It can either be a curse or a relief that Idaho is still behind the times with their definitions of motorcycles, mopeds, and motor-assisted bicycles (my reasoning below):
**************************************************
Excerpt from Title 49, Chapter 1: Motor Vehicles Definitions
Idaho Statutes
(9) "Moped" means a limited-speed motor-driven cycle having:
(a) Both motorized and pedal propulsion that is not capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed in excess of thirty (30) miles per hour on level ground, whether two (2) or three (3) wheels are in contact with the ground during operation. If an internal combustion engine is used, the displacement shall not exceed fifty (50) cubic centimeters and the moped shall have a power drive system that functions directly or automatically without clutching or shifting by the operator after the drive system is engaged; or
(b) Two (2) wheels or three (3) wheels with no pedals, which is powered solely by electrical energy, has an automatic transmission, a motor which produces less than two (2) gross brake horsepower, is capable of propelling the device at a maximum speed of not more than thirty (30) miles per hour on level ground and as originally manufactured, meets federal motor vehicle safety standards for motor-driven cycles. A moped is not required to be titled and no motorcycle endorsement is required for its operator.
(10) "Motorbike" means a vehicle as defined in section 67-7101, Idaho Code. Such vehicle shall be titled and may be approved for motorcycle registration pursuant to [under] section 49-402, Idaho Code, upon certification by the owner of the installation and use of conversion components that make the motorbike compliant with federal motor vehicle safety standards.
(11) "Motorcycle" means every motor vehicle having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three (3) wheels in contact with the ground that meets the federal motor vehicle safety standards as originally designed, and includes a converted motorbike, but does not include a motor-driven cycle, a motorbike, a tractor or a moped.
Excerpt from Title 67, Chapter 71: Recreational Activities:
Idaho Statutes
(9) "Motorbike" means any self-propelled two (2) wheeled motorcycle or motor-driven cycle, excluding tractor, designed for or capable of traveling off developed roadways and highways and also referred to as trailbikes, enduro bikes, trials bikes, motocross bikes or dual purpose motorcycles.
**************************************************
I say this is either a curse or a relief because, upon completing my first build, I contacted the DMV (via email) to ask them about the above statutes or what they thought about motor-assisted bicycles. The person who emailed me back asked me if I had a picture of my bike, and to describe it further (as they didn't understand what I was referring to). I quickly replied with a picture, and they wrote back with a somewhat vague explanation. They said Idaho Laws don't specify what a motor-assisted bicycle is, so it's really up to the local law agency of any given area as to how they would react or deal with these. So, depending upon how the law enforcement is in any given area, you can either have smiles or trouble. I myself have never had any problems here in Boise or even in neighboring Garden City. Of course, I ride like a gentleman and always obey all traffic laws.
But, I want to also put in my two cents about what a "moped" is. Dictionary.com, thefreedictionary.com, and yourdictionary.com, all define (in so many words) the word as "a motorized bicycle that has pedals in addition to a low-powered gasoline engine designed for low-speed operation." The origin of the word is about 1955, and if you break down the word, "mo" is for motor, and "ped" is Latin for foot, and also short for pedal. So, to split hairs and cause some to discuss this beyond length, ALL motor-assisted bicycles are mopeds, in the true sense of the word.
And that brings me to my last point: in Idaho, a moped is exactly what my bike falls under, and I think that even if you have a larger engine on your bike, and as long as you obey all traffic laws and are a conscientious rider, you should be safe.
