| | | Laws and Legislation Share you knowledge of the laws pertaining to your state on motorized bicycling in this forum | Texas law for engine assisted bicycle Discussion at Motorized Bicycle Engine Kit Forum in the Laws and Legislation forum. 15 rms
Where you live there is probably more crackheads to bust than in this one horse town but I'...  | | 
02-27-2008, 10:20 AM
|  | LORD VADER Moderator | | Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: pampa texas
Posts: 1,248
| | Re: Texas law for engine assisted bicycle 15 rms
Where you live there is probably more crackheads to bust than in this one horse town but I've heard they are here as well and even making the stuff. But NO got to get the outlaw engine assisted bicycle riders behind bars as they are a danger to and menace to society and the crackheads are being bothered by all that traffic out side of their labs makes them nervous when mixing the chemicals that they are going to sell to our kids.( I'm just blowing off steam)
I have not been bothered by the police except the time Bob and I got stopped by the THP so he could get a better look and the guy was really nice to us. I had a letter from the motorcycle safety div. that also said we were good to go and I misplaced it. Doesn't that figure. Now if you call or write the Motorcycle safety div there is a different person . Well you must of seen the post I put up here. Whats up with that, the new story now?! From the new person. As I see it there is NO laws concerning the gas fire assisted bikes so if that is the case then the Fed laws should apply. But how do you read them?
Where is the code number and wording stating that we can ride in the street and on highways like a normal bicycle. Not as a moped or scooter or motorcycle or motorized cycle. There is only laws written for electric assisted bicycles that needs to be changed to include the gas fired. I hope with no restrictions on where you can ride whether in town or out in the country. As for speed ( right now I think it is 20 mph).around 35 mph would be nice for on the country roads some, will run you over if you don't watch for the crazys. But if slower I can live with it. I better get to the task of the engine rebuild.
Norman
__________________ norms-iron-works.tripod.com
motor assisted bicycle engine headlights that work off of your white power wire. check it out
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02-27-2008, 04:33 PM
| | Master Motorized Bicycle Builder | | Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 142
| | Re: Texas law for engine assisted bicycle I agree with Joe.. If your state has no laws for Motor assisted bicycles then they are not regulated by the state or city. Then Federal law is the law by default. Which is under 50cc and no more than 30mph under power then it is still a bicycle. Or was it 20mph? It was less than 50cc I remember that.. But I do not remember if it was 20 or 30mph under power that you could not exceed. Some one will have to research it. But..Anyway.. I am no lawyer.. But..I agree with Joe.. Logical anyway.. Enjoy the ride... | 
02-27-2008, 04:38 PM
| | Master Motorized Bicycle Builder | | Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 142
| | both posted again Fed regs | 
02-27-2008, 04:41 PM
| | Master Motorized Bicycle Builder | | Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 142
| | Federal Reg for Motor assisted bicycles more info | 
03-18-2008, 03:25 AM
| | Motorized Bicycle Apprentice | | Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Euless(DFW) Texas
Posts: 7
| | Re: Texas law for engine assisted bicycle I am going to side with Dax on this. I don't like laws that "permit" anyway. They are unamerican. IE If it is not specifically prohibited, it is legal, maybe not wise, but legal. Anyway, Here is something I found on a Texas State Website.
Neighborhood Electric Vehicle and Motor Assisted Scooter Information
The 78th Legislature addressed the issue of new transportation technology. The law now recognizes motor assisted scooters and neighborhood electric vehicles for limited street usage. The law can be found in the Texas Transportation Code (TRC) as Subchapter D, Sections 551.301 and 551.302. Subchapter D became effective on September 1, 2003.
The 79th Legislature amended the law to separate neighborhood electric vehicles from motor assisted scooters. Section 551.302 was repealed and the content became Subchapter E, Motor Assisted Scooter, TRC 551.351. The information below is still an accurate summary of the laws as amended.
In general, any traffic law which applies to bicycles also applies to motor assisted scooters. That means the operator must obey the usual traffic laws that bicycle operators must obey such as speed limit, signal turns, etc. (TRC 551.101(a)). However, TRC 551.351 states that some laws that apply to a motor vehicle do not apply to these scooters. This means that:
Ø the scooter operator doesn't need a driver license,
Ø the scooter operator doesn't need liability insurance,
Ø the scooter doesn't have to be registered or have a license plate,
Ø the scooter doesn't have to carry a low speed vehicle emblem; and,
Ø the scooter doesn't have to be inspected.
Cities and counties may prohibit operation of these scooters on particular streets or highways for safety reasons, as can the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT).
