Ohio Motorized Bicycle law (2nd try)

I live down here in the southern tip of the state and can tell you that even dealing with
the ladies at the local BMV is a trip. They want a bill of sale on the motor, the bicycle,
and approach it like a boat.(where the boat has registration, likewise the motor, and the
trailer)

What may be of benefit for us to do is check the other 49 states for their laws governing
electric bicycles. (that is a bicycle with an electric helper motor--as motor bicycles are
described in Ohio) If one is found where it could be sent to Mr Lynch then it may be
"replicated" by Ohio into our laws. (that's how many of the states got the "right on red"
law into their laws)

One of the builds I've been researching is a platform where a automotive alternator is
mated to a small lawnmower motor to use as an auxilirary generator onboard. This would
recharge the battery for the front wheel hub electric motor. The alternator would be 60 to
80 watts with internal regulator connected to the battery.

The question will be how the law would interpet this ? Will it be seen as a twin engine bike even
though one engine is in no way connected to the mechanics of the bicycle ? Would the bike
have to be parked while the Aux generator charges the battery back up opposed to it being
used on the road while under way ? Yeah, I've been thinking about this since back in
September. I've all of Ohio's laws on motorized bicycles in my bookmarks and have even talked
to my Lawyer about this stuff. In his view any local cop could give me a moving violation and
let a Judge sort it out. Court cost would be $130 dollars for a minute in front of the judge even
if he dismisses it. This is why I research before going to the shop and start building. The last
speeding ticket I got was for $85 dollars, and when I got to the courthouse the ladies at the
window were pleading with me to go before the Judge. I just laughed and told them I wasn't
going to play that game because even if he reduced the fine to $40 I'd still thet to pay $130
for the Court cost. I just don't believe the Judge's wisdom is worth $130 a minute. It's just cheaper to pay a speeding ticket once every 5 to 8 years like a road tax and be done with it. Taking
your chances on what Mr Lynch states as Local Regulations, would place a motor bicycler here
in Ohio in that candor.

I can see a conversation with a local cop now.

HeHeHe...gets 200 mpg hehehe, well you
can certainly afford a ticket for it not being licensed properly. Just take this to the court house
and who knows, the Judge may dismiss it. HeHeHe

Click to expand...

Then it may cost you $180 because
Ohio's laws aren't clear about this stuff and the possibility of having the bike impounded with
towing charges. (which is what my Lawyer pointed out to me)

So beyond pointing out problems, to offer a solution there should be some effort by everyone in
each state to approach the Legal Profession & Law Makers to get current with laws for these
bicycles. Some here believe it best to just keep their heads down and not make any waves.
But with the growth of this board and people on the streets seeing these things we build and
operate, the enthausiasm will grow and more of these motorbicycles will be on the streets.
Those selling these kits should have some interest in this horizon as well. (there are legal types
who advertise on TV all the time for class action suits) I would think there would be a trades
association forming where those marketing this stuff in the USA to have channels with the Departments of Motor Vehicles of all 50 states to keep them informed of their industry and laws
needed to not have their products being in "legal grey areas" (and thus vunerable to class
actions)

Mr Lynch covered his rear nicely by suggesting a person check into their local laws. Good luck everyone with that !