There seems to be a discussion as to the legality of such issues…

There have been a few cases in where someone with a gas motor on their bicycle where given tickets for unregistered, unlicensed, etc. and the case have been dismissed…

When I asked (the DMV) what their “thoughts on the matter” was, I got NO responses.. So I made some more phone calls, and was told to call a supervisor, as to which I’ve left several voice mails over a 2 month period, with no response yet..
(This was a couple of months ago)…

I will TRY again, and let you know ANY updates I can get… In the meantime, I would suggest putting a (gas) motor on a bicycle, until the entire truth/facts are given to me by the DMV..

According to what the DMV allows (Or really dis-allows) is the registration of a gas powered bicycle as anything, as they say, in order to register it, it would need the required “safety equipment” to be registered.. They even go so far as to say, it is NOT required, NOR can they be legally given a registration..
Now to whatever THAT means, remains to be answered.

Please see this post:

http://flbikelaw.org/tag/motorized-bicycles/

http://flbikelaw.org/2011/06/motorized-bicycles-5/

I am in conversation with a few people at the FL HSMV concerning this in particular…

Currently, the procedural document at the HSMV states that you can NOT (legally) register a bicycle with a gas motor attached, even as a moped.

I am waiting on a clear answer from them, in reference to bicycles with 49cc or smaller gas engines attached.. So far, one person has stated as long as it is not capable of greater than 20mph, it MAY fall under the same definition as a motorized bicycle that’s referenced in 316.003(2) and would not require a DL..

As I get more information, I (and Geo) will post the specifics on motorized (gas) bicycles.

A 49cc motor on a bicycle turns the bicycle into either a moped, motorcycle, or motor vehicle. Any of the three require a license to operate, as the bicycle is no longer a bicycle once the motor is installed. Here are the definitions in the FL statute to support this answer:

316.003 Definitions.

(2) BICYCLE.—Every vehicle propelled solely by human power, and every motorized bicycle propelled by a combination of human power and an electric helper motor capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed of not more than 20 miles per hour on level ground upon which any person may ride, having two tandem wheels, and including any device generally recognized as a bicycle though equipped with two front or two rear wheels. The term does not include such a vehicle with a seat height of no more than 25 inches from the ground when the seat is adjusted to its highest position or a scooter or similar device. No person under the age of 16 may operate or ride upon a motorized bicycle.

(21) MOTOR VEHICLE.—Any self-propelled vehicle not operated upon rails or guideway, but not including any bicycle, motorized scooter, electric personal assistive mobility device, or moped.

(22) MOTORCYCLE.—Any motor vehicle having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, but excluding a tractor or a moped.

(77) MOPED.—Any vehicle with pedals to permit propulsion by human power, having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels; with a motor rated not in excess of 2 brake horsepower and not capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed greater than 30 miles per hour on level ground; and with a power-drive system that functions directly or automatically without clutching or shifting gears by the operator after the drive system is engaged. If an internal combustion engine is used, the displacement may not exceed 50 cubic centimeters.

A lot of people are curious about the motorized scooter and electric personal assistive mobility device so I will give those definitions, as well.

(82) MOTORIZED SCOOTER.—Any vehicle not having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider, designed to travel on not more than three wheels, and not capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed greater than 30 miles per hour on level ground. [a GoPed)

(83) ELECTRIC PERSONAL ASSISTIVE MOBILITY DEVICE.—Any self-balancing, two-nontandem-wheeled device, designed to transport only one person, with an electric propulsion system with average power of 750 watts (1 horsepower), the maximum speed of which, on a paved level surface when powered solely by such a propulsion system while being ridden by an operator who weighs 170 pounds, is less than 20 miles per hour. Electric personal assistive mobility devices are not vehicles as defined in this section. [a Segway]