Along with the "motor assisted scooter," the Legislature legalized the "neighborhood electric vehicle." The "neighborhood electric vehicle" is any vehicle subject to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 500. They generally resemble a golf cart, but are larger-usually capable of carrying four passengers-with a top speed between 20 M.P.H. and 25 M.P.H. Vehicles such as the John Deere Gator and Kawasaki Mule are not neighborhood electric vehicles because they are not subject to Federal Standard 500 in that they are designed to primarily carry cargo rather than passengers. Like the motor assisted scooter, neighborhood electric vehicles can be driven on any street or highway with a posted speed limit of 35 M.P.H. or less, and may cross streets or highways with a higher posted speed limit. However, unlike the motor assisted scooter, a neighborhood electric vehicle must be registered and have a license plate. The operator must have a driver license and the vehicle or operator must be covered with the required liability insurance or acceptable substitute. In addition, these vehicles meet the TRC Section 547.001 definition of a "slow moving vehicle," and must carry a low speed vehicle emblem. Finally, as with the motor assisted scooter, a city or county may prohibit their operation on a street or highway for safety reasons, as can TXDOT.
The content of HB 1596 is on subsequent pages of this document. It shows the division of the two types of vehicles and their codification. | 
03-19-2008, 02:49 PM
| | Master Motorized Bicycle Builder | | Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 142
| | Texas law for engine assisted bicycle That is great news !! Texas is a great State !! Big too. IT would take a long time to cross that state on a bike. That means the fun would last a long time... Enjoy the ride.... | 
03-19-2008, 03:15 PM
|  | Moderator | | Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pampa, Texas
Posts: 1,285
| | Re: Texas law for engine assisted bicycle To me this is talking more about motor assisted scooters. And in Texas a motor assisted scooter can't be operated on any street where the posted speed limit is more 35 mph. Also to fit the definition of a scooter it must have a floor board that you can stand up on and a seat that you can sit down on. So a bicycle really doesn't fit in that category.......................
__________________ There are only 10 kinds of people in this world. Those that understand binary and those that don't............
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03-19-2008, 06:28 PM
|  | ADMINISTRATOR | | Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: St. Croix, US Virgin Islands
Posts: 1,713
| | Re: Texas law for engine assisted bicycle you can stand on the pedals i do all the time and i sit in my seat all the time. i dont understand what the problem is | 
03-19-2008, 07:21 PM
|  | Moderator | | Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pampa, Texas
Posts: 1,285
| | Re: Texas law for engine assisted bicycle I don't want mine to be considered a scooter. If it gets classified that way then I can't ride it out to the airport. 4 miles of speed limit above 35 mph. I've talking to my State Representative trying to get clarification of the law or introduce legislation to get them classified legal with a gas motor. I'll keep plugging along. When gas hits 5 bux a gallon they'll have to leave us alone............
__________________ There are only 10 kinds of people in this world. Those that understand binary and those that don't............
Become a Forever Family, it'll change your life. http://www.galtx.org/ http://bdconner.com | 
03-19-2008, 09:07 PM
| | Master Motorized Bicycle Builder | | Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 142
| | Hummm.... These are Bicycles. First . They started life as a bicycle. Then you add a motor for Assist. That makes them motor assisted bicycle. Do you see? Not a Scooter. A scooter does not have pedals and a scooters only mode of propulsion is that by a motor . A scooter never was and never will be a bicycle. From my research, here are the Cats. Bicycle, Motor Assisted Bicycle, Motorized Bicycle, Scooters, motorcycles. These are legal classes and are defined as such. Here in Colorado, A scooter under 50cc does not require registration, plates or insurance. But..The rider has to be 16 years old or older with a Valid Drivers license. M endorsement not required, only a drivers license. Here in Colorado, nothing is needed for a bicycle. Not yet anyway. And..If you put an engine on your bicycle that is less than 49cc, by federal law, it is still a bicycle. Bicycle with motor assist. Now.. If you check on the laws in your area, and they have no Laws or regulations defined for motor Assisted bicycle, then the postulate is that they are not regulated at all. Keep in mind, you better abide by the laws for bicycles. Stop at stop signs, ect ect ect. Or you could get a ticket. But....I am no lawyer , this is only from my research and experience. If you ride your bike down the golf course, or speed, or do other things that make the cops mad, then I can assure you, regulations or not, they will stop you, they will fit you in a class or they will make a place to fit you in , ticket you, and make a lot of trouble for you. You will get a ticket, and could wind up in court, and if you do end up in court, make sure to get the best lawyer you can to win, and establish case law in your favor. Remember this.. Regulated or not, even with laws in our favor, always ride safe, obey the laws for bicycles, ride cool and promote in a positive way our Hobby which seems to be becoming more of a transportation mode for many. and....Enjoy the ride..
Last edited by thatsdax : 03-19-2008 at 09:16 PM.
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