What licence do I need to ride a moped or scooter in Australia?

The licence required to ride a moped or scooter in Australia depends on the engine capacity of the vehicle and the state or territory in which it will be ridden. In most Australian jurisdictions, the general rule is as follows. A moped with an engine of 50cc or less may be ridden on a car driver's licence in some states (such as Victoria and Queensland), but not in others. In New South Wales, a rider's learner licence (motorcycle learner licence or 'L' plates) is generally required even for 50cc mopeds ridden on public roads. In all states and territories, a motorcycle rider's licence (either provisional or full) is required to ride scooters with engines above 50cc without learner restrictions. Most Australian states and territories have a graduated licensing system for motorcycle riders, similar to that for car drivers, involving learner (L) and provisional (P) stages, minimum periods at each stage, and log book or competency requirements. The LAMS (Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme) applies in all states and territories and lists the specific makes and models of motorcycles and scooters approved for use by learner and provisional riders. Most mopeds and scooters up to approximately 260cc are LAMS-approved. Riders should verify the current licence requirements with the relevant state transport authority before purchasing and riding a moped or scooter. The Bill of Sale records the buyer's rider's licence number to confirm that the buyer holds appropriate authorisation.

How do I transfer registration when I buy a moped or scooter in Australia?

After purchasing a moped or scooter in Australia, the buyer must transfer the vehicle's registration to their own name with the relevant state or territory road transport authority within the timeframe prescribed by law. The transfer process varies slightly between jurisdictions but generally involves the following steps. First, the seller must sign the back of the registration certificate (sometimes called the 'Certificate of Registration') to indicate the transfer. In some states, the seller must also notify the transport authority of the sale. Second, the buyer takes the signed registration certificate, the Bill of Sale, their driver's or rider's licence, proof of identity, and the purchase price details to a motor registry (or, in some states, completes the process online). Third, the buyer pays the applicable stamp duty (motor vehicle duty) calculated on the purchase price or the vehicle's market value, and the registration transfer fee. Fourth, new registration plates or stickers are issued. The timeframe within which the buyer must complete the registration transfer is typically 3 business days in New South Wales, 14 days in Victoria, and varies in other states. Failure to transfer registration within the prescribed period may result in infringement notices. In addition to the formal registration transfer, the buyer should check the vehicle on the relevant state written-off vehicles register (such as the NSW Written-Off Vehicle Register) and conduct a PPSR search before completing the purchase to check for any finance company registrations over the vehicle.

What is stamp duty on a moped or scooter purchase in Australia?

Stamp duty (also called motor vehicle duty or transfer duty in different states) is a state-based tax imposed on the transfer of motor vehicle registration in Australia. It is payable by the buyer to the relevant state road transport authority as part of the registration transfer process after purchasing a moped, scooter, or other motor vehicle. The amount of stamp duty payable depends on the purchase price of the vehicle (or, in some states, the vehicle's market value if higher than the purchase price) and the applicable duty rate in the state or territory where the vehicle will be registered. Duty rates and calculation methods vary between states. For example, in New South Wales, stamp duty on motor vehicles is calculated on a sliding scale based on the vehicle's value, with different rates applying to motorcycles/mopeds compared to passenger vehicles. In Victoria, motor vehicle duty for motorcycles is generally calculated as a percentage of the market value. In Queensland, the applicable rate depends on whether the vehicle is new or used and whether it was sold by a dealer or a private individual. The duty rates and thresholds are set by each state's revenue office and are updated periodically. Buyers should check the current applicable rates with the relevant state transport authority or revenue office before completing their purchase. The Bill of Sale records the agreed purchase price, which is the primary basis for stamp duty calculation. The Seller is responsible for ensuring the Bill of Sale accurately reflects the true purchase price.

Should I search the PPSR before buying a moped or scooter in Australia?

