Do you need a motorcycle license for a Zero motorcycle?

This is a great question that regularly was asked when I rolled out a Zero for a customer to sit on: Do I need a license for this?

I can see why people would ask since Zero motorcycles are electric. But as with anything that you need a license plate for, it’s up to the DMV. Now I just looked up my state’s approved MC manufacturers and sure enough, Zero Motorcycles is on there. What that means is that I would be able to register and get a license plate for it. What that also means is that I need a license to ride it.

Zero’s, and other electric motorcycles such as the LiveWire, are specifically designed for the street. In my state, and most of the states I’ve lived in, if the motorcycle is designed for street use then you need a license to ride it.

I see where the confusion comes in with there not being CC’s and traditionally you didn’t need a license to ride those little 50cc scooters or electric bicycles. Well unlike 50cc scooters, the smallest street-style Zero puts off 46 horsepower and 78 ft-lb of torque. To put that into perspective, a Yamaha R3 puts off about 42 horsepower and 21.8 ft-lbs of torque. These things are leagues ahead of electric bicycles and classic 50cc Honda Super Cubs.

Even if Zero’s don’t require a license, you should get one anyway to cover yourself. Riding illegally isn’t cool.

That being said, yes you need a license to ride a Zero motorcycle. If you don’t have a license yet but are considering buying a Zero, go through a motorcycle safety course to cover your bases and become more aware of how to handle different situations safely.