Do pusher trailers have to abide by the same laws?

[Big Red]

Mobility device

Just looked it up at the DMV website.( VC sec. 313) dimensions must be,20" wide and 25" deep and able to turn in place. 12mph limit.
But this is all B...S... I've seen them more then 25" deep. The handle bars are taller than that. Perhaps they mean 25" from the seat. That would be do"able. As far as turning in place, Most of my bikes can do that if I keep the tank out of the way. I've also seen motorized chairs doing a LOT more then the 12mph limit. So, Make the seat no taller than 25" high. No more than 25" wide, (no wide ape hangers) and make sure it has a GREAT turning ability. And keep the speed to around 15mph and I really think it could work.
Good Luck,
Big Red.
P.S. Just looked closer at sec 313. Has to be self balancing. SO BUILD A TRIKE.

 

[Big Red]

Paperwork

The more I see of pusher trailers, the more I want to build one. I've got a new $800 Diamondback that I'd really like to motorize, but there's no way I'm bolting an HT engine to that oval-cross-section thin wall aluminum frame and screwing up the rear wheel with a clunky sprocket mount. But clamping a simple trailer hitch to the seat post looks pretty non-destructive.

In California you register your motorized bicycle with the DMV and get a special little plate, kind of like a moped. If I ever build a pusher, I'm probably going to register the trailer, not the bike, and mount the plate back with the engine. I mean, that's the "motorized" part.

I'll have full legal paperwork to show the cops. And I could easily swap the trailer between bikes and not worry about multiple registrations. Plus, if I remove the trailer, all I have is just a plain, old bike again.

Any other Californians think this will fly?

Hey CroMagnum, Would it be possible to photocopy your paperwork, Covering up your name and address of course, and post a pic of it. I'm getting ready to get all legal myself (It hurts, It hurts,) and I've heard some real horror stories about DMV. If I could go in armed with a "sample" it would show them that it has been done and they, as required by law, should also register my bike.
Thanks in advance,
Big Red.

 

[CroMagnum]

Hey CroMagnum, Would it be possible to photocopy your paperwork, Covering up your name and address of course, and post a pic of it. I'm getting ready to get all legal myself (It hurts, It hurts,) and I've heard some real horror stories about DMV. If I could go in armed with a "sample" it would show them that it has been done and they, as required by law, should also register my bike.

I don't have anything yet. I mailed in the Reg230 form a on Diamondback mountain bike a few weeks ago and haven't gotten anything back yet. It'll probably be at least another month. I'm planning on dropping an 80cc HT motor in it.

I just used the bike serial as the VIN and found a number on the motor. We'll see if it works. I saw so many messages posted that warned against trying to talk personally with the local DMV drones that I opted to take the safe route and mail it in.

 

[Big Red]

Paperwork

I don't have anything yet. I mailed in the Reg230 form a on Diamondback mountain bike a few weeks ago and haven't gotten anything back yet. It'll probably be at least another month. I'm planning on dropping an 80cc HT motor in it.

I just used the bike serial as the VIN and found a number on the motor. We'll see if it works. I saw so many messages posted that warned against trying to talk personally with the local DMV drones that I opted to take the safe route and mail it in.

That just might be the better way. Let us know how it works out for you.
Big Red.

 

[ZnsaneRyder]

Regardless of what the laws are, you run into an idiot cop, and not a good one that actually does his job, you will just end up being arrested anyway and the cop will spew BS to try to validate his case (only allowed 10mph, or whatever nonsense he invents from the top of his head) - which of course when you go to court, charges will just be dropped, and you will lose your bike in impound, and they will never reprimand the officer or compensate you for your losses. EVEN IF (in my case) you ALREADY HAVE a Valid Driver's License, and you went to court before and had charges dropped, and tell next officer you already went to court, you will get arrested anyway.

Get a TAG, regardless of configuration of bike.

Don't risk it, there's too many idiots out there.

IT'S NOT AT ALL ABOUT OBEYING THE LAWS, OR BICYCLE SPEED/CC/HP/TECHNICALITY/CONSTRUCTION!

