loquin
Well-Known Member
OK. I Did some digging & came up with some links for you to take a look at.
Essentially, it appears that the DOT (Dept. of Transportation) and the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) are duking it out at the moment. Although, if they seriously get into a shouting match, DOT outranks NHTSA...
The NHTSA Rules Interpretation Files had a couple of responses which seemed to fit motorized bicycles as a class.
http://isearch.nhtsa.gov/files/15444.ztv.html
http://isearch.nhtsa.gov/files/14165.ztv.html
The scoop is that NHTSA feels that if a Motorized Bicycle is capable of pulling out from a standing start, then it should be classified as a motor vehicle (Motored Bike.) If it can't (engine power, gearing, clutch, etc.) then it shouldn't be classified as a motor vehicle. The idea is that if the bike motor is used to ASSIST the human pedaler, (in going up hills, or for continuing to push the bike along when the pedaler is fatiqued,) then it should be treated as a bicycle. (Did I ever tell you that I get tired VERY easily ??? )
Now, on the other hand, the DOT has a different spin on things.
DOT Intrepretation & feedback
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/pdf/05-11764.pdf
This issue of the Federal Registrar discusses the 20 MPH speed limit of motorized bicycles, and how the testing would be performed.
http://dmses.dot.gov/docimages/pdf92/342345_web.pdf
A letter from the motorcycle industry council, responding to the proposed DOT regulation above. Although against implementing the regulation, they noted what we already know (and find frustrating)
"The maximum speed of a human-powered bicycle can be considerably greater than 20 mph."
Essentially, it appears that the DOT (Dept. of Transportation) and the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) are duking it out at the moment. Although, if they seriously get into a shouting match, DOT outranks NHTSA...
The NHTSA Rules Interpretation Files had a couple of responses which seemed to fit motorized bicycles as a class.
http://isearch.nhtsa.gov/files/15444.ztv.html
http://isearch.nhtsa.gov/files/14165.ztv.html
The scoop is that NHTSA feels that if a Motorized Bicycle is capable of pulling out from a standing start, then it should be classified as a motor vehicle (Motored Bike.) If it can't (engine power, gearing, clutch, etc.) then it shouldn't be classified as a motor vehicle. The idea is that if the bike motor is used to ASSIST the human pedaler, (in going up hills, or for continuing to push the bike along when the pedaler is fatiqued,) then it should be treated as a bicycle. (Did I ever tell you that I get tired VERY easily ??? )
Now, on the other hand, the DOT has a different spin on things.
DOT Intrepretation & feedback
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/pdf/05-11764.pdf
This issue of the Federal Registrar discusses the 20 MPH speed limit of motorized bicycles, and how the testing would be performed.
http://dmses.dot.gov/docimages/pdf92/342345_web.pdf
A letter from the motorcycle industry council, responding to the proposed DOT regulation above. Although against implementing the regulation, they noted what we already know (and find frustrating)
"The maximum speed of a human-powered bicycle can be considerably greater than 20 mph."
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