10 Year Old and Gas Powered Bike

Question

n howard asked: A ten year old in my neighborhood drives a gasoline motored bike. Is this legal? It’s very loud, and I fear backing into it since it is faster than standard bikes.

Answer

That is unlawful for many reasons.

Gas powered bikes are only permitted if they are registered as a moped and the operator has a driver’s license.

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

Driver’s licenses are not issued to 10 year olds.

http://flbikelaw.org/2017/06/age-to-operate-a-motorcycle/

Even if the bike was properly equipped with an electric helper motor and was legally a bicycle not requiring registration or a driver’s licensee, operators must be 16 years of age.

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 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.

3 Comments on “10 Year Old and Gas Powered Bike

  1. I would call your local police dept and tell them your concern about this, tell them it is illegal and he is too young to be riding one except on private property. If you say anything to the kid you might end up with more troubles than you need.

  2. A 49cc is street legal, is that true, and can that be ride on sidewalks or does it have to be ride on streets

    • 49cc gas motor onna bicycle changes it to a moped… You have to register it as such. Can only be ridden on the streets. Look up hsmv procedure rs-68

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