IT'S THE FACT YOU ARE OUT THERE, AND VULNERABLE, AND AN EASY TARGET, AND HAVE NO LICENSE PLATE/TAG TO USE THE LAW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM POTENTIAL CROOKED POLICE OFFICER LOOKING FOR EASY PREY.

AT LEAST WITH A LICENSE PLATE, YOU HAVE PROOF OF LAW COMPLIANCE. WITHOUT SUCH PROOF, OFFICER CAN ARREST YOU FOR ANY REASON UNTIL PROVEN IN COURT.

ITS ABOUT THE INDIVIDUAL YOU ARE DEALING WITH THAT IS AN EMPLOYEE OF THE STATE, WHO CAN DO WHAT EVER HE/SHE WANTS TO YOU. THAT'S HOW THE SYSTEM REALLY WORKS PEOPLE!

EVEN IF YOU HAVE BEEN TO COURT BEFORE, THEY CAN ARREST YOU/STOP YOU AGAIN, JUST TO HAVE YOU GO BACK TO COURT TO PROVE YOU ARE LEGAL.........AGAIN IT IS NOT DOUBLE JEOPARDY IF THEY DON'T CHARGE YOU, SO THEY CAN ARREST YOU AS MANY TIMES AS THEY LIKE FOR THE SAME THING IF YOU NEVER GET CHARGED!

 

[sparky]

ZnsaneRyder....

I would recommend NOT speaking to an officer. You have that right. I have tried speaking to an officer before, only TRYING to explain to him that I did my best to look for the law.

COPS DON'T WANT TO HEAR THE LAW. They want to "Be Superior" and intimidate you. That's it.

Let them say whatever it is they have to say. If you have evidence of the law, then SHOW it to him, but don't explain it to him. Remember... he doesn't want to hear it.

Also... I would think twice about whether or not I "offer" a legal name to an officer, much less a state-issued ID/DL. No man is obligated to do anything for another man.... UNTIL HE CONTRACTUALLY OBLIGES. What is happening at the side of the road is that the cop is OFFERING to write you a ticket when you provide him your name, rank, and file... and you are ACCEPTING that offer by following thru with your end.

A much better solution would be to just shut up. Only about half of the states require you to identify yourself to a cop, but to be on the safe side... I would think it'd be smart to offer up a name anyway, just not a LEGAL name. My name is "Znsane". If the cop is acting lawfully, he needs no more information. If he is acting legally, then you don't even need to tell him your name is "Znsane". Even better... follow my advice above. Always answer questions with questions. "What is your name?" "Are you acting legally or lawfully?"

Just do NOT tell him that your name is "Znsane Ryder, with SSN 333-22-1111, address at 44 crazy street, DOB of 05/05/1955, shoe size 12 1/2, etc.!!!!

Ask if you're obligated to have a name, a SSN, an address, a DOB (which is hearsay, anyway, because you weren't conscious at the time of your birth), etc.

If a cop says, "Take off your pants, Mr. Peckerhead. Let me get a look at your Willie." You are free to do as he says, but you are under no obligation to do as he says, either. Remember that.

My license expired earlier this year and I have absolutely no intention of renewing it.

 

[Big Red]

Cops

You guys must have it real rough in Florida and Mississippi. I've been pulled over a few times, asked for my ID, then we start talking about my bike. The Pull Over was a ploy to get a closer look at my bike. Most cops around here,(not all,) are polite and respectful. I've had my share of A Hole cops, and if you got no wants or warrents there's not much they can do, unless you start being a smart A**, like giving them a false name. If the cop starts REALLY giving you carp, Ask for his superviser. By law one has to come to settle any disputes. I've done this before and the cop "all of a sudden" starts acting professional again.
It might be altogether different in Florida and OLE MISS. That is the DEEP south. If it is that bad I feel sorry for you guys and wish you the best of luck.
Big Red.

 

[sjn]

The cops around here have been totally cool about my pusher. I hope it stays that way after I finish swapping out that pathetic chinese 50 cc for a 305 cc 8 hp briggs! Crossing fingers now.