| | | Laws and Legislation Share you knowledge of the laws pertaining to your state on motorized bicycling in this forum | california laws? Discussion at Motorized Bicycle Engine Kit Forum in the Laws and Legislation forum. does anyone know what you need to ride these in california?...  | | 
07-13-2009, 07:33 PM
| | Motorized Bicycle Newbie | | Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: simi valley CA
Posts: 3
| | california laws? does anyone know what you need to ride these in california? | 
07-13-2009, 09:53 PM
| | Motorized Bicycle Elite Member | | Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Los Osos, California
Posts: 106
| | Re: california laws? By “ride” I assume you mean on the street and legally. By “these” I assume you mean a gas powered motorized bicycle, with less than 2 horsepower and 30 mph on level ground. Then you also need:
Brake light
Horn
Mirror
Moped plate $19 one time fee
DOT approved helmet
M1 or M2 license
And for night riding you also need a headlight and taillight. | 
07-14-2009, 12:39 AM
|  | Moderator | | Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Cuk Ṣon, AZ
Posts: 4,724
| | Re: california laws? | 
07-14-2009, 04:13 PM
|  | Motorized Bicycle Newbie | | Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: harvey, nd
Posts: 7
| | Re: california laws? just another reason i moved away from calif miss the beach though | 
07-17-2009, 10:55 PM
| | Motorized Bicycle Newbie | | Join Date: May 2009 Location: Tucson,Az
Posts: 19
| | Re: california laws? What I have been tiring to find out is ....
I live in AZ and would like to ride my MB into Cal. Can I?
because the bike dosent have a plate they ,LE , dont know I am from AZ!
Cant apply for Ca reg because I dont have a mailing address in CA.
what do do????
bmc_az | 
07-18-2009, 12:04 AM
|  | Motorized Bicycle Elite Member | | Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: upstate NY
Posts: 1,452
| | Re: california laws? rent a post office box at a post office in cal then you will have a mailing address. | 
07-20-2009, 02:21 PM
|  | Motorized Bicycle Newbie | | Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: California
Posts: 15
| | Re: california laws? Recently moved to CA, got all the driver's handbooks, here's what i found, anyone/everyone feel free to comment/correct/or add to: A motor-driven cycle is defined as a motorcycle with a 149cc or less engine size. A motorized bicycle is defined as a two-wheeled device capable of no more than 30 mph on level ground, and equipped with 1. fully operative pedals for human propulsion, and 2. a motor producing less than 2 gross brake horsepower and an automatic transmission. If you operate a motorized bicycle that meets the above, you, 1. must be at least 16 yrs old, 2. must wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet, and 3. are EXEMPT from motor vehicle financial responsibility, drivers license, and moped plate requirements. You may ride in the bicycle lane at a reasonable speed so long as you are mindful of other cyclists using the lane. | 
07-20-2009, 05:07 PM
| | Motorized Bicycle Elite Member | | Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Los Osos, California
Posts: 106
| | Re: california laws? girlgofast - You’re mixing up two different classifications. I looked at the most recent handbook and that is not what it says. This is what it says:
If you operate a motorized bicycle
which meets the definition of VC §406[b], 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 §12804.9). 406b does not require a plate but applies to 20mph electric bicycles only. 406a applies to gas powered motorized bicycles that go 30mph. Then you need a special plate and DOT approved motorcycle helmet. The confusion may come from the fact that they are both referred to as “motorized bicycles”. But a motorized bicycle that goes 30mph is also a moped. | 
07-20-2009, 06:22 PM
|  | Motorized Bicycle Newbie | | Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: California
Posts: 15
| | Re: california laws? Hmmm, 406a v. 406b. You're right Scothmo. So are they expecting people to register, plate, and insure all bicycles with gas powered motors (even if they don't reach speeds higher than 30mph) but not regular bicycles. Does that mean you have to get a horn, lights, reflectors, M1 license, etc? | 
07-21-2009, 02:53 PM
|  | Custom Builder / Dealer | | Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Los Angeles, CA.
Posts: 1,435
| | Re: california laws? I ride every day in cali...
If you have a M1 or M2 license, wear a helmet, (I don't wear one) & have bicycle lights at night; & if you see any police, slow down, smile & wave to them!
If you do these things, YOU WILL NEVER HAVE ANY PROBLEMS with them!
Now go ride & have fun!! 
Last edited by Venice Motor Bikes : 07-22-2009 at 12:56 PM.
| | Thread Tools | | | | Display Modes | Linear Mode |
Posting Rules
| You may not post new threads You may not post replies You may not post attachments You may not edit your posts HTML code is Off | | | All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:42 PM. | | | Sponsors
| | To be a sponsor Contact Us | | | | |
Donations accepted!
| |