Cheap insurance
where do you insure your cycle for 60 bucks?
I called my insurance agent inquiring about insuring what Pennsylvania calls a "motorized pedalcycle" - essentially a bicycle with a motor less than 50cc and 1.5 bhp.
She had to do some research and call an under-writer to see if they'd even insure such a thing, but she got back to me later in the afternoon. She quoted me $190 total for similar coverages that I currently have on my auto-insurance policy ($100k/person $300k/accident liability). When I pressed about "minimum" insurance (the minimum required by the state), although reluctant to tell me, she did quote me a price of $18/year.
I contacted both my local state representative and my local state senator about the motorized pedalcycle laws in PA. My representative, Katharine Watson got back to me. (actually, a staff worker in her office got back to me.) I expressed my concerns how Pennsylvania now grouped all forms of assist-type bicycles into the same category as mopeds whereas, previously, any bicycle with an assist type motor (i.e. less than 50cc, less than 1.5hp, or if electric, less than 750 watts) wouldn't alter the classification of a bicycle - it would still be considered a bicycle even though it had an assist type motor. Mopeds primary form of propulsion is the engine and the pedals are used on as as-needed or necessity basis. I intend to use a motor-assisted bicycle (probably using a small electric motor versus an internal combustion engine) as an assist means only where the primary source of propulsion will still be the rider and the motor will be used to "assist" on steep climbs, into strong headwinds, etc. Classifying any bicycle with an assist motor puts a great burden on the rider - both the financial burden of insurnace, registration, titling, inspection; and the time burden of researching the laws and regulations.
To date, I don't know of anyone who has successfully registered and titled a motor assisted bicycle in Pennsylvania. I dare not ride on illegally on the streets - I'm not afraid of the police officers who'd fine me, I'm afraid of the financial liability should I get into an accident and injure someone. If I ride my bicyle on the roads, my homeowner's insurance covers me in that situation. By simply attaching a motor, no matter how small, to my bicycle, automatically disqualifies both my homeowner's insurance and my auto insurance until that bicycle is legally titled and insured.
My next steps are getting in touch with an "Enhanced Inspection Station" and determine exactly what the steps are. Many here have reported back, however, the information has been conflicting. I'm still unsure whether one needs DOT approved tires (for instance)? Actually, I'm sure whether anyone even makes DOT approved tires that fir 26" rims.
Regards,
Ken