Mountainman
Active Member
Mountainman..is there any way to PDF those letters and post them here? It would be useful to others in California to assist convincing local police of the legality of having a "motorized bicycle". Also THANK you for digging into this really grey area. we look at this as being under the requirements on page 3 (actually page 7) of the 2008 California motorcycle hand book ( http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl655/dl665mcycle.pdf ) which states
There are two definitions of motorized bicycle (moped). A motorized bicycle is:
- A two- or three-wheeled device, capable of no more than 30 mph on level ground, and equipped with:
-
fully operative pedals for human propulsion.
an internal combustion engine producing less than two gross brake horse-
power and an automatic transmission.
an electric motor, with or without pedals for human propulsion. (VC Sec.406[a])
If you operate a motorized bicycle which meets the definition of
VC Sec.406, you:
- Must be 16 years of age or older.
- Must wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet.
- Are exempt from the motor vehicle financial responsibility, driver license, and moped plate requirements (VC Sec.12804.9).
You may ride a moped in a bicycle lane at a reasonable speed. Be careful of bicyclists using the lane.
we have this page printed out and will be giving them to others in the area.
MikeB1 -- as you have listed above - some things I have noted. 406a max speed listed is 30mph --- 406b max speed is 20 mph --- in the Calif. motorcycle handbook 2007 it states that 406b requires no drivers license but doesn't address the issue of license in regards to 406a ??? THIS SEEMS TO BE ONE BIG GREY AREA !!! -- question I think would be -- if I have a gas motorized bicycle which goes approx. 20 mph do I need a license ? Here's the thing - even if my point brought out here is correct - how many will REALLY want to travel at 20 mph - just so they do not need a license ? Happy Riding from Mountainman
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