Motorized Bikes

Question

Jerry asked: What is the law now? Can you ride your bike? I have a couple of gas bikes and I have 3 electric 3 wheelers. Can I ride them and be within the law?

Answer

Your gas assist bikes must be registered as a moped and a driver’s license is required. An electric assist bike may be legal and need not be registered and the operator may not need a driver’s license if it meets the statutory definition of “bicycle”. See this post.

http://flbikelaw.org/2014/07/gas-motors-on-bicycles-at-last-final-answer/

10 Comments on “Motorized Bikes

  1. Some electric bikes are more in the electric motorcycle category. There’s a fellow who rides his electric bike on the sidewalk and this thing goes 45 mph! He almost ran me over several times. Legislature need to address this and define what an electric bike is vs electric motorcycle. This situation here is very dangerous.

  2. Phil,

    The legislature has done just that:

    s. 316.003 – Definitions

    (3) 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. A person under the age of 16 may not operate or ride upon a motorized bicycle.

    (38) 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.

    (41) 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.

    (42) Motor 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.

    The person you mention is violating the law.

    s. 316.1995 – Driving upon Sidewalk or Bicycle Path.—
    (1) Except as provided in s. 316.008 or s. 316.212(8), a person may not drive any vehicle other than by human power upon a bicycle path, sidewalk, or sidewalk area, except upon a permanent or duly authorized temporary driveway.

    • He’s also riding with ear buds, not warning anyone when he passes, blowing through red lights and stop lights. When confronted he claims he’s not breaking any laws. Law enforcement will do nothing even with video from the Go Pro I have on my bike. I’m petty sure I know who this guy is and where he lives. How to proceed?

  3. I would suggest writing a letter to the police chief and enclosing video, copy to the town council or county commission. Keep at it since they are busy and have many priorities.
    You might also contact your local Bike/Ped Advisory Committee.

  4. I have a 80cc gas motor on my bicycle is it legal to drive it on the bicycle lane on the side of the road if I take all precautions cars wood I do not have a license

  5. (27) “Moped” means 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.

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