Maine Motorized Bicycle Laws... sorta...

[BarelyAWake]

The laws in Maine regarding motorized bicycles are somewhat vague at best: Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles They used to actually have a specific entry for motorized bicycles - the usual parameters regarding such things, but it disappeared last month or so. I've heard some rumors (good ones) but they're just rumors ofc.

Currently the way the site is written you may at first mistake the scooter entry for what yer lookin' for - but obv that doesn't work with the "Each wheel (not tire) is less than 10" in diameter" let alone the engine size restriction. The only remaining entry referencing motorized bikes is this byline in scooters: "Can be used on a public way like a motorized bicycle or tricycle"

I have chosen to interpret that (with the info that used to be there) as MB's are legal if they stay under 20mph (a touch unreasonable), have 3 wheels or less, and while you don't need registration or insurance you do need a operator's license (any sort) to have 'em on the road.

Please note this is an interpretation on my part and also that it includes information no longer available on that site. While I did get pulled over and the officer "checked it out" and had no further problems with me - I'd still make a few calls to see if you can't get some better info. Remember to make a coupla calls tho as you'll very likely get vastly different answers every time.

The regulations that used to be there and most likely still apply;

A motorized bicycle/tricycle is a vehicle that has a motor attached to a wheel and is no more than 1.5 brake horsepower and has a cylinder capacity* capable of propelling the vehicle unassisted at a speed of 25 m.p.h. or less on a level road surface. A motorized bicycle/tricycle may have foot pedals**.

1. An operator's license or a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle or moped endorsement or restriction is required.
2. Registration is not required.
3. The operator of a motorized bicycle/tricycle must ride to the right, except when making a left turn.
4. The vehicle may not be operated in excess of 20 m.p.h***.
5. An operator may not ride other than astride a regular and permanently attached seat.
6. May not be used to carry more persons than the number for which it is designed.
7. A person may not attach the vehicle to a moving vehicle on a public way.
8. Operator may travel on a paved shoulder.
9. A municipality may make other provisions for the location of motorized bicycle/tricycle traffic.
10. Operator of a motorized bicycle/tricycle must obey all other traffic laws.

The "*" is me btw and this is why;
*note that here no maximum displacement is mandated beyond "capability"...
**note that a motorized bicycle may have pedals... so this means "may not" as well?
***may not be operated in excess of 20mph, which ofc is different than the "capable of 25mph or less" stated earlier.

[72tx340]

Yes but the motor isnt attached to the wheel its attached to the frame so it doesnt make it there

[TerrontheSnake]

plus what the **** is a permanent seat? On a bicycle? Even a harley seat is removeable?

[Cabinfever1977]

The motor is attached to the wheel via a chain and sprocket.
A permanent seat means a seat thats attached somehow even if you can remove it.
A non permanent seat would be like using a milkcrate that is not atatched on a scooter.

[homeruner]

WOW Thank you for this!! This was so helpful, I'm been having some trouble with the legality of it and whether I need to get it registered, so thanks for the help. This is great news!

[72tx340]

Somewhere when i was looking into this....a motorized bicycle can be any cc size as long as its 1hp or less. Im not sure how a police officer would determine that. Plus i talked to reg bureau and they comfermed to me that its entirely up to the cop pulling you over as to how he sees you bike..motorcycle or moped or motorized bike etc.

[72tx340]

The general look i found is that it needs to be registered AND insured. But no insurance company will insure a home made bike. Because it wasnt manufactured to any standards like a moped would be that is sold.