When most people think of a motorcycle, they picture a two-wheeled bike with a clutch and gears. But in Montana, the legal definition of a motorcycle is much broader—and that surprises a lot of new riders.
I once worked with a woman who wanted to buy a scooter to commute to work during the spring and summer, and maybe make the occasional trip to the store.
She didn’t want a motorcycle—just a simple scooter. What she didn’t realize was that Montana law treats scooters the same as motorcycles.
Montana’s Definition of a Motorcycle
In Montana, a motorcycle is defined as any motor vehicle with no more than three wheels in contact with the road and a saddle or platform for the rider to sit or stand on.
That means:
- Scooters
- Trikes
- Traditional motorcycles
These are all classified as motorcycles under state law.
For new riders or anyone considering a scooter instead of a motorcycle, this definition is important. It determines what license endorsement you need and what training is required before you can ride legally.
Why My Friend Needed a Motorcycle Endorsement for a Scooter
Because Montana classifies scooters as motorcycles, my friend was required to take the Motorcycle Rider Safety Basic Course and earn a motorcycle endorsement—even though her scooter doesn’t require shifting gears. She simply hops on and goes.
Still, to comply with Montana regulations, she had to complete the same process as someone riding a full-sized motorcycle.
The upside? Once she earned her endorsement, she wasn’t limited to just a scooter.
Read next: Your Complete Guide to the Montana Motorcycle Safety Foundation
What a Motorcycle Endorsement Allows You to Do
A motorcycle endorsement is added to your regular driver’s license and requires passing both a written knowledge test and a skills test.
With a Montana motorcycle endorsement, you can legally ride any motorcycle that meets the state’s definition
You’re allowed to ride on public roads and highways throughout Montana, giving you far more flexibility than many people realize when they first sign up for the course.
Thinking About Getting Your Motorcycle Endorsement?
If you’re considering getting your motorcycle endorsement this year, keep an eye on the Montana Motorcycle Rider Safety (MMRS) website. Registration for classes typically opens in the spring:
Whether you plan to ride a scooter, trike, or motorcycle, knowing how Montana defines a motorcycle—and what’s required to ride legally—can save you time, money, and frustration. Once endorsed, you’ll be ready to enjoy the open road and the freedom that comes with riding.
