Recumbents

Question

Chuck asked:  Hello! Great site with Riding Laws right up front! I am considering purchase of a three-wheel recumbent. Are there special laws regarding use of such a machine? Do most cycling groups welcome, or discourage, these low trikes?

Answer

Depending on the height of the seat, your vehicle may not be considered a bicycle under the laws.

s. 316.003 – Definitions

(2) 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 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.

Do not despair though.  Your recumbent is a vehicle and the operator has all the rights and duties of other drivers.

(75) Vehicle – Every device, in, upon, or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway ….

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 ….

You should talk to the group with which you plan to ride.  I believe you will find, as I have, that recumbents are generally accepted by cycling groups.

Leave a Reply