Gas Motor Bike
Question
Harry asked: I was charged with driving without a license and operation of unregistered vehicle and it was a bike with a 2-stroke motor 49cc. It’s a crying shame I got arrested for a bike but can they do that in Polk county? The officer stated I knew it became a moped when I put the motor on it.
Answer
The officer is correct about the vehicle being a moped that must be registered and the operator must have a driver’s license. Please see this post.
There has been a recent redefinition of “bicycle”, but it doesn’t affect the gas motor question.
- 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.
316.003 Definitions
(4) Bicycle
They took out E-bike peddle assist? And how does that define?
Craig,
New separate definition for bikes.
316.003 Definitions.
(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.