Yes, searching the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) at ppsr.gov.au before purchasing a moped or scooter in Australia is strongly recommended and is considered essential due diligence. A PPSR search using the vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) reveals whether any person or entity — typically a finance company — has registered a security interest over the vehicle. A registered security interest commonly arises where the vehicle was purchased using a secured loan (chattel mortgage, consumer loan, or similar finance product). If the seller has not fully repaid the loan, the finance company's security interest may still be registered on the PPSR. The consequence of buying a moped or scooter subject to an undisclosed PPSR registration is that the secured party (finance company) may have rights against the vehicle that are enforceable against the buyer, potentially resulting in the buyer losing the vehicle if the seller defaults on the loan. A PPSR search costs approximately $3.40 per search (as at 2025), is available immediately online at ppsr.gov.au, and is one of the most important checks a buyer can perform before completing a used vehicle purchase. In addition to a PPSR search, buyers should also: check the vehicle on the relevant state written-off vehicles register to confirm it has not been written off in a major accident; verify that the VIN and engine number on the vehicle match the registration certificate and any other ownership documents; check that the registration is current and not lapsed; and confirm that the seller's identity matches the registered operator on the registration certificate.

What are the rules for road-registered electric scooters (e-scooters) in Australia?

The regulation of electric scooters (e-scooters) in Australia is complex and evolving, with significant differences between states and territories in terms of what is legal on public roads and shared paths. As of 2025, the key distinction is between e-scooters that are road-registered motor vehicles and e-scooters that are treated as personal mobility devices (PMDs) or micromobility devices. Road-registered electric mopeds: Some electric scooters that meet the relevant Australian Design Rules (ADRs) and have been type-approved as motor vehicles can be registered with the relevant state transport authority and ridden on public roads under a motorcycle rider's licence. These are generally higher-powered e-scooters with features such as indicators, mirrors, and brakes that comply with road vehicle standards. The Bill of Sale for a road-registered electric moped covers this category of vehicle. Personal mobility devices (PMDs) / unregistered e-scooters: Many low-powered e-scooters (often with motors of 200W to 500W and maximum speeds of 25 km/h) are treated as personal mobility devices rather than motor vehicles in most jurisdictions. These cannot be legally ridden on public roads (only on private property or in specific PMD trial zones), do not require registration, and are not covered by compulsory third party (CTP) insurance. Riders and buyers should verify the classification of a specific e-scooter model with the relevant state transport authority before purchase to understand what riding conditions are legally permitted.

Bill of Sale — Moped / Scooter (Australia) — Australia

Create an Australian Bill of Sale for the private or commercial sale of a moped, scooter, e-scooter, or maxi-scooter. Covers VIN and engine number, registration transfer, stamp duty obligations, rider's licence acknowledgement, odometer reading, accident history disclosure, PPSA security interest and PPSR registration, ACL consumer guarantees, motor vehicle dealer statutory obligations, and GST treatment. Suitable for petrol mopeds (up to 50cc), scooters (50cc to 300cc+), maxi-scooters, and road-registered electric mopeds / e-scooters across all Australian states and territories.

What Is a Bill of Sale — Moped / Scooter (Australia)?

An Australian Moped / Scooter Bill of Sale is a written legal document that records the sale and transfer of ownership of a moped, scooter, maxi-scooter, or road-registered electric moped (e-scooter) from a Seller to a Buyer. It captures all essential details of the transaction: the identities and addresses of both parties, the Buyer's rider's licence number, a precise description of the vehicle (including its make, model, year, colour, type, engine capacity or power output, VIN, engine number, current registration number, and odometer reading at the time of sale), any accessories or extras included in the sale, the purchase price, the applicable GST treatment, the Buyer's stamp duty obligations, the condition of the vehicle, any known accident history disclosed by the Seller, and the moment at which title and risk of loss pass from the Seller to the Buyer.

Mopeds and scooters are registered motor vehicles in Australia, regulated by the road transport legislation of each state and territory. The registration transfer process requires payment of stamp duty to the relevant state revenue office and the submission of prescribed forms to the road transport authority. The timeframe within which registration must be transferred after a sale varies by state (typically within 3 to 14 days) and failure to transfer within the prescribed period may result in infringement notices.

The primary federal legislation governing security interests in mopeds and scooters is the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (Cth) (PPSA). Vehicles can be searched by VIN on the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) at ppsr.gov.au, and buyers are strongly advised to conduct a PPSR search before completing a purchase to check for undisclosed finance company registrations. The Australian Consumer Law (ACL), contained in Schedule 2 to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth), applies to commercial sales made in trade or commerce, and commercial motor vehicle dealers also have additional statutory obligations under applicable state motor vehicle dealer legislation.

