zoomy002
New Member
Okay, I have been building and riding in Texas for over a year now. And am disturbed at Texas' hazy interpretation as to laws regarding motorized bicycles. I have read horror stories of other people's encounters with the law. I myself have been lucky enough to keep my head down, but it still worries me.
My interpretation of the various laws in texas for motorized bikes can appear to be very misleading. There is a definition for "Motor-driven cycle"(description below) but there are no laws that i am aware of that apply to the definition. There has also been confusing misuse of 551.351.
"motor-assisted scooter" (below) even though the law, by my interpretation of the statutes, is referring to scooters you stand on(or sit). The ones that are like Razors with motors.
541.201
(2) "Bicycle" means a device that a person may ride and
that is propelled by human power and has two tandem wheels at least
one of which is more than 14 inches in diameter.
(8) "Moped" means a motor-driven cycle that cannot
attain a speed in one mile of more than 30 miles per hour and the
engine of which:
(A) cannot produce more than two-brake
horsepower; and
(B) if an internal combustion engine, has a
piston displacement of 50 cubic centimeters or less and connects to
a power drive system that does not require the operator to shift
gears.
(9) "Motorcycle" means a motor vehicle, other than a
tractor, that is equipped with a rider's saddle and designed to have
when propelled not more than three wheels on the ground.
(10) "Motor-driven cycle" means a motorcycle equipped
with a motor that has an engine piston displacement of 250 cubic
centimeters or less. The term does not include an electric bicycle.
551.351. DEFINITION. In this subchapter,
"motor-assisted scooter" means a self-propelled device with:
(1) at least two wheels in contact with the ground
during operation;
(2) a braking system capable of stopping the device
under typical operating conditions;
(3) a gas or electric motor not exceeding 40 cubic
centimeters;
(4) a deck designed to allow a person to stand or sit
while operating the device; and
(5) the ability to be propelled by human power alone.
Lately I have been getting involved with state politics and legislation. I now have a connection to the transportation committee in Texas congress, and they are expecting a draft of a bill regarding motorized bikes from me. My goal is to clarify the laws that exist, and provide well researched and reasonable justification for adding statutes such as where they can operate,
or what is a "Motor-driven cycle"( eng diplacement, general definition).
Any constructive advice from other concerned texans or anyone in the motoredbikes community who has interest in changing this law will be appreciated. We have the opportunity make our own bill! and if it is inoffensive it might just get passed>
Thanks
My interpretation of the various laws in texas for motorized bikes can appear to be very misleading. There is a definition for "Motor-driven cycle"(description below) but there are no laws that i am aware of that apply to the definition. There has also been confusing misuse of 551.351.
"motor-assisted scooter" (below) even though the law, by my interpretation of the statutes, is referring to scooters you stand on(or sit). The ones that are like Razors with motors.
541.201
(2) "Bicycle" means a device that a person may ride and
that is propelled by human power and has two tandem wheels at least
one of which is more than 14 inches in diameter.
(8) "Moped" means a motor-driven cycle that cannot
attain a speed in one mile of more than 30 miles per hour and the
engine of which:
(A) cannot produce more than two-brake
horsepower; and
(B) if an internal combustion engine, has a
piston displacement of 50 cubic centimeters or less and connects to
a power drive system that does not require the operator to shift
gears.
(9) "Motorcycle" means a motor vehicle, other than a
tractor, that is equipped with a rider's saddle and designed to have
when propelled not more than three wheels on the ground.
(10) "Motor-driven cycle" means a motorcycle equipped
with a motor that has an engine piston displacement of 250 cubic
centimeters or less. The term does not include an electric bicycle.
551.351. DEFINITION. In this subchapter,
"motor-assisted scooter" means a self-propelled device with:
(1) at least two wheels in contact with the ground
during operation;
(2) a braking system capable of stopping the device
under typical operating conditions;
(3) a gas or electric motor not exceeding 40 cubic
centimeters;
(4) a deck designed to allow a person to stand or sit
while operating the device; and
(5) the ability to be propelled by human power alone.
Lately I have been getting involved with state politics and legislation. I now have a connection to the transportation committee in Texas congress, and they are expecting a draft of a bill regarding motorized bikes from me. My goal is to clarify the laws that exist, and provide well researched and reasonable justification for adding statutes such as where they can operate,
or what is a "Motor-driven cycle"( eng diplacement, general definition).
Any constructive advice from other concerned texans or anyone in the motoredbikes community who has interest in changing this law will be appreciated. We have the opportunity make our own bill! and if it is inoffensive it might just get passed>
Thanks