Registering your bike

[gone_fishin]

and i feel that if the $6 plate is the "law" then do it, if they assure that you'll be good to go. i figure if you get the plate because it avoids problems, you're showing others that there's a way to get motoring. if the laws need to be more clearly defined or re-defined, there's strength in numbers...it could be addressed later by 50 riders 'steada one lone ranger out there putting it all on the line.

 

[locoWelder]

I'm down for a trip to the cheese head state,hell I worked in Albert Lee for a time awile back,I love to buck the system! but I also carry Pre-paid Legal so my lawyer is cheap!

 

[ivan44]

pre-paid legal? Where'd you get that? Now that's a good idea!!!

 

[bamabikeguy]

Ivan44 wrote:

Around here I'm the FIRST to have a motorized bicycle that being a bike that had a motor put on it.

First of all, I think you are doing the right thing to get "right with the law". BUT, when you fill out the registration, and this is with a clerk, not a cop or judge, gently INSIST that label read "motor assisted bicycle". You are not going to argue about engine size or speed, but maybe claim that you use it for exercise, and a MAB can be turned off at anytime and it is a bike, whereas every other type would have to be pushed.

That is the feature that differentiates us.

I think, through this forum, we are stressing safety and precautiion. I too was the first to bring them into the area, and tell my customers to "slow down" in urban situations, use back streets and alternative routes to avoid the worst traffic situations.

That is the freedom part, where you can go two blocks over from the busiest avenues and pretty much OWN that street. If you commute with a bike, people will get acquainted with seeing you 5 days a week, give you a wider berth.

As the idea gets more widespread, maniacs will jump in the saddles, that is a given. The whole disguise idea will blow up when some guy puts a 100plus cc engine on a Schwinn, with a handmade plate declaring it a 49cc.

Because I'm traveling through unfamiliar states, with possibly irregular local laws, I have to just hope that OTHER guys don't spoil the soup by drag racing and terrorizing old ladies with shopping bags on sidewalks.

But I go out of my way, when meeting cops along the way, to explain IT IS A BICYCLE. (I don't claim to have a doctor's note, but imply it is good for blood circulation and stress levels).

It is a good guess that I have talked to nearly 50 cops, mostly asking "where the hell am I, and how do I get somewhere else?" (the lost idjut ploy), but many spend a few minutes asking questions, I tell how a $1 sticker can be purchased which says POLICE, and they could become one of us.

The very best advantage we have is 360 degree vision, knowing all the dangers in front and in back of us, PLUS experience in what routes work and which places to avoid.

Just a ramble, everybody has to do whatever they must locally, but for the good of the future industry, don't let some clerk put MOPED in the vehicle description line, politely ask them to write Motor Assisted Bicycle.

That simple act may one day help you and/or others with "do gooder" legislation.

 

[thatsdax]

Bama Guy Said it !!

Bama guy hit the nail on the head. And remember. We are just trying to help and keep America Free !! Enjoy the ride....

 

[thatsdax]

Oh,....And...

And always play by the rules.... Enjoy the ride..

 

[ivan44]

Welcome to the laws of MN:

