Florida Statues Section 320.02 says "every owner or person in charge of a motor vehicle that is operated or driven on the roads of this state shall register the vehicle" but a moped is not a motor vehicle as defined in 320.01, which says "'Motor vehicle' means: ...any...vehicle operated on the roads of this state, used to transport persons or property, and propelled by power other than muscular power..., but the term does not include...bicycles, or mopeds."
Question 1: Since only motor vehicles must be registered and mopeds are not motor vehicles, it sounds like mopeds don't have to be registered. Is that right? If not, where is the law that requires mopeds to be registered?
320.01 defines moped as "any vehicle with pedals to permit propulsion by human power, having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels, with a motor rated not in excess of 2 brake horsepower and not capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed greater than 30 miles per hour on level ground, and with a power-drive system that functions directly or automatically without clutching or shifting gears by the operator after the drive system is engaged. If an internal combustion engine is used, the displacement may not exceed 50 cubic centimeters."
Question 2: It sounds like many gas-powered motorized bicycles up to 50cc would fit the definition of moped. Is that right?
Question 3: Are there any other FL laws that prohibit up-to-50cc gas-powered motorized bicycles on streets?
Question 4: I see gas-powered scooters on the roads constantly. Since they don't have pedals, would they be classified as motorcycles regardless of hp and top speed?
Question 1: Since only motor vehicles must be registered and mopeds are not motor vehicles, it sounds like mopeds don't have to be registered. Is that right? If not, where is the law that requires mopeds to be registered?
320.01 defines moped as "any vehicle with pedals to permit propulsion by human power, having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels, with a motor rated not in excess of 2 brake horsepower and not capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed greater than 30 miles per hour on level ground, and with a power-drive system that functions directly or automatically without clutching or shifting gears by the operator after the drive system is engaged. If an internal combustion engine is used, the displacement may not exceed 50 cubic centimeters."
Question 2: It sounds like many gas-powered motorized bicycles up to 50cc would fit the definition of moped. Is that right?
Question 3: Are there any other FL laws that prohibit up-to-50cc gas-powered motorized bicycles on streets?
Question 4: I see gas-powered scooters on the roads constantly. Since they don't have pedals, would they be classified as motorcycles regardless of hp and top speed?