Legality of gas powered "ebikes" in New Hampshire?

jetpackjbf

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I live in New Hampshire, where motored bike laws are a little strict. According to a New Hampshire government page, an ebike is loosely defined as "any motor-driven cycle whose speed attainable in one mile is less than 20mph. The cycle must have functional pedals and a motor that has less than 750W." A moped isn't properly defined by the DMV, but states what isn't a moped. Summarizing the page, a moped must be under 2HP, under 50cc, under 30mph max speed, and have an automatic transmission.

I managed to find a gas engine kit rated 1.4HP at 8000RPM and 25cc. I was thinking of adding an RPM limiter to decrease the power to <1HP/<750W. It was a cheap kit that I doubt would safely handle 8000RPM anyway. It would be a single-speed gear ratio, so I don't know if that counts as an automatic transmission.

I feel like it's the kind of thing that if I ask the DMV, I'll get different answers depending on who I ask. So, where do you think this would this fall, Ebike or Moped?




SOURCES:
 
I don't think a "Gas" engine is Ever an "E" bike.....only electric motors which are rated in WATTS. Your gas engine kit you describe as stock is under 2HP and under 50CC. So it is a Moped and must go less than 30mph. Those Moped specs are the same as here in Floirida where I was able to get my 48CC engine gas bike titled and registered with State provided serial number.
 
Hmmm. Could be the guy that had a gas generator in the trunk of his Tesla with the cord plugged in.
 
I've also wondered. In my state, my motorized bicycle is legally a bicycle as long as it has pedals that work. We have trails that say, "no motorized traffic" (I still use them but shut off my engine when around other people)... An e bike is motorized right?
 
I've also wondered. In my state, my motorized bicycle is legally a bicycle as long as it has pedals that work. We have trails that say, "no motorized traffic" (I still use them but shut off my engine when around other people)... An e bike is motorized right?
In New Mexico a bicycle with any motor is a bicycle if you have pedals...
 
No motor vehicles... Except the government... Motorized bicycle isn't a motor vehicle so it wouldn't be restricted... In NM
 

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The only thing that bugs me is... Right or wrong, the cop can still cite or arrest. Then you have to spend the money and time in court to defend yourself
 
To the original poster. Your DMV should have a statue regarding bicycles / motorized bicycles. Find it and post it up here.

Here is New Mexico's law:

Section E. Motorized Bicycles​

Revised November 30, 2017

Motorized Bicycles are not considered to be mopeds or motorcycles.

By current MVD practice, motorized bicycles are considered to be bicycles (not mopeds or motorcycles) and are not subject to the titling and registration requirements of the Motor Vehicle Code.
 
In New Mexico a bicycle with any motor is a bicycle if you have pedals...
No motor vehicles... Except the government... Motorized bicycle isn't a motor vehicle so it wouldn't be restricted... In NM
According to the law I read, I agree. Someday I'll have a 212 Predator bike. :love:

The following is the directives from the MVD in NM regarding motorised bicycles, Chapter 18 Section E...I posted "E" before "D" as "E" spells it out that it is just a bicycle and "D" covers what laws a Bicycle must adhere to in NM.

MVD-logo.png


Chapter 18 – Other “Vehicles”

Section E. Motorized Bicycles
Revised November 30, 2017

Motorized Bicycles are not considered to be mopeds or motorcycles.

By current MVD practice, motorized bicycles are considered to be bicycles (not mopeds or motorcycles) and are not subject to the titling and registration requirements of the Motor Vehicle Code.


Section D. Bicycles
Revised November 30, 2017

Bicycle defined (§66-1-4.2(A))

A bicycle is a device propelled by human power upon which any person may ride, having two tandem wheels, except scooters and similar devices.

Traffic laws apply to bicycles (§66-3-702)

Every person riding a bicycle upon a roadway shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle, except as noted below.

Ridng bicycles on roads or bicycle paths (§66-3-705)

1. Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable, exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction.

2. Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.

3. Notwithstanding any provision of this section, no bicycle shall be operated on any roadway in a manner that would create a public safety hazard.

??Lamps and other equipment (§66-3-707)

1. Every bicycle when in use at nighttime shall be equipped with a lamp on the front which shall emit a white light visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet to the front and with a red reflector on the rear of a type approved by the division which shall be visible from all distances from fifty feet to three hundred feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful upper beams of head lamps on a motor vehicle. A lamp emitting a red light visible from a distance of five hundred feet to the rear may be used in addition to the red reflector.

2. No person shall operate a bicycle unless it is equipped with a bell or other device capable of giving a signal audible for a distance of at least one hundred feet, except that a bicycle shall not be equipped with, nor shall any person use upon a bicycle any siren or whistle.
3. Every bicycle shall be equipped with a brake which will enable the operator to make the brake wheels skid on dry, level, clean pavement.
The Motor Vehicle Division is neither required nor authorized to title or register bicycles.
 
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