At the August 1, 2017 Madison Common Council meeting, a new citywide moped ordinance was approved, banning moped parking on sidewalks and terraces—the area between the sidewalk and curb. Mopeds are treated as vehicles and may only park in designated areas. The ordinance took effect January 1, 2018. For full details on the ordinance and City of Madison moped permits, please visit the City’s Parking Utility site.
UW-Madison Moped Information
Any moped on campus must park in:
- a designated moped parking stall with a moped permit,
- a timed parking stall with payment and within posted time constraints, or
- a vehicle stall with a valid temporary permit displayed.
Parking anywhere but within an appropriate stall as listed may result in a citation and tow. Refer to the moped parking policy for full details. Moped riders—if your lot is impacted by snow, let us know and park in the nearest available “all access” lot.
You must display a valid, lot specific permit during moped lot hours of control. In specific “all access” lots on the campus periphery, any valid UW moped permit is allowed. UW Housing residence hall moped lots are enforced 7 a.m. – 11 p.m., Monday through Friday. All other moped lots are enforced 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
If you’re a visitor interested in parking your moped on campus, please see the visitor parking page. See the moped parking map for a list of designated lots and their classifications.
Purchasing a moped permit
Moped parking permits for the upcoming parking year (September 1 – August 31) are available for purchase starting the August 1 prior. Example: 2021-22 moped permits are available starting August 1, 2021.
Moped parking permits are bought online through the eBusiness purchasing portal. Please review the moped info sheet (PDF) and moped brochure (PDF) before purchasing a permit.
Moped lots not listed in the eBusiness purchasing portal do not have permit availability. Select an alternate lot choice.
You need the following information to purchase a moped permit online:
- Your moped license plate number and issuing State
- Moped Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Moped Make/Model/Year
- Mailing address*
- A valid MasterCard or Visa credit card
*Moped permits are not mailed out. Moped permits must be picked up, as described in the permit pick-up information section.
Purchasing Fees and Restrictions
See the rates page for moped permit costs.
Note: If a moped lot location is not listed in the purchasing list, it is not available.
The online permit sales are restricted based upon University Residence Halls contract. Residence hall contract holders will be restricted to select moped lots adjacent to their address of record. Non-residence hall occupants will not be able to select moped lots adjacent to residence halls. University Apartments (Eagle Heights) contract holders are not included in this restriction.
Reference Information
Additional Moped Operation Information
Laws to abide by:
- It is illegal for mopeds to operate on sidewalks and/or in bike lanes.
- Mopeds are subject to all traffic laws, just like any other motor vehicle.
- Drivers must possess a valid driver’s license to operate a moped. You must obey traffic signals and stop signs, yield to pedestrians and slow down in school zones.
- It is illegal in Wisconsin for a moped to carry a passenger. Moped operators can be ticketed by UWPD for driving with a passenger.
- The City of Madison moped ordinance (effective Jan. 1, 2018) prohibits moped parking on sidewalks and terrace areas. Details available on the City’s Parking Utility site.
Where can I drive my moped?
- On roads where the speed limit is 25 mph or less, two mopeds may operate side-by-side if both riders agree.
- On roads where the speed limit is more than 25 mph, mopeds must ride single file.
- On roads with two or more lanes in each direction, mopeds must operate in the right lane except when turning left.
Do I need to register my moped?
Yes, all mopeds must be properly registered and licensed. Check with the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles for additional information.
What are the parking fines for moped violations?
See parking violation section and rates page for details.
Think your moped has been towed from UW-Madison property?
See the towed vehicle section for information on what to do and where to go.