After I saw Scribbles' post about PA Senate Bill 1444, I read the bill thoroughly, as well as anything else that popped up on a search of DMV's web site using the keywords "motorized pedalcycle". As a result, I'm convinced we have a pretty hard case that no registration, title, inspection, or special license is required. Furthermore, it appears that we're exempt from the protective headgear requirement. Here's what I found:
PA Title 75, P.L 162, No81, Effective July 1 1977: http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/pdotforms...e/chapter1.pdf
Section 102(2) defines a motorized pedalcycle as "A motor-driven cycle equipped with operable pedals, a motor no more than 1.5 brake horsepower, a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters, an automatic transmission, and a maximum design speed of no more than 25 miles per hour......"
PA Senate Bill 1444 (Session of 1978), Amending Title 75 SENATE BILL 1444 P.N. 1826
Section 102 defines 'Motorcycle' and Motor-driven cycle', but goes on to say that these definitions do not include a 'motorized pedalcycle'. Section 1102(11) specifically says that a motorized pedalcycle does not require a title. Section 1302(10) specifically says that a motorized pedlcycle does not require registration.
Subchapter J, "Vehicle Equipment and Registration Regulations" http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/pdotforms...section_jk.pdf
Section 175.220(e) specifically says "A motorized pedalcycle is exempt from inspection"
Chapter 35 "Special Vehicles and Pedestrians" http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/pdotforms.../chapter35.pdf
Section 3525(a) Provides an exclusion from the protective headgear requirement for motorized pedalcycles
So it appears to me that, assuming our motors are under 50cc and 1.5 HP, we don't need registration, titling, inspection, or protective headgear. The only sticky point for me is the engine size; even though my engine is "80cc" and technically not in the 'motorized pedalcycle' class, I carry a screen capture printout of an identical-looking 49CC motor with spec's that indicate that it meets the regulations. Unless someone wants to dyno-test my engine, I don't know how they could prove otherwise.
As a consequence of what I've found, I plan to forget about trying to 'go legal ; we
are legal! Per Scribbles suggestion, I plan to just carry copies of all these laws with me.
I know that there are FAQ's and guidelines on the PA DMV web site that conflict with what I've reported, but I have cited the actual statutes that spell it out clearly. If we agree that we're already pretty well protected, then it might not be wise to push our legislators for 'better' regulations. In today's over-protective legislative climate, it would surely only lead to more restrictions.
I have attached a small wallet-size card that I carry, summarizing all of this in case I do get pulled over.
Joe
