CA. Law Info

Is that only if you travel faster than 20 mph (or is it 30 mph for an electric motor)?

This sounds like some kind of exemption for motorized bicycles:

Except as provided in subdivisions (a) and (b), none of the provisions of this chapter relating to motorcycles and motor-driven cycles, as defined in this code, shall apply to a motorized bicycle.

V.C. Section 24015 - Motorized Bicycle: Safety and Equipment Requirements

Hi well a little of what I know about this is:

Moped is less than 2 Gross BHP, capable of less than 30 mph on level ground, capable of human propulsion ie pedals, single cylinder, Max of two-speed auto trans is allowed if INCAPABLE of being manually shifted.

M2 license required, tho unclear on availbility

Moped max allowable speed is 30 MPH PERIOD! if you need to go 35-40 you are in MotorDriven Cycle and Motorcycle territory, plan accordingly.

When sold new many Mopeds had no turn signals/thus the grandfathering on signals

There is no clear info on head, tail and brake lights, HOWEVER if it is dark, you better have some, your license plate will not save you.

You need to chesk the "Fee's and assesments" pages for current pricing. As the license plate page, nor the reg 230 will tell you.

This is a thought, not a law carved in stone, BUT, I would think you might want to get your plate BEFORE the state might require all those lights AND a saftey check?

2008 price 18.00 for the plate, it started out at 5.00 a long time ago

The REG 230 is the easiest licensing tool this state has had in my lifetime, tho I am always amazed how many people complain about it, and wont use it.

Shifting is illegal on CA streets, and not legal in any Moped class in the world, that I am aware of.

Excessive noise is a chance that the state will crack down on us.

Learn the laws concerning Bicycle and Moped, so we can avoid the hassles.

I never mess with electrics, but the language in state law continually confuses people, so they think they are not a moped, when they have gas engines.


If you want bicycle status, and are riding where engines are not allowed to be operated, yours had better be COLD!

The CHP website is pretty good info, the DMV page on Moped Plates, the Motorcycle handbook, and Vehicle code are all very important tools to figure out the intricacies of CA law.

Mike

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www.ezmotorbike.com www.simpsonmotorbikes.com
Home of the 08 Racer and
NEW Model 10 production bikes
Whizzer, Starfire, and SkyHawk

Ca state law is very detailes when it come to motor assisted bicycles. A liscence plate is suggested for $18. But it does depend on who you speak wih at the DMV office because a motor size stamp could mandatory. then you have to complete a home built vehicle form and pay $27. My dad works for the DMV and although he admits no one really knows what to classify a motor assisted bicycle, everyone agrees that you need to follow traffic laws to make sure you do not attract attension from the Sheriff of Police Dept. He did suggest that I might as well as get a plate and an M2 liscence for myself. This short inconvenience will head off any long term and expensive inconveniences down the line. We're lucky that Ca is laxed with us at the moment, do not push it.

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There is no moment like the now moment.

I was thinking on adding turn signals. I already have a nice strong headlamp, with four different settings, and many good tail lights, some with six different settings! I have a squeeze horn that is pretty loud.

I think I will go ahead and get the plates, and an M2 license, just to be safe. Even though I don't have a motor on my Townie yet, I'm starting to wear my helmet, just to get used to it, so when I get the motor, I'll be ready ....

Hi well vja you got me here!
I cannot figure out how you, who have apparently not even decided which engine you might want to use, could possibly apply for, and recieve, a plate, for a motorized bicycle, telling them info about the engine, when in fact you do not have an engine.

Did I miss something?

Mike

__________________
www.ezmotorbike.com www.simpsonmotorbikes.com
Home of the 08 Racer and
NEW Model 10 production bikes
Whizzer, Starfire, and SkyHawk

vja4him, Get the bike put together first. You may have to take it to the DMV before they give you a plate since there is no serial number or cc stamped on the motor. You can apply for the M2 liscense or go for the M1 if you want to ride at night. If you take a class on motorcycle safety with the CHP, you do not need to take the actual riding test. You just have to take the written. And if you want to get insured, it will save you some money as well.

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There is no moment like the now moment.

HI I'm not familiar with the CHP saftey course, how bout some details?

Thanks,

Mike

__________________
www.ezmotorbike.com www.simpsonmotorbikes.com
Home of the 08 Racer and
NEW Model 10 production bikes
Whizzer, Starfire, and SkyHawk

Call your locat CHP office and ask about taking a motorcycle safety course and schedule one. Once completed, you get a DL 389 form that you take to the DMV. If you are under the age of 21 it is a mandatory course. Over 21 and you can go with out the driving test. Attached is where the info is on the Ca DMV site.

Driver License and Identification (ID) Card Information

And here is the site for the Motorcycle Safety Course.

Welcome to the California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) Website .................................................. ...................

Hope this helps.

By the way, sarting January 1st, 2009, it will be illegal and punishable by up to a $100 fine for smoking in a vehicle with a minor.

Driver license for 2008

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There is no moment like the now moment.

That is, when I have a motor, I will get the plates and an M2 license ... just to be safe, and ready if I ever do get stopped ...