Gone Legal in Ohio?

SpiderSpartan · #1 09-02-2008, 08:58 AM

Has anyone gone legal in Ohio? I've read all the codes and seems like a lot of stuff to get in order. I'm just looking to ride my bike at 5 miles back and forth between classes, but I don't want to get ticketed or have to run from the cops on the way.

**Bikeguy Joe** · #2 09-02-2008, 09:14 PM

There is one company that has there bikes "certified" Wildfire or Wildfire Motors....Look them up on ebay.

Saddletramp1200 · #3 09-03-2008, 12:15 AM

S.S. the man is watchin' the $$ roads, not you. Just ride with common "bike" sense, and you will be fine. Daaa da da, Peddle!

**Bikeguy Joe** · #4 09-03-2008, 08:31 AM

fo'sho'!

As of yesterday, I have 1++ years on the roads and around 2000 miles, no problems.

eDJ · #5 09-03-2008, 04:39 PM

I'm compliant with the BMV laws.

http://www.bmv.ohio.gov/pdf_forms/4865.pdf

Defining some Ohio (Ahio) terms here.....Moped is a vehicle that's factory built. A bicycle with a motor on it is a "motorized bike" or bike with a "helper motor". The motor has to be less than 50cc, less than 1 hp, operate within 3 ft to the right edge of the road, have two wheels in tandem or one in front and two behind arranged side by side as a "trike". Not excede 20 mph on level ground, The motor bike must have a licensed and not carry anyone beside the driver. A helment with chin strap (if under 18) & rear view mirror are required safety equipment as with having a head light & tail light. A regular Ohio drivers operators license is all that is required. Insurance is not required. The bike must have pedals and be able to be operated by human power. If one can find a turn signal kit to install that would be the best elective option for those at the BMV who examine the bike where you buy your bikes license plate.

The problems I've had are with the women at the license office who don't know, or don't want to know about any of this stuff. They want to "call it in"
to Columbus, Ohio to someone there to "decide" for them. If they tell them what to do then.....it's cool. Then you get to run the gambit with local cops,
sheriff's deputies, and Hot Shot rookie State Troopers. (who are sent to my end of the state to get some experience to go with their training in a fairly non threatening environment before being assigned to areas like Columbus, Cleveland, Toledo, Cincinnati, and other areas) We crazy hillbillies around here buff the Ol' Academy "gung ho" off them within a few months so they can truely settle into becoming Ohio's Finest.

SpiderSpartan · #6 09-03-2008, 04:49 PM

Everything I've seen basically says that a motorized bike is the same as a moped in Ohio. So do yo actually have plates for your motored bike eDJ? I don't think that I'd be able to get plates for mine anymore without at least replacing the pedals.

eDJ · #7 09-03-2008, 05:26 PM

Yeah, I printed out the info in the link above. Had some hassles with the ladies at the license plate place cause they have little or no experience with this sort of stuff. They have to call it in to Columbus on the 800 to ask for help.

On the bottom of the page on that link above..........there is a list of "moped's" Ohio will license. If it ain't on that list.....no license.

So......don't make the mistake of referring to your "motorized bicycle" as a "moped" or you're sunk. It's a bicycle with a "helper motor". (whether purchased as a kit from China, Japan, Italy, or elsewhere.......or a Do It Yourself project using a string trimmer or chain saw motor)

I intend to ride with a printed out copy of that BMV link above so if some "officer" tell me right off the cuff.........."Hey that ain't legal" ! I'll show him the 4865 Code and point to the license plate I purchased at the state BMV office. Then quickly switch the subject to trying to save some money on my fuel cost so I can afford to pay my Property Taxes....so the local Villages and Towns will have money to stay in business and not be taken over by the County Commissioners. (where the whole county would go back to a centralized government and he would likely be laid off)

Lancer · #8 03-29-2009, 12:19 PM

eDJ
I'm a noob here and to motorized bikes.
The link you posted is dead. I'm trying to understand Ohio law. Can you post here?
Thanks

Quote:

Originally Posted by eDJ

I'm compliant with the BMV laws.

http://www.bmv.ohio.gov/pdf_forms/4865.pdf

Defining some Ohio (Ahio) terms here.....Moped is a vehicle that's factory built. A bicycle with a motor on it is a "motorized bike" or bike with a "helper motor". The motor has to be less than 50cc, less than 1 hp, operate within 3 ft to the right edge of the road, have two wheels in tandem or one in front and two behind arranged side by side as a "trike". Not excede 20 mph on level ground, The motor bike must have a licensed and not carry anyone beside the driver. A helment with chin strap (if under 18) & rear view mirror are required safety equipment as with having a head light & tail light. A regular Ohio drivers operators license is all that is required. Insurance is not required. The bike must have pedals and be able to be operated by human power. If one can find a turn signal kit to install that would be the best elective option for those at the BMV who examine the bike where you buy your bikes license plate.

The problems I've had are with the women at the license office who don't know, or don't want to know about any of this stuff. They want to "call it in"
to Columbus, Ohio to someone there to "decide" for them. If they tell them what to do then.....it's cool. Then you get to run the gambit with local cops,
sheriff's deputies, and Hot Shot rookie State Troopers. (who are sent to my end of the state to get some experience to go with their training in a fairly non threatening environment before being assigned to areas like Columbus, Cleveland, Toledo, Cincinnati, and other areas) We crazy hillbillies around here buff the Ol' Academy "gung ho" off them within a few months so they can truely settle into becoming Ohio's Finest.

eDJ · #9 03-30-2009, 12:02 AM

Try this link, it should work for ya:

Ohio Moped laws

I have the print out of the owners manual for my motor now showing it's less than 50cc, less than 1 hp
is only one foreward speed.....and that it was sold here in America by SEARS !

I suggest you have a reciept for your bicycle where you purchased it. Same with your motor.

The BMV people will want it and then want to call Columbus Ohio and ask them what to do.

....and SS, yes it does have to have pedals or it will be considered a
motorcycle.

Lancer · #10 03-30-2009, 03:32 AM

eDJ
Thanks for helping a noob out, I very much appreciate it.

I see no distinction in the law in regard to the difference between a Moped and a "bike with a helper motor". Referring to it as a "bike with a helper motor" is just a way to get around the approved list when is home built? Do I have this right?