Do scooters require license plates and a driver's license?
2 Answers
Yes. Scooters are a type of motorcycle and fall under the category of motor vehicles. They require registration at the vehicle management office and obtaining a driver's license from a driving school. Car ABC licenses cannot be used as motorcycle licenses. If caught by traffic police without a license plate or driver's license, it will be treated as driving without a license. Motor vehicles can be categorized as follows: Large vehicles: Those with a total mass exceeding 4,500 kg, or a vehicle length of 6 meters or more, or seating capacity of 20 or more people. Small vehicles: Those with a total mass of 4,500 kg or less, a vehicle length under 6 meters, or seating capacity of fewer than 20 people. Special-purpose vehicles: Vehicles equipped with specialized devices for specific uses, including street sweepers, instrument vehicles, postal vehicles, and truck cranes. Special vehicles: Those designed for specific emergency purposes, such as fire trucks, ambulances, engineering rescue vehicles, police vehicles, and accident investigation vehicles.
When I was in college, I used a scooter as my means of transportation to get around campus. From what I understand, whether a scooter needs to be registered and require a driver's license depends on the situation. If it's an electric scooter or a small motorcycle with a speed exceeding 20 kilometers per hour, it generally requires a regular vehicle license plate and an E-class motorcycle license. However, if it's just a regular, non-motorized scooter for riding around campus or nearby, these documents aren't necessary. I recommend checking the local traffic bureau's website, as regulations vary by city. Big cities like Shanghai have stricter rules, while smaller towns might be more lenient. If you don't comply, not only could you be fined if stopped by the police, but there are also significant safety risks. A friend of mine got injured in a fall because of this and still has leg pain. Safety first—don't cut corners; get it done properly at an official location.
