Four-Wheeled Bicycle

Question

Maria asked: My husband just brought home a two-seater four wheel bicycle and we would like to know if we can ride it on the streets of Miami, Florida. I have searched for local ordinances and have found nothing on this type of bike. After looking at the internet, I find that they are called “surrey” and a manufacturer that I contacted told me you can drive them just like a regular bike.  Could you shed some light on this topic?

Answer

The following is the statutory definition of a bicycle.

s. 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 statute that applies covers all human-powered vehicles, even if they are not legally defined as bicycles.

(75) Vehicle – Every device, in, upon, or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, excepting devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.

The Bicycle Regulations state that the operator of a human powered vehicle has the same rights and duties as other drivers. The most basic right is to use the roadways, which are intended for vehicles.

s. 316.2065 – Bicycle Regulations

(1) Every person propelling a vehicle by human power has all of the rights and all of the duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle under this chapter, except as to special regulations in this chapter, and except as to provisions of this chapter which by their nature can have no application.

7 Comments on “Four-Wheeled Bicycle

  1. The key point in all of that, is HUMAN POWERED.
    If you add any kind of motor on it, then it is no longer classified as a bicycle.

  2. “not more than 20mph” So what is a bike when you’re doing more than 20 as is the norm for a huge percentage of roadies and TT bikes?

    Eddie

  3. It seems like any law that is made someone will always try to adapt it to their advantage. Some people even think that skateboards are legal for the street. There comes a time when some new invention becomes a nuisance to the already automobile and motor cycle riders on the road. The politicians should look at reality instead of giving the people what they want when it is wrong. The is another one of those samples. Bike are pushing to envelope

    • Bicycles have been around for over 400 years and in North America over 180 years, cars have been around for way less than bicycles, all roads were built for bicycles which is why bicycles are concidered a car, I’m confused when people complain about bicycles concidering they were here first and they will always be here.

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