riding, a full-face helmet is much safer than a half-shell, reducing wind noise and keeping your ears comfortable. On highways, I've noticed strong air currents when large vehicles pass by, so it's crucial to grip the handlebars firmly in advance. Avoid riding at night if possible; truck headlights can be blinding and obscure the road. At toll booths, use the far-right manual lane, as some ETC systems don't recognize motorcycles.

[HarperRose]

From a safety perspective, high-speed scooter riding carries significant risks. Narrow tires are prone to skidding, and white line areas should be avoided after rain. It's recommended to install anti-fog lenses to avoid sudden vision impairment during unexpected rain. When speeds exceed 80 km/h, the scooter tends to feel unstable; I added a reinforced bracket to improve stability. Always turn on headlights in tunnels, as car rearview mirrors often fail to spot us. Wearing a reflective vest is highly advisable—it can be life-saving in foggy conditions. Avoid parking next to trucks in rest areas due to their large blind spots when starting. Take breaks every two hours of continuous riding, as arm numbness can impair control.