ASK the BFO Office of the DMV as I did.......
They will tell you to:
It's NOT a MOPED....IT's A Motorized Bicycle
IT WILL BE TREATED AS A BICYCLE AND NOT A MOTOR VEHICLE.
'BrettMavriK
ABSOLUTELY CORRECT!!!
BUT that is in terms of TAGs/REGISTRATION and NOT for LICENSING!
Either way, it's against Florida law to operate a gas powered bicycle without a valid Drivers License. Just because you can't REGISTER it as a Moped, that does not mean it's not a Moped when it comes to LICENSING! (It doesn't matter to the poster who couldn't register it as a Moped, because he has a valid license and is allowed by law to ride it on public roads.)
Ultimately, if you ride it on public roads, without a valid license and the police take you to court, you will be charged (and convicted) of driving without a license.
In terms of law, it's the MORE STRICT of the laws that needs to be adhered to, unless specifically stated as such from the Federal Govt. (State/County/Local can make it LESS strict)
In terms of bicycles...
- Federal law says that an electrically driven bicycle is considered a "bicycle" and the laws of
bicycles apply if:
- Electrically driven bicycle has less than 750 watt motor
- Functional pedals
- Max speed is less than 20mph
- The Federal law shall supersede any State law or requirement with respect to low-speed
electric bicycles. (The state must regulate the electric bicycle as a bicycle)
Now Florida law specifically states
Definition of "Bicycle"
(Section 316.003(2), F.S.)
Every vehicle propelled solely by human power, and every motorized bicycle propelled by a combination of human power and an electric helper motor capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed of not more than 20 miles per hour on level ground upon which any person may ride, having two tandem wheels, and including any device generally recognized as a bicycle though equipped with two front or two rear wheels. The term does not include such a vehicle with a seat height of no more than 25 inches from the ground when the seat is adjusted to its highest position or a scooter or a similar device. No person under the age of 16 may operate or ride upon a motorized bicycle.
(The only difference is the wattage of the motor, there is no limit on the wattage in FL's law.)
There seems to be 2 different schools of thought on this subject. (If you don't have a license)
1.) Well, it's not TECHNICALLY legal and 99% of the time I'll get away with it, and if I'm passing an officer, I'll turn off the (gas) engine and pedal, so if he sees me, he'll be thinking I'm on a bicycle. (snicker, snicker)
2.) Well, I'll follow the law and use an electric motor only on my bicycle and stay within the confines of legality.
I'm thinking of using a small one wheel trailer on the back of the bicycle and putting a gas powered generator (which has an electric socket in it) and plug in my electric charger and connect that to charge up the battery of my electric bicycle. (which should effectively double my range, or there-abouts)