Human Powered Vehicles
Question
Loui asked: Can you drive an Adult Pedal Go-Cart in Florida’s streets or not?
Answer
I don’t know what that is but if it is entirely human powered it is allowed on the roadways. The law says “human power”, so unless it is specifically prohibited by other provisions in the statutes, such as skates for example, it is legal.
s. 316.2065 –Bicycle Regulations
(1) Every person propelling a vehicle by human power has all the rights and duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle under this chapter, except as to special regulations in this chapter
I don’t think the adult go-cart meets the definition of a bicycle (316.003(2). But 316.2065(1) doesn’t limit the rights to the road to only bicycles, but to a “vehicle propelled by human power”.
As for skate boards, it’s clear that they are NOT a bicycle. Do they qualify as a human powered vehicle. (In other words, other than 316.003(2), where are items like these prohibited?).
What exactly is the definition of a vehicle? I see definitions for ‘human powered vehicle’. ‘Motorized’ but no definition of the work vehicle.
Definition of “Bicycle”
(Section 316.003(2), F.S.)
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 a similar device. No person under the age of 16 may operate or ride upon a motorized bicycle.
The definition of “vehicle” is discussed in this post.
http://flbikelaw.org/2009/11/what-is-a-bicycle/
s. 316.003 – Definitions
(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.
Skateboards are not specifically addressed in the laws, but I believe they fall in the category of “toy vehicles, or similar device” in this subsection of the Bicycle Regulations.
s. 316.2065 – Bicycle Regulations
(12) No person upon roller skates, or riding in or by means of any coaster, toy vehicle, or similar device, may go upon any roadway except while crossing a street on a crosswalk.
See this post
http://flbikelaw.org/2010/07/in-line-skaters-in-bike-lanes/