169.223 MOTORIZED BICYCLE.
Subdivision 1. Safety equipment; parking. Except as otherwise provided in this section,
section 169.974 relating to motorcycles is applicable to motorized bicycles, except that:
(1) protective headgear includes headgear that meets the American National Standard for
Protective Headgear for Bicyclists, ANSI Z90.4-1984, approved by the American National
Standards Institute, Inc.;
(2) a motorized bicycle equipped with a headlight and taillight meeting the requirements of
lighting for motorcycles may be operated during nighttime hours;
(3) except as provided in clause (5), protective headgear is not required for operators 18
years of age or older;
(4) the provisions of section 169.222 governing the parking of bicycles apply to motorized
bicycles;
(5) the operator of an electric-assisted bicycle must wear properly fitted and fastened
headgear that meets the American National Standard for Protective Headgear for Bicyclists, ANSI
Z90.4-1984, approved by the American National Standards Institute, Inc., when operating the
electric-assisted bicycle on a street or highway; and
(6) eye protection devices are not required for operators of electric-assisted bicycles.
Subd. 2. License or permit. (a) A motorized bicycle may be operated under either a driver's
license or a motorized bicycle permit issued under section 171.02, subdivision 3.
(b) A person under the age of 16 operating a motorized bicycle under a motorized bicycle
permit is subject to the restrictions imposed by section 169.974, subdivision 2, on operation of a
motorcycle under a two-wheel instruction permit, except that:
(1) a parent or guardian of an operator under the age of 16 may also ride on the motorized
bicycle as a passenger or operator if the motorized bicycle is equipped with a seat and footrests
for a second passenger;
(2) a motorized bicycle equipped with a headlight and taillight meeting the requirements of
lighting for motorcycles may be operated during nighttime hours;
(3) protective headgear includes headgear described in subdivision 1; and
(4) protective headgear is required only until the operator reaches the age of 18 years.
Subd. 3. Sidewalk and passenger prohibitions. No person shall operate a motorized bicycle
upon a sidewalk at any time, except when such operation is necessary for the most direct access to
a roadway from a driveway, alley or building. No person shall operate a motorized bicycle that is
carrying any person other than the operator, except as allowed under subdivision 2.
Subd. 4. Headlight requirement. The provisions of section 169.974, subdivision 5,
paragraph (i), apply to motorized bicycles that are equipped with headlights. After June 1, 1987, a
new motorized bicycle sold or offered for sale in Minnesota must be equipped with a headlight. Subd. 5. Other operation requirements and prohibitions. (a) A person operating a
motorized bicycle on a roadway shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of
the roadway except in one of the following situations:
(1) when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction;
(2) when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway; or
(3) when reasonably necessary to avoid conditions, including fixed or moving objects,
vehicles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or narrow width lanes, that make it unsafe to
continue along the right-hand curb or edge.
(b) Persons operating motorized bicycles on a roadway may not ride more than two abreast
and may not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic. On a laned roadway, a person
operating a motorized bicycle shall ride within a single lane.
(c) This section does not permit the operation of a motorized bicycle on a bicycle path or
bicycle lane that is reserved for the exclusive use of nonmotorized traffic.
(d) Subject to the provisions of section 160.263, subdivision 3, a person may operate an
electric-assisted bicycle on a bicycle lane. A person may operate an electric-assisted bicycle on
the shoulder of a roadway if the electric-assisted bicycle is traveling in the same direction as the
adjacent vehicular traffic.

 

[bamabikeguy]

I don't ride at night.

Wish the gubbmint could finance us with a grant to build THE light.

I bought a $10 chinese generator, works up to 15 miles per hour, but useless at high speeds.

But, technically, it's a headlight.... :???:

 

[ivan44]

It's funny how Uncle Sam will billions to protect oil rights overseas but won't invest 2 cents on fuel efficient transportation like motorized bikes?

Let me see 150 miles per gallon vs. 20 mpg ~ Maybe our gov is dislexic and sees 20 mpg as better :?

 

[thatsdax]

Again...

Why post rules for a motorized bicycle? These are not motorized bicycles. A motorized bicycle is that which has two wheels and uses a motor as its only mode of propulsion. That is how they come. What we have is certainly not that. What we have or what I have is a bicycle. It was and still is a bicycle first !! The motor was added to assist or aid in propulsion. Since it was and is a bicycle first, it has nor did it ever come with a head light, or a tail light or any of those things. Why? Because bicycles do not come with that stuff. They just do not. They have DOT reflectors. That is it. Typically. But..The fact is.. They are bicycles first. Period. These are not motorized bicycles. These are motor assisted bicycles. Period. That is also the Federal Ruling as well. Under this legal section you will see the federal regs posted. Motorized bicycle rules were made because of Go Peds, Pocket rockets, ect. Those are motorized bicycles. These bicycles are not motorized. These are motor assisted. As you will find in most states, if you ask for regulations regarding motor assisted bicycles, you will most likely find there are none. There are rules for motorized bicycles. But none for motor assisted bicycles in most places. That means...In most places they are not regulated, and..If you do something to make the cops mad, they will try to find a regulation to put you under. So..This is what you do. Ride cool, be nice..Keep in under the radar so that you will not be the case law for your state. If you do wind up in court and you are the first, get a lawyer so you can win and make case law in favor of motor assisted bicycles. and help keep america free. Thanks.. Enjoy the ride...