eBike
Question
William asked: Is there a bicycle with a helper motor…electric or gas that doesn’t require a driver’s license in the state of Florida?
Answer
A bicycle with a gas helper motor is legal only if it meets the requirements to be registered as a moped. A moped driver must have a driver’s license.
A bicycle with an electric helper motor is road legal if it meets the statutory definition of “bicycle”. It is a bicycle and would not require registration and the operator need not have a driver’s license.
s. 316.003 – Definitions
(2) 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 upon which any person may ride, 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. No person under the age of 16 may operate or ride upon a motorized bicycle.
You can see much more about bicycles with helper motors, including some models mentioned by readers in the comments, in the posts about motorized bicycles here
http://flbikelaw.org/category/motorized-bicycles-2/
An internet search for Florida electric bicycles or eBike will show dealers of same.
If anyone has any questions about electric bicycle laws and wants all of the specific information or you if you’re interested in gas bicycle laws, you can contact me at my email address..
Djtt2013@aol.com
I have a Gas assist bike an I use it because i enjoy it, I like working on it an enjoy trying diffrent solutions on keeping everything tight after long rides, I did recieve two warning tickets from the sheriffs dept. because I didn’t have lights on it even thou it wasn’t dark an I didn’t have my license with me, First of all I didn’t know you needed a license to ride or lights. I have since installed lights front & rear and now carry my license with me when I ride, I’m no young man at 62 but do enjoy the gas bike better then a electric