Hi,
I find it odd at the lack of interest on the topic.
Here is correspondence from one fl sheriffs to one electric MBer:
Originally Posted by ****ESF
Here is the e-mail I received from Mr. Weinberg's Supervisor..
*
The asterisk then refers to the bottom of the flier explaining that per Florida law (which can be found under 316.460 Equipment regulations for mopeds.* No person may operate a moped that does not conform to all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards relating to lights and safety and other equipment contained in Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations. A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.*
*
Now if you want to add the motor to a bike and present it to the proper authorities that federally regulate and inspect the production of vehicles and if you receive an approval that the vehicle meets all the criteria, they may issue a number and permit for the vehicle to be considered production and for title.* This must then be taken to the appropriate agency for consideration which may allow for it to be titled and possibly registered.* This process will more than likely take years for approval.
*
This required process basically will keep any bicycle powered by an engine or motor, homemade built and not mass produced, from being recognized as a moped and the Tax Office will follow the same ruling and not issue a registration.*
*
For further federal information:
*
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has established safety standards by which all vehicles
used on a highway must be constructed. The Federal Code of Regulations Title 49, Part 567, requires the
manufacturer to place a label on the vehicle indicating compliance with these safety regulations. Below is the link for this site if you wish to read on.
*
http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/maninfo/mcpkg002.pdf
*
*
I hope this assists you.
*
Here are my thoughts:
My gut feel/ thoughts:
A. is that the above is correct, and the flyer on the topic by St. Lucie County FL Sheriffs Dept MAY unfortunately need to be amended.
B. Those Gas MBers who registered them legitimately years ago as Mopeds at the time of registration are grandfathered in.
ADD:
And its STILL A GREY AREA, (for some Gas MB - Moped Individuals) because of the DOT Issues not having been dealt with at the time of registration.
(End of Add)
C. It would be great if the word "electric" would be removed from the statutes, I guess we are all still waiting on Jeff Arnetts efforts and the MB Community to having the law amended. (no reg, no plate, no licence)
D. (This sheriffs office representative is WRONG in saying that title is required btw.)
I am not an Attorney, but thats my 2 cents.
What do you guys think - anyone?..., anyone?