Big Legal Hitch With Street Lights/horn

[greenevegiebeast]

IL does do that--but the catch there is, that there is a technical inspection. The vehicle must be built to comparable roadworthiness standards currently in place for the class of motor vehicle that you are applying it under--and bicycles can't pass technical standards for motorcycles. It's not just lights and horns (which need to be DOT-rated)--it's wheel strength, frame strength and braking performance too.

~

Notsure about Il. but many states you canfill out a form submit a fee and get a vin issued, regester it as "vintage replica" there are many states that will allow it , at that point you have to meet dot standards of the vintage vehicle. I.E. if its a reproduction 1910 whizzer you have to meet the standards of a 1910 whizzer, not a 2008 crotch rocket.

 

[Mike S]

Although the law in Illinois doesn't specifically oulaw motors on bikes, it makes putting a motor on a bicycle illegal from a different angle, by not granting a title to a motorized bicycle because the frame is not approved by the bicycle manufacturer for a motor. Without a title, one can not apply for plates, so in effect, it is not possible now to legally install a motor on a bicycle in Illinois. I didn't just talk to a clerk, but to a person in state office in Springfield who handles the paper work for granting titles for custom vehicles. She said she had many requests for titles from folks putting motors on bicycles, and that they are now making a decision whether or not to allow this. I also learned a title can not be granted for a modified go kart for street use, because the go kart frame is not designed for street use. To build a legal trike motorbike, the vehicle would have to be built from the ground up and the sales paper work for the parts supplied to the state, probably to prevent thieves from getting new titles for stolen vehicles. Anyway, I'm currently stuck in Illinois. Mike S

 

[Mike S]

One more point: I'd like to know if other states are like Illinois? Is this just an Illinois thing, or do other states outlaw motors on bicycles frames? How about Wisconsin? Maybe, I could ride up in Wisconsin. MIke S

 

[Mike S]

I'm going to check with the DMV again, to verify Doug's comments that a motorized bicycle does not have to be registered as long as it has a moped engine and doesn't exceed moped speed. This would be a very important point, which would allow me to ride in Illinois without plates. Doug, where did you get this info, and how sure are you? Mike

 

[Mike S]

I am checking with Illinois sources about Illinois law, but have already found an answer on: www.cyberdriveIllinois.com which under FAQ specifically states that motorized bicycles have to be registered under Illinois law, meaning Illinois plates would be required.
Since they are not now granting titles, to allow for plates, this basically closes out motorized bicycles in Illinois at the present time. Mike

 

[DougC]

I am checking with Illinois sources about Illinois law, but have already found an answer on: www.cyberdriveIllinois.com which under FAQ specifically states that motorized bicycles have to be registered under Illinois law, meaning Illinois plates would be required. ...

Exactly what part are you looking at that says this?
~

 

[Mike S]

Check the fAQ's and it states motorized bicycles also need to be registered in Illinois. Mike

 

[DougC]

Check the fAQ's and it states motorized bicycles also need to be registered in Illinois. Mike

Well, I'm riding mine.
The DMV said it was legal, and no police have bothered me.

I don't know what you're looking at when you see this stuff.

If it says "motorized pedalcycles" then it means mopeds, and in IL your bicycle cannot qualify as a moped at all, and whatever requirements mopeds have doesn't apply to a bicycle.

It would either need to be in the motor vehicle code, which is here-
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilc...erName=VEHICLES&ActName=Illinois+Vehicle+Code.
(chapter 11 article 15 is bicycles)

or it would need to be in the 2007/2008 updates pdf on the cyberdrive website:
http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/police/lawupdate0708.pdf
but I checked a couple examples and and those changes are already rolled into the compiled statutes, of which the motor vehicle code is part of.
~

 

[Mike S]

Today, I got a definitive answer from three police investigators in Illinois responsible for informing the public and police about Illinois law. At the present time, a motorzied bicycle can not be driven legally on the streets in Illinois, regardless if it has lights, horn, etc. A custom moped built on an original moped frame could be registered, but not a bicycle frame with a motor. The state of Illinois is now making a decision whether or not to allow motorized bicycles to be registered for street use, and until the state makes a decision in the affirmative, it is illegal to ride a motorized bicycle on public roads in Illinois, period. Mike S

 

[Mike S]

Doug, you are absolutely wrong. Although a motorized bicycle is not a moped, it still is
not legal to drive on public roads in Illinois. If you don't believe me, you may verify this by contacting Illiinois state police at 1-630-693-0551. You may also contact the the department responsible for registering custom vehicles in Illinois, at 1-217-557-2086.
Luan will inform you about the decision now being made in Illinois to allow motorzied bicycles to be driven on Illinois roads. Whether or not you are stopped by police depends on their understanding of Illinois law. If you come accross an officer who knows the law, well, expect a ticket. Mike S