Gas Bike on the Sidewalk

Question

Keith asked: Can a 49cc gas motorized bicycle be driven on side walks if can’t be driven on roads if 49cc and be ride at 5-10 mpH with my grocery from the store on sidewalks, tired of pedaling, so I need something like a gas motorized bicycles.

Answer

No! A gas-powered bike cannot be driven on the roadway unless registered as a moped and the operator has a driver’s license. With few exceptions, motorized vehicles may not be operated on sidewalks.

s. 316.1995Driving Upon Sidewalk or Bicycle Path

(1) …. 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.

14 Comments on “Gas Bike on the Sidewalk

  1. A Segway-type scooter (“electronic personal assistive mobility device”) can be ridden on the sidewalk (s. 316.2068); operator must yield to pedestrians. Of course, one of those would be more expensive than a gas motor kit for a bicycle, but some self-balancing scooters in the lower end of the $1000-2000 price range are said to perform decently.

    • Very true, but if you travel at the speed that people usually walk I haven’t see them enforce the law. Now if a rider is doing 20mph and weaving in and out between walkers they will probably say something to the bike rider. Best thing to do is ride in the street but it only takes one or two to ruin it for everyone.

    • Gas power bicycles are not allowed on the sidewalk. In Florida where I live they are not allowed on the street either unless you can get a license for them, which you can’t. 49cc is street legal for a moped which requires a license.I see people riding gas powered bicycles on the streets but sooner or later they will get stopped by the police.

  2. I m really tired of all the regulations, what do u do if u need to get to a store, no car, no public transport, . No rules for dump trucks that spew filth every day into the air but thry need to restrict our freedom?

    • Amy, if you need to get to the store you ride a bike, walk, or have someone take you. I have used Uber a couple of times. But the thing that needs to be done is if we don’t like the laws fight to get them changed.

  3. Ride any way F.T.P when you see the police hit the kill switch and start pedaling they can’t prove when you’re riding gas powered or when you’re pedaling

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