Can You Own a Motorcycle on Disability? (Answered)

can you own a motorcycle on disability

The ability to independently own and ride a motorcycle can be a thrilling experience for many people.

However, a lot of people might be of the opinion that persons living with disabilities cannot own a motorcycle due to the nature of their condition.

Unlike other automobiles like cars and trucks, a motorcycle is quite risky to operate, especially for the disabled.

Oftentimes, people with disabilities will have to fulfill certain conditions before they can be allowed to own or operate some automobiles.

But is a motorcycle one of them?

Is it even possible for a disabled to own a motorcycle?

These are some of the questions that will be answered in this article as you read on.

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Can You Own a Motorcycle on Disability?

The answer to this question is not farfetched.

A person with a disability can own and also ride a motorcycle.

However, this can only be possible if they can fulfill certain criteria and if the nature of their disability allows them to fulfill those criteria.

I’ll explain this in detail as you read on.

Related: What Happens to Your Disability Check If You Go to Jail? (Answered)

Conditions for Owning a Motorcycle on Disability

can i ride a motorcycle while on ssdi
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Knowing the law of the state

Before you can think of owning a motorcycle, you need to know if the state you reside in allows people with disabilities to own a motorcycle.

Do thorough research to get the correct information about riding a motorcycle with a disability.

You must also know the rules and regulations that guide disabled people who own motorcycles in your locality or state.

This will prevent you from being on the wrong side of the law when you eventually begin to operate your motorcycle.

Have a trainer or instructor

If this is your first time owning a motorcycle, you must ensure that you get a professional trainer or instructor to guide you on how to operate it as a disabled person.

It is even better if you find an experienced instructor with a disability who has been able to successfully ride a motorcycle for years.

They will guide you on the various things to do and prevent you from making mistakes when you decide to acquire your license.

In addition, having an instructor to train you will help to hasten up the approval of your license when you’ve acquired your motorcycle.

Purchase the right motorcycle

There are different brands and types of motorcycles on the market.

There are also customizable ones designed to meet your needs as a person with a disability.

You must select a motorcycle that will give you the best comfort and convenience.

Choose one that’s lightweight and has a low gear ratio. This will enable you to easily maneuver or control the bike during usage.

There are also some wheelchair-accessible motorcycles that enable you to effortlessly attach your wheelchair to them if you’re wheelchair-bound.

This will help to give you more convenience and won’t require you to leave your wheelchair before riding the bike.

Related: How to Choose Disabled Clothing for Wheelchair Users

Get your license

After you must have practiced with your trainer and have learned how to use your motorcycle, the next thing you must do is to get your rider license.

A rider license will officially make you a motorcycle owner and give you the liberty to ride it whenever you please without having problems with the police or other law enforcement agents.

can you own a motorcycle on disability
Image credit: livingwithamplitude.com

Most states issue a rider license based on certain criteria; however, the nature of your disability and the state you reside in will ultimately determine how the license will be issued to you.

Requirements for Getting a Rider License on Disability

The following are the major requirements you need to enable you to get a rider license.

Completion of your rider license test

This is similar to getting a driver’s license.

However, in this case, you’ll be getting a rider license after the body in charge of issuing the license must have tested your ability to ride a motorcycle.

In some cases, you’ll be made to take either a Motorcycle Operator Skills Test (MOST) or a pre-learner or pre-provisional rider training course.

These tests are meant to help you develop your riding skills and help you maintain safety while on the road.

But before you undergo the test, you must meet the following conditions:

  • You must have your vehicle and make it available for the test or training process
  • You must be at least 16 years of age (this is not general because the age requirement in each state differs)
Medical assessment report

This is a medical document issued by your doctor or healthcare practitioner to validate your ability or fitness to ride a motorcycle safely, despite your disability.

A medical assessment will also be needed whenever you want to renew your license.

Related: Most Recommended Online Stores to Buy Clothes for Disabled Child

Disabilities that Make Owning a Motorcycle Dangerous

There is no gainsaying that people with disabilities can own a motorcycle.

Nevertheless, there are some disabilities that might make owning a motorcycle quite risky.

It is, however, still possible for people who suffer from these disabilities to safely own a motorcycle if they can afford to hire the service of a rider.

This way, they won’t miss the fun of riding on a motorcycle. And their safety will be guaranteed.

The disabilities include the following.

Cognitive disability

Cerebral palsy, autism, and other cognitive limitations are the types of disabilities that limit a person’s ability to operate a motorcycle safely, especially during emergencies.

Mental health disorder

Anxiety disorder, clinical depression, and bipolar disorder can equally affect a person’s ability to own and operate a motorcycle.

Blindness

People who suffer from blindness are more likely to encounter difficulties or accidents when operating a motorcycle.

And they might not be granted a license to ride in most cases.

Amputation and paralysis

An amputee with artificial limbs might be able to operate a motorcycle. However, this might not guarantee their safety on the road.

The same is applicable to a person who is suffering from paralysis and is unable to move certain parts of their body like their limbs.

Can You Own a Motorcycle on Disability? (Answered)

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My love for the disabled community started when I helped a blind man cross the road at around age 6. Fast forward to decades later, I became the caregiver of my grandma, who lost her ability to speak in her 90s. This blog helps me to produce helpful content that aligns with my passion.

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