There are many things people consider a motorcycle, but what is legally a bike and what isn't sometimes varies by country and even by state. The general definition of a 'powered two-wheeled motor vehicle' covers a lot of different items, some of which aren't legally considered a motorcycle. For example, scooters and mopeds that feature an engine rated at below 49cc are usually listed in a separate category from the larger and more powerful motorcycles. In some areas, three-wheeled powered vehicles, often referred to as trikes, are categorized as motorcycles.
In the United States and Canada, the term 'motorcycle' is pretty open. Three-wheeled vehicles are included, and in some states, even mopeds are considered motorcycles. The laws concerning these smaller vehicles vary from state to state, however. In most states, bikers must pass a written test and a driving exam to receive their motorcycle license, although again, the regulations vary from state to state. In some states, bikers can take a rider education course that, once passed, is accepted in place of the test.
In other countries, such as the UK, bikers must take one of these rider education courses and pass a written exam before they can take their practical driving test. There are also age restrictions that the U.S. doesn't have. For example, a 16 year old is limited to a motorcycle with an engine capacity of no more than 50cc. Only those over 21 can ride any size motorcycle with any engine capacity. Likewise, in New Zealand, young bikers are restricted to engines of less than 250cc. A learner's license is available to those 15 and older in New Zealand, a year younger than in most countries.
If you've never ridden a bike before and want to, look into your local rules and regulations before you purchase one.
