Newfoundland 'moped' regulations.

[tagloff]

Alright, so im a total noob and have always dreamed of having a gas-powered bicycle. Im researching if it's legally or financially feasible for where I live here in Newfoundland.

So, according to the local motor-registration and city bylaws, a bicycle with a motor or engine would be classed as a moped, and they gave me the following definitions, with no elaborations despite my request for specifications. As long as it follows the definitions, it's legally a bicycle, no insurance, registration or license is required. Standard helmet and traffic laws apply.

"moped" means a vehicle that

1. has steering handle bars completely constrained from rotating in relation to the axle of 1 wheel in contact with the ground,
2. is designed to travel on not more than 3 wheels in contact with the ground,
3. has a maximum attainable speed on level ground, unassisted by operating the pedal system, not exceeding 50 kilometres an hour,
4. has pedals by which the vehicle can be propelled by the operator,
5. has a power source that produces a maximum 1.5 k.w or piston displacement not exceeding 50 cm,
6. has a power drive system that does not require clutching or shifting, by the operator, after the drive system is engaged, and
7. has a maximum weight of 55 kilograms, excluding fuel or battery used to start engine for vehicle propulsion;

My problem is that despite googling everywhere and pouring thru the forums, I can't get a specification on #5.
1.5KW is an electric-motor, I understand that part, eBikes only have so many terms.
"Piston displacement not exceeding 50CM" is what I can't seem to have defined for me. I know it's for the gas powered motors, but I can't get the answer of wither this refers to an engine under 50cc, or 80cc, or what. The only good side about the listed regulations is that HP isn't even mentioned or considered.

They also won't elaborate on 6. Does this mean that a clutch is illegal entirely, or that it's only required for starting the engine?

 

[2old2learn]

No two lawyers would agree on those definitions or interpretations so you will have to follow what you believe them to mean. I suspect the 50cm is an error and like you I perceive the intent was 50cc. It appears you can have a clutch but only used for engagement and disengagement of the drive system, not for shifting among different gears (though it doesn't say you can't shift among different gears, you just can't use a clutch to do so). Document the officials you have talked to and when, so if you end up in court you have enough support documents to obtain a dismissal on grounds of lack of clarity.

No laws are absolute and only the judiciary has the power to determine their meaning.

 

[Timbone]

Looks like motorized bicycles are golden. A 66cc is just a tad larger than 50cc, I'd seriously doubt they'd notice that. They give to to 30 mph. Build up your motorbike and be thankful you live in a place that allows cheap, efficient motorbiking!

 

[John D. Gander]

Alright, so im a total noob and have always dreamed of having a gas-powered bicycle. Im researching if it's legally or financially feasible for where I live here in Newfoundland.

So, according to the local motor-registration and city bylaws, a bicycle with a motor or engine would be classed as a moped, and they gave me the following definitions, with no elaborations despite my request for specifications. As long as it follows the definitions, it's legally a bicycle, no insurance, registration or license is required. Standard helmet and traffic laws apply.

"moped" means a vehicle that

1. has steering handle bars completely constrained from rotating in relation to the axle of 1 wheel in contact with the ground,
2. is designed to travel on not more than 3 wheels in contact with the ground,
3. has a maximum attainable speed on level ground, unassisted by operating the pedal system, not exceeding 50 kilometres an hour,
4. has pedals by which the vehicle can be propelled by the operator,
5. has a power source that produces a maximum 1.5 k.w or piston displacement not exceeding 50 cm,
6. has a power drive system that does not require clutching or shifting, by the operator, after the drive system is engaged, and
7. has a maximum weight of 55 kilograms, excluding fuel or battery used to start engine for vehicle propulsion;

My problem is that despite googling everywhere and pouring thru the forums, I can't get a specification on #5.
1.5KW is an electric-motor, I understand that part, eBikes only have so many terms.
"Piston displacement not exceeding 50CM" is what I can't seem to have defined for me. I know it's for the gas powered motors, but I can't get the answer of wither this refers to an engine under 50cc, or 80cc, or what. The only good side about the listed regulations is that HP isn't even mentioned or considered.

They also won't elaborate on 6. Does this mean that a clutch is illegal entirely, or that it's only required for starting the engine?

KW is a rating of power, there is .746 watts per horsepower, so limit would be 2 HP. Would also suspect 50 cc.

 

[Tony72373]

In Canada it is illegal to operate a gas powered bike without registration and insurance.....our federal gov't saw to that in 2009 and all provinces to my knowledge followed it with equivalent provincial laws. They only made provisions for E-bikes up to 500 watts, over 500 W require reg and ins. Most guys riding in Canada just ride and hope if stopped they have a sympathetic officer. If you have a 66cc engine remove the data tag stating the size......just say it's 49cc. Working signals, brake and tail light, headlight and horn are on the official list as well.

I'm in Alberta and ride a 4 stroke and a 2 stroke. From all my inquiries four main things are required.
1....inspection from licenced motorcycle mechanic......Good luck getting a legit shop to do this....gas bikes don't have factory specs for the mechanic to go on.
2....VIN # issued from Alta Motor Vehicles once #1 is met.
3....insurance....my insurance company will issue once 1 and 2 are met.
4....go to motor vehicle office with all your paperwork to get your licence plate....but there is no gas bicycle category and it's not a scooter, moped or motorcycle. Still haven't found out how they would list it.

If anyone has a legally registered gas bicycle in Alberta or Canada for that matter I'd like to know how they went about it and see proof.