Going Legal in PA

Most importantly, tell us WHICH station you went to. I'll go to the same one.

Is the inspection 160. ? I knew money was the problem. They just want to rob us. :LOL:

Either way, we are waiting to see the outcome. You might be the first that I know of.

Wishing you the best of luck !!

Alan

PS I believe you will need a rear view mirror too. Be prepared just in case.
 
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Ok, Here is what I gleaned from the previous posts:
Alan: No, I don't think that is a good idea. Besides, according to scribbles research, you need to submit form MV-426B (Request for title for Specially constructed/reconstructed vehicles). There is a checkbox on that form to have PennDot assign the VIN number.

buck said:
My friend that rides the happy time carries a copy of this with him, just in case. He also picked up a copy of the new fact sheet that doesn't have "motorized pedalcycle" listed in the last paragraph. He contacted his state representative about the difference in the fact sheets. He was told that the law is still in effect, and they didn't know why it was omitted.
That is an extremely important distinction. If the first fact sheet is correct that they don't need to be titled then scribbles doesn't need to go through the title process.

Given that Pennsylvania loves to regulate everything, my suspicion is that scribbles is correct. You would think, however, that as concerned as the present administration is with reducing Pennsylvania's energy consumption, they would make it easier rather than harder to use lower emitting alternatives. Personally I don't see why they don't fall under the same rules as regular pedal bicycles ('pedalcycles') since the only realy performance difference that I see is increased range.
 
o yeah i for got about the mirror that is needed to...

well the reason im doing all of this is so i can ride at my collage with out getting in trouble... I have to follow my colleges policy as well as the state... Technology you could ride on the streets with an engine under 50cc and consider it an assist but if you get that one jerk cop he could fine you 2500 dollars.... This total is right because he will hit u for no lights title registration blah blah blah.. And there is that kind of cop at My school because he fined my friend that total when pocket bikes were popular. Plus My schools policy is no unregistered motor vehicles on the streets at any time.

so about 300 to 400 dollars to go legal compared to trying to ride free with the possibility of a 2500 dollar fine... hmmm ill pay 400 any day
 
Pennsylvania Enhanced Inspection Station

A list of Pennsylvania Enhanced Inspection Stations can be found here.

Ken
 
I all most got the bike finished i am going to post pictures and create a build thread tomorrow and ill post the link in this thread as well...
 
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
 
Did you get a response from your state representatives? I have contemplated contacting mine but figured it you be more effective as part of a coordinated effort.
 
Did you get a response from your state representatives? I have contemplated contacting mine but figured it you be more effective as part of a coordinated effort.

A staffer from my representative's office called me. My PA State Representative is Katharine Watson. The staffer didn't offer anything other than to listen my concerns and forward them along.

I'd be happy to join any coordinated effort. If you know of someone organizing one, let me know.

Regards,

Ken
 
Legal in PA yet ?

Going to ask the Enhanced Vehicle Inspection Station near me here in Bangor PA.
I found one on the list and low and behold he is a friend of my cousin. Going to
stop out one day next week and get the real story from him.

The Form MV-426B is a little confusing but I am going to have him look at it.
I know he gets some of the "Rods" on the road for the local builders. I am sure
he has been down this road before.

Scribbles how far did you get, did you run in to any problems ??

I have been riding my bike for almost a year now and have only one Cop
give me a stare. I really ride the back roads and for the most part see
one or two cars during a 20 mile ride.
 
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