Four Wheeled Vehicle

Question

Scarlette asked:  I have an idea to build a 4 wheeled bike with a frame similar to a car mainly running on human power and a small electric motor. I have some questions concerning what would be allowed and what would still be classified as a bike.

Answer

If your vehicle will have four wheels, it cannot be a bicycle or an ebike.

  • 316.003 Definitions

(4) Bicycle – Every vehicle propelled solely by human power, 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 a scooter or similar device. 

(22) Electric Bicycle – A bicycle or tricycle equipped with fully operable pedals, a seat or saddle for the use of the rider, and an electric motor of less than 750 watts which meets the requirements of one of the following three classifications: 

(a) “Class 1 electric bicycle” means an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the electric bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour. 

(b) “Class 2 electric bicycle” means an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the electric bicycle and that ceases to provide assistance when the electric bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour. 

(c) “Class 3 electric bicycle” means an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the electric bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour.

7 Comments on “Four Wheeled Vehicle

  1. Class 1, and Class 3 are the same with the exception of 20 mph and 28 mph. Sounds like one or the other for road use.

    • As long as you don’t ride like a maniac and keep it under 20mph, esp. on bike paths, having a Class 3 ebike won’t cause you any problems.

  2. Your answer:
    If your vehicle will have four wheels, it cannot be a bicycle or an ebike.

    But then you cite:
    316.003 Definitions
    (4) Bicycle – Every vehicle propelled solely by human power, having two tandem wheels, and including any device generally recognized as a bicycle though equipped with two front or two rear wheels. <—- Says two front and rear wheels can still be a bicycle!!! 2+2=4 so you can have a 4 wheeled bike it seems.

    • Bicycle= 2 wheels>>Tricycle= 3 wheels>>Quad cycle = 4 wheels, and tandem 2 wheels side by side, OR one in front of / behind of the other. One frame with 4 wheels is not a Bi-cycle, One Frame with 3 wheels is not a Bi-cycle. You can manipulate it anyway you want, but the minute you go into a bike lane, and that thing your on is wider than the lane ; NOT A BICYCLE anymore. You’ll not want to ride hanging over in traffic either, and higher you are the safer it gets. I ride on the city roads 100 to 150 miles a week for the last 2 years. I see electric pedaling contraptions every once in a while, in 1>2>3 weeks I don’t see them anymore. I suspect that the machine can’t over come the environment it’s in. I’ve found in the city with a pedal-assist 750watt mid-drive motor, you’ll get the best experience with a full (air) suspension frame using MICHELIN Protek Cross Max 700×38 Black Tires. They fit on standard 29″ mountain bike rims, and you will not get a flat. Fun to be had by all, that is the Point.

  3. Matthew,

    Please note that it says two front OR two rear wheels, not two front AND two rear wheels.

    The difference is not important though since the operative statute does not refer to bicycles but human powered vehicles.

    “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 …. “

    • OK I got it. I’ve seen 4 wheel surrey bikes operating in Florida so I was sure they’re legal.. then I remembered where I saw them: Walt Disney World resorts.. where laws don’t apply LOL

  4. Matthew,

    You may see other similar vehicles after this law was passed last year.
    s. 316.003 – Definitions
    (12) Commercial Megacycle – A vehicle that has fully operational pedals for propulsion entirely by human power and meets all of the following requirements:
    (a) Has four wheels and is operated in a manner similar to a bicycle.
    (b) Has at least 5 but no more than 15 seats for passengers.
    (c) Is primarily powered by pedaling but may have an auxiliary motor capable of propelling the vehicle at no more than 15 miles per hour.

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