Gas Powered Bike

Question

Harley asked:  I have built a gas powered chopper bicycle. It has a 49 cc engine on it, and has reflectors back, it also has no pedals. Can I drive it on the street?

Answer

Not unless you can get it registered and have a title, which is not likely.  See the tag cloud posts about motorized bikes and mopeds.  There is a discussion about gas-powered bikes.

13 Comments on “Gas Powered Bike

  1. Please click on the “motorized bicycles” tag in the tag cloud. The subject is fully covered in those posts.

  2. The answer ultimately is..

    There is no such thing as a (legal) gas powered, “motorized bicycle”.
    You either have..
    1.) a normal pedal powered bicycle
    2.) an electric “motorized bicycle”
    (neither of which require a drivers license)
    or
    3.) a gas powered (homemade) moped
    Which requires registration AND a drivers license.

  3. Your vehicle could be damaged and you could be injured or killed. You might receive a citation and be sued if damage resulted. You likely would arrive late to your destination.

  4. I know that I could be injured or killed, but would I get a citation even if the other person was in the wrong (them causing accident)? Or just for the fact that my vehicle is not legal; would I be the one immediately at fault?

  5. You could certainly be cited for the illegal vehicle. Whether you would at fault for the crash can only be determined by all the information. You should ask an attorney.

  6. No. It is not permitted in the roadway or sidewalk. It does not meet the definition of motorized bicycle and is considered a toy vehicle. Check with the manufacturer or the police.

    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 a 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.

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