california laws?

[annexrider]

does anyone know what you need to ride these in california?

[Scotchmo]

By “ride” I assume you mean on the street and legally. By “these” I assume you mean a gas powered motorized bicycle, with less than 2 horsepower and 30 mph on level ground. Then you also need:

Brake light
Horn
Mirror
Moped plate $19 one time fee
DOT approved helmet
M1 or M2 license

And for night riding you also need a headlight and taillight.

[Dave31]

http://motorbicycling.com/f17/ca-pol...bike-1406.html

http://motorbicycling.com/f17/ca-law-info-3936.html

http://motorbicycling.com/f17/got-my...rmit-5952.html

http://motorbicycling.com/f17/califo...le-law-45.html

[johnmartinwright]

just another reason i moved away from calif miss the beach though

[bmc_az]

What I have been tiring to find out is ....

I live in AZ and would like to ride my MB into Cal. Can I?

because the bike dosent have a plate they ,LE , dont know I am from AZ!

Cant apply for Ca reg because I dont have a mailing address in CA.

what do do????

bmc_az

[Cabinfever1977]

rent a post office box at a post office in cal then you will have a mailing address.

[girlgofast]

Recently moved to CA, got all the driver's handbooks, here's what i found, anyone/everyone feel free to comment/correct/or add to: A motor-driven cycle is defined as a motorcycle with a 149cc or less engine size. A motorized bicycle is defined as a two-wheeled device capable of no more than 30 mph on level ground, and equipped with 1. fully operative pedals for human propulsion, and 2. a motor producing less than 2 gross brake horsepower and an automatic transmission. If you operate a motorized bicycle that meets the above, you, 1. must be at least 16 yrs old, 2. must wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet, and 3. are EXEMPT from motor vehicle financial responsibility, drivers license, and moped plate requirements. You may ride in the bicycle lane at a reasonable speed so long as you are mindful of other cyclists using the lane.

[Scotchmo]

girlgofast - You’re mixing up two different classifications. I looked at the most recent handbook and that is not what it says. This is what it says:

If you operate a motorized bicycle
which meets the definition of VC §406[b], you:
•Must be 16 years of age or older.
•Must wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet.
•Are exempt from the motor vehicle financial responsibility, driver license, and moped plate requirements (VC §12804.9).

406b does not require a plate but applies to 20mph electric bicycles only. 406a applies to gas powered motorized bicycles that go 30mph. Then you need a special plate and DOT approved motorcycle helmet. The confusion may come from the fact that they are both referred to as “motorized bicycles”. But a motorized bicycle that goes 30mph is also a moped.

[girlgofast]

Hmmm, 406a v. 406b. You're right Scothmo. So are they expecting people to register, plate, and insure all bicycles with gas powered motors (even if they don't reach speeds higher than 30mph) but not regular bicycles. Does that mean you have to get a horn, lights, reflectors, M1 license, etc?

[Venice Motor Bikes]

I ride every day in cali...
If you have a M1 or M2 license, wear a helmet, (I don't wear one) & have bicycle lights at night; & if you see any police, slow down, smile & wave to them!
If you do these things, YOU WILL NEVER HAVE ANY PROBLEMS with them!
Now go ride & have fun!!