How is a scooter different from a moped?
In New York State:
The Vehicle and Traffic Law defines a limited use motorcycle as “a low-speed vehicle with two or three wheels.” Terms frequently used for limited use motorcycles are “mopeds” and “motor scooters.”
The requirements to operate a moped are like those for motorcycles. You must have a driver license and you must register a moped to drive it on streets and highways. The exceptions to these requirements are listed in the table below. You can never operate a moped on a sidewalk.
The DMV certifies a moped as a Class A, Class B or Class C limited use motorcycle according to top speed. The manufacturer requests the certification through the DMV Technical Services Bureau. Only a DMV-certified model of limited-use motorcycle can get a registration in NYS. The phone number for the Technical Services Bureau is (518) 474-5282.
This is somewhat different from the common image of a moped 
as being essentially a motorized bicycle, with pedals, which allows the engine to assist the rider in propelling the vehicle (or vice versa). In NYS a vehicle does not need pedals to be considered a moped. It’s all based on the top speed, which in turn dictates which class of drivers license is needed to operate the vehicle.
