What is the difference between a Scooter and a Motorcycle?
Motorcycles can be defined as any two-wheeled motorised vehicles. A scooter is either a fully automatic or manual gear controlled two-wheel vehicle with a step floor, however, there are some variations. In designs, engine capacities vary from 50cc to 650cc.
The reason that scooters are commonly not treated as a motorcycle is simply because they are generally smaller and slower than motorcycles. As scooters have evolved, some designs have moved to a sportier look that are closer in appearance to a motorcycle whilst other designs have maintained their origins and keep their manual clutch and gear arrangement.
Are scooters easy to ride?
Scooters are almost as easy to ride as a pushbike. Scooters are made to be convenient, functional and simple for any person to ride. They are automatic, light weight, have a lower centre of gravity as well as under seat storage space. The brakes are in the same place. They are fully automatic operated by twisting the right hand grip.
Do you need a licence to ride a scooter?
You can ride a 50cc Scooter on a Car license in Queensland up to 50km per hour. These scooters are known as LA class scooters. They are restricted to an engine size of 50cc or less and have a top speed that is restricted to 50km/h with a 10% variance.
However, it is strongly recommended that you attend an education training program such as Q-Ride to ensure you know how to ride a scooter safely and responsibly in all weather and road conditions. Anything above a 50cc scooter does require an automatic motorcycle licence.
Please be aware of your surroundings, potential hazards and other vehicles on the road. Ride safely and responsibly!
What is Q-Ride?
Q-RIDE is a competency-based training and assessment program that aims to ensure participants reach a demonstrated level of skill and proficiency as a motorbike rider.
The program focuses on improving the quality of pre-licence rider training, with the aim of boosting education and awareness, and enhancing road safety.
If you are thinking about learning to ride a motorbike, or are already undertaking training, you can now choose between Q-RIDE training and assessment or the Queensland Transport Q-SAFE practical test as methods of obtaining your motorbike licence. Q-RIDE training and assessment providers is available from Queensland Transport. (Source: http://www.transport.qld.gov.au)
Can I ride without a helmet?
Riding without a helmet in Australia is illegal.
Can I ride a scooter in the bike lanes?
Bicycle lanes help define road space, provide both cyclists and motorists with a section of the carriageway free of obstruction, decrease the stress levels of cyclists riding in traffic, encourage cyclists to ride in the correct roadway position and indicate to motorists that cyclists have a right to be on the road.
With proper regularity management and further investigation, it is proposed that Noosa Council encourage scooters and motorcyclists of up to 50km/hour to access designated bicycle lanes on roads where such sharing can be achieved safely (many electric and smaller scooters travel at bicycle speeds or less).*
Recommended areas include:
Can I ride my scooter on the footpath?
No, it is illegal to ride a scooter on the footpath.
Can I ride my scooter in the State Forest or National Park?
No, it is illegal to ride a scooter in the State Forest or National Park.
Can I hire a Scooter on the Sunshine Coast?
Yes. For the most up to date links for scooter sales and hire on the Coast visit the Scooter section of the Links page.
Frequently Asked Questions 