This template is suitable for all types of two-wheeled motor vehicles commonly classified as mopeds or scooters, including petrol-powered mopeds (up to 50cc), mid-range scooters (51cc to 300cc), maxi-scooters (over 300cc), and road-registered electric mopeds. It covers private sales between individuals and commercial sales by motor vehicle dealers across all Australian states and territories.

When Do You Need a Bill of Sale — Moped / Scooter (Australia)?

An Australian Moped / Scooter Bill of Sale is needed whenever a moped or scooter changes hands and the parties want a written record of the transaction. A Bill of Sale is particularly important in the following situations:

Private moped and scooter sales. When an individual sells their personal moped or scooter to another private buyer through Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace, or a similar platform, a Bill of Sale provides documentary evidence of the transaction, supports the registration transfer, and records the agreed purchase price for stamp duty purposes.

Dealer sales. When a motor vehicle dealer sells a new or used moped or scooter to a retail customer, the Bill of Sale records the agreed terms and — where the seller is GST-registered — supports the issue of a tax invoice. ACL consumer guarantees and any applicable statutory warranties under state motor vehicle dealer legislation apply to commercial sales.

Sales with accident history. Where the moped or scooter has been involved in a prior accident or collision, the Bill of Sale records the Seller's disclosure of the accident history and the Buyer's acknowledgement. Failure to disclose known accident history may give rise to a claim for misrepresentation or breach of consumer guarantee under the ACL.

Sales of electric mopeds. The sale of road-registered electric mopeds has additional considerations relating to battery condition, motor classification, and compliance with applicable road vehicle standards. A Bill of Sale records these specific details.

Sales on deferred payment. Where the buyer pays in instalments or the full purchase price is not received at the time of delivery, a retention of title clause (supported by PPSR registration using the VIN) protects the seller's ownership interest until full payment is received.

Estate sales. When a moped or scooter is sold by the executor of a deceased estate, a Bill of Sale documents the executor's authority to sell and the terms of the transaction, supporting the registration transfer in the Buyer's name.

What to Include in Your Bill of Sale — Moped / Scooter (Australia)

A well-drafted Australian Moped / Scooter Bill of Sale should include the following key elements to be legally effective and protect both parties:

Full identification of both parties. The full legal names and current addresses of the Seller and Buyer must be recorded. The Buyer's rider's licence number should be recorded to confirm that the Buyer holds the required authorisation to operate the vehicle on public roads.

Precise vehicle description. The make, model, year, colour, type, engine capacity or power output, VIN, engine number, current registration number, and odometer reading at the time of sale must all be recorded. The VIN is the most critical identifier as it is used for PPSR searches and is required for registration transfer.

Odometer reading. The odometer reading at the time of sale provides an accurate record of the vehicle's usage history and is relevant to any post-sale dispute about the vehicle's condition as represented at the time of sale.

Accident and damage history disclosure. The Seller should disclose all known accidents, collisions, significant damage, and structural repairs. Failure to disclose known accident history that is material to the Buyer's decision to purchase may give rise to a misrepresentation claim.

Condition and warranty. The condition of the vehicle (new, used, as-is) should be clearly stated. Any express warranty provided by the Seller should be recorded. For commercial dealer sales, applicable ACL guarantees and statutory warranties under state motor vehicle dealer legislation must be complied with.

Purchase price, GST, and stamp duty. The price must be stated in AUD, the GST treatment clearly specified, and the Buyer's obligation to pay stamp duty on registration transfer must be acknowledged.

PPSR acknowledgement. The Bill of Sale should record the Seller's warranty that no undisclosed PPSR security interest is registered against the VIN, and the Buyer's acknowledgement of the opportunity to conduct their own PPSR search.

Registration transfer obligations. The parties' obligations to complete the formal registration transfer with the relevant state road transport authority, including the applicable timeframe and the Buyer's responsibility for stamp duty, should be clearly recorded.

Governing law. The state or territory whose laws govern the Agreement should be specified to determine the applicable road transport, stamp duty, and motor vehicle dealer legislation.

What Is a Bill of Sale — Moped / Scooter (Australia)?

When Do You Need a Bill of Sale — Moped / Scooter (Australia)?

What to Include in Your Bill of Sale — Moped / Scooter (Australia)

Frequently Asked Questions

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