cloakedvillain
Well-Known Member
I suppose it's more of a ship of theseus style question: does the machine have to start life as a bicycle or just look like one?
Is it still a motorized bike if the build uses a custom frame and motorcycle wheels?
- Thread starter cloakedvillain
- Start date
GW's Motorized
Well-Known Member
I'd say it depends on if the custom frame has pedals or not.
Sidewinder Jerry
Well-Known Member
Lots of vehicles can be called a bike as long as it has a seat and 2 wheels.
In order to be a bicycle the vehicle must have a seat, pedals, and 2 wheels. However, in legal terminology a bicycle is described as having a seat, pedals, and 2 or 3 wheels.
In order to be a bicycle the vehicle must have a seat, pedals, and 2 wheels. However, in legal terminology a bicycle is described as having a seat, pedals, and 2 or 3 wheels.
Motorcycle is just short for Motorized Bicycle. Bicycle is just a name for a 2 wheeled conveyance, be it peddled or propelled with a motor or engine. Modern use of the words just evolved them into very specific things, and today most people mean a pedaled bicycle when they say bicycle.
The propulsion methods are really the one variable. A Moped - Motor and Pedal - instead of calling it a Motor Pedal Cycle. Which is what most of us build on this site, and what most ebikes are considered.
That is actually the legal separation that many states and cities are using to define the legality of, and registration of, many ebikes. If it lacks pedals, it is an electric motorcycle.
The propulsion methods are really the one variable. A Moped - Motor and Pedal - instead of calling it a Motor Pedal Cycle. Which is what most of us build on this site, and what most ebikes are considered.
That is actually the legal separation that many states and cities are using to define the legality of, and registration of, many ebikes. If it lacks pedals, it is an electric motorcycle.
GW's Motorized
Well-Known Member
The legal definition does however include human power.
Sidewinder Jerry
Well-Known Member
Some places state in their legal statutes a motorized bicycle shall be treated like a human powered bicycle
GW's Motorized
Well-Known Member
Or like here in Oregon where a pedal bike is still considered a motor vehicle
Sidewinder Jerry
Well-Known Member
In your state and all states in the United States bicycles are considered vehicles but not motor vehicles. Bicycles are expected to obey all traffic laws that are applicable to them as well as the common laws which applies to all vehicles.
States aren't saying motorized bicycles are bicycles but they're to use all the laws which apply to a bicycles.
With the one notable exception being New Mexico...lol.
Chapter 18 – Other “Vehicles”
Section E. Motorized Bicycles
Revised November 30, 2017
Motorized Bicycles are not considered to be mopeds or motorcycles.
By current MVD practice, motorized bicycles are considered to be bicycles (not mopeds or motorcycles) and are not subject to the titling and registration requirements of the Motor Vehicle Code.
Sidewinder Jerry
Well-Known Member
The key word is considered. Which means all laws that apply to bicycles are to be applied to a motorized bicycle.
In a States code of definitions of what is a bicycle you won't see anything mentioning a motor/engine. Most even go as far as saying is propelled under human power alone.
So in States like NM if the police encounters a motorized bicycle, they're to ignore the engine/motor and use the same laws that apply to a bicycle.
Similar threads
