Dear folks:
Here's the information I have. For reference, the page on the Washington State patrol website that I was using as a basis for equipment requirements re moped licensing is
http://www.wsp.wa.gov/traveler/cvd/equipstd/moped.pdf. This page contains links to the various equipment requirements for mopeds in the RCW (Revised Code of Washington), and also at the bottom contains a three photographs, the center one of which looks like a classic cruiser bicycle with kit motor installation.
The definition of "moped" per Chapter 46.04.304 RCW is "a motorized device designed to travel with not more than three sixteen-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground, having fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power, and an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder displacement not exceeding fifty cubic centimeters which produces no more than two gross brake horsepower (developed by a prime mover, as measured by a brake applied to the driving shaft) that is capable of propelling the device at not more than thirty miles per hour on level ground. "
In the Washington State Patrol web page
http://www.wsp.wa.gov/newsfaqs/faqs.htm#vehclass, the following question is asked and answered:
Q: "How do I need to license my scooter in order to legally operate it on the roadway?"
A: "In the state of Washington, any two or three wheeled vehicle will either be licensed as a motorcycle or a moped depending on the engine size and how fast the vehicle travels.
If the vehicle travels less than 30 mph and has an engine size of less than 50cc, it will be licensed as a moped in the state of Washington and the driver would be required to have a valid drivers license in order to operate it on the roadway. These vehicles are only allowed to operate on roadways that do not exceed 35 mph and must follow any additional restrictions set within their local jurisdictions."
Personally, I think the language above pretty clearly states that my kit-built 49cc bike will be a moped. That said, I uninterested in getting into arguments with anyone about it; I'm just trying to pass on the information I've gotten. If TeamGorillaRacing or anyone else wants to interpret the information above differently than I do, that's their business. My primary goal is to build a vehicle that can replace my car with something much more fuel efficient for most urban single-person trips in Seattle, and because I think the state regulations require a license etc. my decision is that it's more time-efficient and lower cost to just get the license, rather than argue with the police about it. Maybe I'm wasting my money in doing so, but that's cool with me. If TGR wants to ride without a license, more power to him (or her).
