New MA law in effect 7/31/09

[Parah_Salin]

Yeah, all that considered I think that give our vehicles are just bicycles with engines on them, they fit what most people think of as a moped. The crackdown seams to be aimed more at vespas.

 

[Happy Valley]

I think its great that they are making a catagory for mopeds that go 30-40. I like that they are giving us a metal plate as well (much better than the little sticker) but I don't like the inspection or the insurance. How tough will the requirments be to meet? Will dot tires be a requirment? Will we need to have a full lighting system up to dot standards with blinkers and brake lights? Also what about motorized trailers, recumbents, trikes and choppers? Will we have trouble registering thoes? I also hope it dosent cost more than the bike is worth to insure? I can't wait until we get more information so some of these questions can be answered.

All good questions. To want to take a MB up to the 40mph category, expect everything needed on a motorcycle. For me, they can keep their metal plate and I'll keep my bicycle.

Yeah, all that considered I think that give our vehicles are just bicycles with engines on them, they fit what most people think of as a moped. The crackdown seams to be aimed more at vespas.

I agree. I think most MBers could simply continue as they are, keep the bike quiet, keep it under 25, ride responsibly and be on their way. I also frankly think the chance of that happening is about nil.

 

[cheeseman]

More Information.

I found a page on the RMV's website which gives more information on the new laws. http://www.mass.gov/rmv/alerts/green_vehicles.htm

A "limited use vehicle" is any vehicle . . .

• that has been certified by its manufacturer to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for that particular class of vehicle (e.g. passenger, motorcycle, truck, etc.),
• whose speed on a paved level surface can exceed 30 miles per hour but is not capable of exceeding 40 miles per hour.

Operating a Limited Use Vehicle

1. To be operated on a public way, LUVs must be registered, titled, insured, and inspected. If an electrical motor or batteries solely power the vehicle, no emissions test is required. If, however, the LUV is liquid-fueled, the emissions test is required.
2. Limited use vehicles are prohibited from "limited access" and "express state highways," and any portion of other roads where the speed limit exceeds 40 mph. They may also be prohibited from other heavily-trafficked areas, due to their inherent speed limitations.
3. Limited use vehicles can be operated with a driver's license or learner's permit, unless it is certified to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for a motorcycle, then a motorcycle license or motorcycle learner's permit will be required.

Guess my suspicions were correct, motorized bicycles would need to meet federal motor vehicle safety standards for a motorcycle if they were to register for the 30-40 mph plate. This dosent make much sense because something built to travel 30-40 mph isent going to have the same provisions as something build to travel 80 mph. I can see people complaining about this already.

Here's a page I found on the motorcycle FMVSS for their braking systems. Very specific.

http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/get-cfr.cgi?TITLE=49&PART=571&SECTION=122&YEAR=2001&TYPE=PDF

I'm disappointed in the DMV.

 

[RusticoRay]

Vespa wannabee profiling

I guess my wife gets to ride along at least till 2010 till the sticker expires.http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/20199817/detail.html

 

[billpb1222]

i live in pembroke, ma. i plan to ride it as a motorized bike. do you think i am going to get in trouble? sometimes, if ask the registry you get an answer that gets you into trouble. i don't need anymore trouble. that is why i built this thing

bill

 

[RusticoRay]

I'm not saying yes or no but get a moped sticker, wear a Dot approved helmet, glasses a florencent vest and not act like a jerk on a bike. I havent got stopped or pulled over in 1 1/2 yrs. Hope I didn't jinks myself. Most of all have fun.

 

[Member 5549]

If it looks like a Vespa and a guy is riding it, He needs to move to Calif. !!!!

 

[MikeJ]

I agree with RusticoRay. I intentionally dress to draw attention (white motorcycle helmet, neon yellow full jacket) and keep under the speed limit with muffler. I have been passed by a dozen or better county troopers, state troopers, and city officers during my rides. One day, I rode up to two city officers (engine off) and asked for directions. They were as pleasant as could be.

MikeJ
760 highway miles and continuing.

 

[Happy Valley]

They were as pleasant as could be.

I see you're in CO. Big difference.
Years ago when I lived out there in the mountains, it was usually a relief to come across a CSP trooper 'cause they would actually assist if you broke down or ran out of gas. Too much country to cover out there often with serious weather conditions without going out of their way to hassle people.

Mass. staties are punks compared to those guys.

 

[billpb1222]

in mass. they look to cause people trouble. not all cops are bad but a lot are trained to bring in revenue through violations.