Ohio Sucks

hojo70 · #1 06-03-2008, 10:17 PM

Hey guys, I am dying to buy or build one of these gas motorized bikes. Love everything about them and looks like a fun project.

The problem is that they are clearly illegal here in Ohio according to the Digest of Ohio Motor Vehicle Laws (I live in Columbus). Is there anyone out there from Ohio who rides one of these regularly anyway? How does the local law enforcement react? Any citations?

I'm leaning towards maybe going electric to try and not draw as much attention. Comments/opinions are valued.

John

**paul** · #2 06-03-2008, 10:21 PM

welcome to the site. we have lots of members that live in ohio and ride motorized bicycles. bikeguyjoe one of our moderators is also from ohio. hopefully one of them respond.

cruiser66 · #3 06-03-2008, 10:45 PM

It looks like motorized bikes are recognized in Ohio according to this:

Moped Information

The problem with mopeds is that there is a list of "approved" vehicles. However, a motorized bike being custom built would not fall into this list. I don't know how a motorized bike would be handled by the DMV. Anybody register in Ohio????

66

**Ilikeabikea** · #4 06-03-2008, 10:55 PM

Welcome to forum. Lots of Ohio motorized bicycle enthusiasts here. Bikeguyjoe will give you the skinny on Ohio law. He's the goto guy in Ahia.

Glad you joined us..........................

cruiser66 · #5 06-03-2008, 10:57 PM

Maybe this will help.....

http://motorbicycling.com/f17/ohio-r...-says-357.html

66

hojo70 · #6 06-03-2008, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cruiser66

It looks like motorized bikes are recognized in Ohio according to this:

Moped Information

The problem with mopeds is that there is a list of "approved" vehicles. However, a motorized bike being custom built would not fall into this list. I don't know how a motorized bike would be handled by the DMV. Anybody register in Ohio????

66

Yah thats one of the same sources I referred to in another post I replied to:

http://motorbicycling.com/f17/where-...html#post12910

I guess I know they're illegal, the question is really more towards whether Ohio law enforcement is actually enforcing it or not? Wanted to know if anyone has been harrassed by police or received citations for riding a gas motor assisted bicycle on a public road.

John

stude13 · #7 06-03-2008, 11:30 PM

NOW IS TIME TO STRIKE with gas prices skyrocketing and the pressure on local, state and federal governments. your voice could indeed carry serious clout to change idiot laws like these. if not now, when?

**Bikeguy Joe** · #8 06-04-2008, 08:13 AM

I ride in Ahia all the time and have never been hassled. I ride on some main U.S. Routes and into a couple of very small cities....even down the State Park roads where the rangers just wave.

There is a difference between mopeds and motor assisted bicycles....

**Bikeguy Joe** · #9 06-04-2008, 08:14 AM

Anyhow, as I read that Ohio Revised code, as long as you are 18 or older, and have a valid drivers lisence, you are good to go. What sucks about that, unless your lisence has been suspended?

hojo70 · #10 06-04-2008, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bikeguy Joe

Anyhow, as I read that Ohio Revised code, as long as you are 18 or older, and have a valid drivers lisence, you are good to go. What sucks about that, unless your lisence has been suspended?

No, the Ohio Revised Code excerpt quoted in this thread is only a very small part of the entire puzzle. If you go on to read the "Digest Of Ohio Motor Vehicle Laws" and the Ohio BMV moped regulations, you'll find a hellstorm of ridiculous rules and regulations surrounding motorized bicycles (mopeds).

Ohio has a very short list of commercial manufactured motorized bicycles (mopeds) that are actually allowed on public roadways which appear to intentionally exclude any kit bikes. Also, motorized bicycles require registration with the BMV (which means you need a VIN), license plate, and a host of safety equipment installed on the vehicle.

See this post:
http://motorbicycling.com/f17/where-...html#post12910

John