When you buy or sell a scooter, sometimes called a moped, you can use a scooter bill of sale to formalize the purchase and protect yourself from legal issues down the line.
What Is a Scooter Bill of Sale?
A scooter bill of sale can be used for both scooters and mopeds.
It is a binding legal agreement that provides necessary information about the buyer, seller, and scooter or moped, including the following:
- The buyer’s name and address
- The seller’s name and address
- A description of the scooter, including color, make, model, year, and vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Details about the scooter’s condition, including whether it is being sold as-is
- Amount of the scooter purchase
- Financing information and payment terms
You may benefit from additional documentation, such as a promissory note, if the purchaser requires financing or a payment plan.
Keep copies of all documents for your records if questions about the sale arise.
When Do You Need It?
When buying or selling a scooter or moped, creating a bill of sale at the time of purchase is to your advantage. The bill of sale is a legally binding contract for the sale of a scooter in exchange for money.
Before anything exchanges hands, ensure that both parties agree to the terms in the bill of sale, then sign and date it.
If you are the seller, ensure you receive the correct payment before signing.
If you are the buyer, inspect the vehicle to ensure that it is as advertised. Once satisfied, sign the scooter bill of sale to finalize the transfer of ownership.
If required, a bill of sale acts as proof of ownership and contains the necessary information to title and register the scooter. Note that some states treat scooters the same as motorcycles, while others treat scooters as motorized bicycles.
Moped vs. Scooter
The terms moped and scooter are often used interchangeably. Both are small, two-wheeled motor vehicles, but the engine size, maximum speed, and design differ slightly.
Mopeds tend to be smaller and more compact than scooters. Their engines are less powerful, typically limiting the moped’s maximum speed to 30 miles per hour or less. For this reason, mopeds generally are not allowed on highways.
On the other hand, scooters have more powerful engines that can propel them up to 70 miles per hour. Some are allowed on highways, depending on the state.
How to Sell a Scooter (Moped)
The process of selling a scooter or moped can vary greatly depending on your state and whether title and registration are required.
That said, you can still follow these general steps to streamline the process:
Step 1 – Clean and Repair Your Scooter or Moped
A clean scooter or moped in good repair will likely fetch a better price.
Step 2 – List the Scooter or Moped for Sale
Post your scooter in the local paper, Craigslist site, or Facebook Marketplace. You can also contact local dealerships and specialized websites like Cycle Trader.
Step 3 – Meet With the Potential Buyer
When you receive a favorable response to your listing, meet the potential buyer in a public area like a local dealership. If your sale involves financing, you may choose to meet at the financial institution handling the loan.
Step 4 – Fill Out and Sign the Scooter Bill of Sale
Complete the scooter bill of sale. Do not leave blank spaces or areas to be filled in later. Once both parties sign the scooter bill of sale, the ownership transfer is complete.
Some states require additional steps to transfer ownership, title, and registration. Be sure to check your state laws before you begin the sale process.
Scooter (Moped) Bill of Sale Sample
Below is an example of a scooter (moped) bill of sale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register a scooter or moped with a bill of sale?
Depending on the state, you may be required to register your scooter or moped with a signed over title or bill of sale. The exact requirements depend on the state where you reside. Check with your local DMV to confirm the scooter or moped registration requirements.
Do you need a license to operate a scooter or moped?
Because of their slow speeds, mopeds do not usually require a motorcycle license, but some states may require a driver’s license or endorsement. Since scooters can travel at high speeds, several states require drivers to have a motorcycle license, registration, and insurance. Check with your local DMV to understand your area’s requirements.
Where can you sell a scooter?
You can sell your scooter through local advertising pages like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. You can also check with scooter dealerships in your area. For broader reach, consider listing your scooter on nationwide sites like Shopify or BuyMyScooter.com.