California?

GoldenMotor.com

mikevkid

New Member
Mar 21, 2012
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California
I just bought a 2-stoke motor from grubee and I just needed to understand the laws. If anyone can summerize the laws that would be awesome!!! thanks guys!!


RIDE ON!!!!!!!!!
 

MysterySandwich

New Member
Jun 30, 2012
196
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California
Easy to summarize it in 3 steps, too:

1) Keep it 30MPH or less, have lights and DOT helmet
2) Download and print out this form, send it in with $19
3) Get an M1 or M2 license
Wait . . . I emailed motovelo.us and they said:

"All of our engines are street legal in CALIFORNIA.
We are the only small engine company who has EPA approved motors, and we are the only ones able to ship them to CALIFORNIA buyers.
So yes, feel free to order from us. Our delivery is with fedex of ups, and takes about 4-6 days to get them to your door.


These do not require a license or registration to operate. "
 

MotorBicycleRacing

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Jul 28, 2010
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Wait . . . I emailed motovelo.us and they said:

"All of our engines are street legal in CALIFORNIA.
We are the only small engine company who has EPA approved motors, and we are the only ones able to ship them to CALIFORNIA buyers.
So yes, feel free to order from us. Our delivery is with fedex of ups, and takes about 4-6 days to get them to your door.


These do not require a license or registration to operate. "
They lie so they can sell a few more kits to guys with no license.

Don't believe everything you read online which includes me.
Check it out for yourself and yes, that takes some time and effort.

Motorized bicycles require a M2 or M1 endorsement and a $19 one time
license plate.
Just because those laws aren't enforced everywhere in CA doesn't make
them invalid.
You can get away with no license or registration until you get stopped. :)

If you like riding around looking over your shoulder and not going to
certain areas that is up to you.

The guy on the left is in front of my bike, the guy with the backpack got a ticket.
The cop could have given all 3 of us tickets if he had wanted to.

 
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MysterySandwich

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Jun 30, 2012
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California
Oh wow. . . that's shady of motovelo... the reason I wanted to get a gas engine is the lack of license, hermm... do you know what the deal is with permits?

(i'm 17 1/2)
 

Mike B

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Mar 23, 2011
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Central CA
Build an ebike.

No license, no registration, no DOT helmet requirement either.

Just gotta be 16 and wear a bicycle helmet.
 

MotorBicycleRacing

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Jul 28, 2010
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http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl655/mcycle_htm/requirements.htm

Just take the written test and get a permit.
Don't get a M2, get a M1.
it is no harder to pass and you can ride motorcycles too.

Minors’ M1/M2 License Requirements

To obtain a Class M1/M2 license, you must:

Complete the requirements listed above.
Be at least 16 years old.
Hold a Class M1/M2 permit for 6 months prior to the issuance of a motorcycle license.

NOTE: The skills test may be waived for a person presenting a valid DL 389; however, you may be required to perform an observation test for a motorcycle only license.


Adults’ 18 through 20 Years of Age M1/M2 Permit Requirements

To obtain a Class M1/M2 instruction permit, you must:

Complete the application requirements.

Provide a Completion of Motorcycle Training Certificate (DL 389) from an approved CHP motorcycle rider training course.

Applicants under 21 years of age are required by law to provide a DL 389 before issuance of an instruction permit
.

Motorcycle training courses are located throughout California. For more information and to locate the nearest training site, call 1-877RIDE-411 or visit www.ca-msp.org.
NOTE: The Certificate of Completion of Motorcycle Training (DL 389) is valid for 12 months from the issue date.
 
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Mike B

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Mar 23, 2011
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Central CA
Beware of cheap ebikes with lead-acid batteries.

If you have a bike you can get a hub kit & a lithium battery for a little more $.
 

MotorBicycleRacing

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Jul 28, 2010
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The problem with getting an M1 would be I'd have to take a course... a course that costs $150-$250

I guess I will go with an eBike, I was thinking the eZip Trailz http://www.walmart.com/ip/Ezip-Trailz-Men-s-Electric-Bike/15773448

Damn, I'm pretty disappointed right now... electric just doesn't sound as nearly as fun (and is much more expensive)
A motor kit at about $200 and the course will be no more than the
cheapest eBike, like about 20 mph for 20 miles if you are lucky.
 

MysterySandwich

New Member
Jun 30, 2012
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California
A motor kit at about $200 and the course will be no more than the
cheapest eBike, like about 20 mph for 20 miles if you are lucky.
But the problem would be time... I haven't started anything for my license yet and want to get on a motorbicycle asap, hmmm (maybe go illegal for half a year until I get an M1 license?)
 

MotorBicycleRacing

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Jul 28, 2010
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But the problem would be time... I haven't started anything for my license yet and want to get on a motorbicycle asap, hmmm (maybe go illegal for half a year until I get an M1 license?)
Once you pass the course which will not take 6 months you can ride
on a temp M1 permit after taking the written test.
The only restriction is that you aren't supposed to ride at night.
 

MysterySandwich

New Member
Jun 30, 2012
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Once you pass the course which will not take 6 months you can ride
on a temp M1 permit after taking the written test.
The only restriction is that you aren't supposed to ride at night.
But according to the DMV website http://www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/checklists/mc.htm
California DMV said:
To obtain a motorcycle license if you are under age 18 you must:

[ ] Be 16 years of age.

[ ] Have had your permit for six months.

[ ] Provide proof of driver education/driver training completion.

[ ] Provide a completion certificate from the motorcycle rider training course.
Okay, so I'm 16, but I haven't had my permit for 6 months, I haven't had it at all! I will be able to provide the driver training proof (that's required for a permit also right? So i'll have it anyways if i have a permit).

As for the motorcycle training course... It would cost $150 (thought it was 250, good thing it's not) and it's quite far away. An hour and 12 minutes by public transportation. I could do all this.. but it would be a lot of hard work.

MAYBE I can do all this and in the meantime ride illegaly until I get my M1?
 

MotorBicycleRacing

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Jul 28, 2010
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But according to the DMV website http://www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/checklists/mc.htm


Okay, so I'm 16, but I haven't had my permit for 6 months, I haven't had it at all! I will be able to provide the driver training proof (that's required for a permit also right? So i'll have it anyways if i have a permit).

As for the motorcycle training course... It would cost $150 (thought it was 250, good thing it's not) and it's quite far away. An hour and 12 minutes by public transportation. I could do all this.. but it would be a lot of hard work.

MAYBE I can do all this and in the meantime ride illegaly until I get my M1?
As I understand it you can drive on a permit for those 6 months, you don't have to have a license.
Why don't you call the DMV?
 

bairdco

a guy who makes cool bikes
Aug 18, 2009
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living the dream in southern california
a permit is good for a year. can't ride at night, can't carry passengers.

to get a permit you have to pass a written test. you can study the motorcycle handbook on line. and you WILL need to study it. there's a bunch of questions on the test that don't make any sense, but they're covered in the book.

instead of riding illegally, just get the permit as soon as you can. after the mandatory 6 months, you've still got another 6 months to figure out when you can take the course...
 

MotorBicycleRacing

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Jul 28, 2010
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Yuhp, I'm going to call the DMV tomorrow, and it can't take that long to get a permit...

Thanks everybody! Especcially you MotorBicycleRacing
Take the damn course, it's a lousy $150 and it may save you from
serious injury or death! :)
You are 17 and probably still think that you are immortal. :D
Riding motorcycles and these motorized bicycles is serious business.

I got my MC license when I was 16 and somehow survived until
I took the safety course at about 22? I highly recommend it.

Getting out on a race track is a great way to build your skills too
in a pretty safe environment.