Power Generated by a Bicycle
Question
Joel asked: Does a bicycle have to be a direct pedal drive to be a bicycle? Or can you pedal to generate electricity to power an electric motor, accessories, and charge batteries?
Answer
As long as the bicycle meets the statutory definition of “bicycle”, the power it generates can be used for any purpose other than powering the bicycle itself except as defined.
s. 316.003 – Definitions
(4) 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 ….
can I ride my bike without the engine running , is it then considered just a bike or does it still fall under laws of a motorized bike
If it’s an electric bike then you should be good whether or not you use the motor, as long as using solely the motor doesn’t propel you faster than 20mph, and you stay off the sidewalk. The recently passed laws regarding electric mobility devices clarifies the legality of such vehicles:
https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2019/453/BillText/er/PDF
Aaron and Ricardo,
Note that the statutes specify “human power” when referring to the rights and duties of applicable drivers, not whether the vehicle has a motor.
s. 316.2065 – Bicycle Regulations
(1) Every person propelling a vehicle by human power has all of the rights and all of the duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle under this chapter ….
s. 316.1995 – Driving upon Sidewalk or Bicycle Path
(1) Except as provided in s. 316.008, s. 316.212(8), or s. 316.2128, a person may not drive any vehicle other than by human power upon a bicycle path, sidewalk, or sidewalk area ….