what are the laws for motor bikes

camlifter · #1 05-06-2009, 07:11 AM

are they really legal as is, or do i need lights and stuff with dmv paper work.

Retmachinist · #2 05-06-2009, 07:38 AM

I think the laws for these MB's are different in every state. They fall in a GRAY area here in Iowa. They are a bicycle, but since they have an motor they are considered a motorized vehicle. Since they dont have a registration and can't be licenced (State can't make money on them) they consider them illegal to ride on the street.
That being said, I have four of them and ride everyday when the weather permits. If I see a cop I just hit the kill switch and pedal till they are passed. I suppose one of these days I will run on to a real prick that will pull me over.

John

**Bikeguy Joe** · #3 05-06-2009, 10:25 AM

In Ohio, they are not legal period and can't be made legal.
Period.

They can be festooned with lights, horn, ect. and they can not be registered in Ohio because they are not on the "approved" list.

camlifter · #4 05-06-2009, 10:34 AM

i found this Lawriter - ORC - 4511.521 Operation of motorized bicycles. says you need a drivers lic. bike tag and a white light in front, red flashing light in rear and a mirror in code 119.01, dosn't give a list of approved motorized bicycles, although i found a list for mopeds.

Cabinfever1977 · #5 05-06-2009, 01:21 PM

go to dmv and ask them,if they say yes,
then put the stuff on your bike that you need and take the test.
if they say no,ride anyway.if you get pulled over tell the cop that dmv says you dont need to reg it or have a license to ride it.

Shadeslay · #6 05-11-2009, 07:48 PM

Yep different in every state. California it's really easy to register them, of course getting a motor shipped can a problem. Here it's registered, M2 license, dot helmet, horn, head light/tail light, grey area is mirror, brake light and turn signals "CHP requires them". So I assume you need the last three to drive on highways, seeing they aren't allowed on freeways and it's the only other place the chp patrols. DMV says mostly the same thing but they kind of contradict themselves, by saying you can't drive on a highway after telling you what you would need to drive on the highway.

I have everything on mine and wear a DOT helmet. I think the more street legal you make it, the less likely you'll get sited if a cop pulls you over.