LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — E-motorcycle riders in the Las Vegas Valley face a registration process that sometimes prevents them from legally operating their vehicles on public roads, even when they attempt to comply with regulations.
A Clark County ordinance bans e-motorcycles from riding in county parks. Las Vegas Metro Police say that unless the vehicles are properly registered, they cannot be driven on streets either.
“If it turns out it’s one of the motorcycles and it’s not registered, it’s not insured, we can tow that vehicle,” said Robert Wicks of LVMPD.
DMV officials say three things are needed to ride an e-motorcycle on Las Vegas Valley roadways. First, the vehicles need to be made street legal by adding equipment like turn signals and brake lights. Second, the driver needs to have a Class M driver’s license and insurance. Third, they need a VIN inspection and proper registration through the DMV.
The final requirement proves more complicated than expected, according to one local bike shop owner.
“A few months ago, I had a friend try to go and was unsuccessful at getting the bike registered,” said Joseph Cantalicio, owner and operator of WheelZen Rides.
DMV Compliance Division Chief J.D. Decker said the problem lies with vehicle identification numbers, or VINs. He said in order to register an e-motorcycle, this number is needed, but not all vehicles have them.
Some manufacturers don’t put VINs on their e-motorcycles in the first place, Decker explained.
“They can’t get it registered without a VIN. But for the vehicle to be on the road, it needs one,” Decker said.
Buyers can submit a form on the DMV’s website for help with VIN-related issues.
“People can file a complaint with the DMV and we’ve worked with some of the manufacturers to make sure they get licensed and are able to assign VINs,” Decker said.
E-bikes and e-scooters, for the most part, do not require registration, but mopeds and e-motorcycles do require registration.
Decker acknowledges the regulations are confusing. For more information about Nevada’s rules of the road, click here.
Copyright 2025 KVVU. All rights reserved.
