If planning to ride your scooter on the main road it is a good idea to get it registered and insured in your state. I looked for information concerning insuring a scooter when I bought my 150cc Kandi Reverse Trike (MC_D150TKA) three wheeled scooter and found there was inconsistency in opinions online. Even though I can make the trip to work without hitting the main road, I decided that the distance was extensive enough to substantiate insuring the scooter. I’m not looking to persuade one way or the other, rather help someone make a prepared decision.
Registration Requirements/ Taxes and Fees for a Scooter in TN
Tennessee does require an M Class “limited license” for riders 15 years of age for motorized bikes (mopeds) under 125cc and class M license for all other riders and mopeds.
To register your scooter, go to the County Clerk’s Office where you renew car tags (court house) and bring the following items:
· Driver’s License (they didn’t ask for the class M license at this point)
· Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO) or title from whom you purchased the scooter
· Proof of Identity and Proof of Tennessee Residency
·.S. They’ll ask for a Bill of Sale, because like me who bought my trike new from CA, I didn’t pay taxes on it. I went in expecting to pay $40 and left paying $239.51 after explaining that the $300 difference in price from my receipt and the Bill of Sale was shipping and I shouldn’t pay additional tax on shipping charges. This also included a $4.50 credit card fee since it was my second trip back and I wasn’t leaving again without the registration.
She presented me with a new Title before I left and handed it to me with the license plate and registration.
Buying Motorcycle/ Scooter Insurance in TN
To my surprise buying scooter insurance was easy and cheap. I went through Progressive because they offered the most options for motorcycle insurance along with a listing of added good driver discounts. I like my car insurance with Donegal, so I bought a separate motorcycle policy with Progressive. Even without a multi-car discount they offered discounts for Responsible Driver, Paid in Full, Anti-Lock Brakes, and Motorcycle Endorsement. With the options I selected the total cost for ONE YEAR is $94 and if the trike is destroyed in an accident they will replace it with a $250 deductible.
*FUN FACT- Part IV under Comprehensive Coverage in the Progressive TN motorcycle policy – you are covered if missiles or fallen objects hit your scooter.
I was never asked about the class M license yet, but haven’t been pulled over so hopefully I won’t have to deal with that. The registration and insurance (provided you have everything you need) should take less than two hours to obtain and I feel better knowing it only cost a $120 a year to be protected.
Read my review: Chinese Scooter Kandi Reverse Trike Review: MC_D150TKA Three Wheeled Scooter (Roadrunner 150cc)
Please check out my other articles and my do it yourself website with money saving tips for the home and garden @ www.diyforanyone.com
