COC for motorcycles and scooters: what applies to L-category vehicles
Updated 2026-08-03 · 5 min read
Motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, tricycles and quadricycles are L-category vehicles, type-approved under EU Regulation 168/2013 rather than the 2018/858 rules that cover cars. They receive a Certificate of Conformity in the same way, and you need it to register an imported two-wheeler in another EU country.
Do motorcycles and scooters have a COC?
Yes. Any L-category vehicle granted EU whole-vehicle type approval is issued a Certificate of Conformity by its manufacturer, tied to the frame's Vehicle Identification Number. A Vespa, a Piaggio scooter and a large touring motorcycle are all covered by the same principle.
The document is shorter than a car's COC because there are fewer parameters to declare, but it serves the same purpose: it proves the individual vehicle matches an approved type, so a registration office does not need to inspect it against national requirements.
What does an L-category COC list?
The data reflect what matters for two- and three-wheelers, and registration offices read these fields to complete the national technical record.
- VIN and type-approval number issued under Regulation (EU) 168/2013
- Vehicle subcategory, for example L1e for a moped or L3e for a motorcycle
- Engine displacement, maximum net power and design speed
- Emissions class (Euro 4 or Euro 5 for newer machines) and noise level
- Masses, wheelbase and tyre specifications
How do you order a COC for a motorcycle?
The route is the same as for a car: the certificate must come from the manufacturer or an intermediary authorised to request it, identified by the VIN stamped on the frame. Dealers can sometimes order one, but for older or imported machines that channel is often closed.
Delivery times vary by manufacturer. Volume brands such as Piaggio generally respond faster than small-series or premium makers, and machines from before harmonised L-category approval may have no COC at all, in which case an individual approval is the only route.
Coceu requests the original document from the manufacturer's official channel by VIN and delivers it digitally, with the paper original by courier where the registration office requires it.
Key takeaways
- Motorcycles and scooters are L-category vehicles, approved under Regulation (EU) 168/2013.
- They receive a Certificate of Conformity tied to the frame VIN, just like cars.
- The COC records subcategory, displacement, power, emissions class and masses.
- Very old machines predating harmonised approval may have no COC and need individual approval.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a COC to register an imported scooter?
In most EU countries yes, unless the registration office accepts an individual approval instead. The COC is faster and cheaper in nearly every case.
Is a moped COC different from a motorcycle COC?
The format is the same; only the subcategory and technical values differ, for example L1e for a 50 cc moped against L3e for a full motorcycle.
Can I get a COC for a classic motorcycle?
Only if the model received EU type approval. Machines built before the harmonised system generally have none, and registration goes through an individual approval.
How long does a Piaggio or Vespa COC take?
Volume brands typically respond within a few business days once the request is filed with the correct VIN; smaller manufacturers can take considerably longer.