yeah under 50cc u need registration, title, drivers license, and insurance.
Hi,
Thanks for the reply. I have a follow-up question. The documentation on the PA DOT site is confusing at best.
Pennsylvania defines several types of vehicles that seem to apply to the project I'm thinking of completing.
From this document
here they define the following:
Motorized Pedalcycle - A motor-driven cycle
equipped with operable pedals, a motor rated no
more than 1.5 brake horsepower, a cylinder
capacity not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters, an
automatic transmission and a maximum design
speed of no more than 25 miles per hour.
This seems like a reasonable definition, except for the "automatic transmission" part. If I modify a bicycle that has gears and shifters, is it not considered a motorized pedalcycle if the transmission isn't automatic?
In another document called the "FACT SHEET: MOPEDS, MOTOR-DRIVEN CYCLES AND MOTORCYCLES" located
here, the document states:
MOPED
DEFINITION: A motor-driven cycle equipped with operable pedals, a motor rated no more than 1.5 brake
horsepower, a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters, an automatic transmission,
and a maximum design speed of no more than 25 miles per hour, or an electric motor-driven
cycle equipped with operable pedals and powered by an electric battery.
CRITERIA: 1. Engine may not exceed 50 cubic centimeters.
2. Engine may not exceed 1.5 brake horsepower rating.
3. Operable pedals required.
4. Automatic transmission required.
5. Design speed may not be more than 25 miles per hour.
6. Does not require inspection.
It seems the legislature "borrowed" the definition of "motorized pedalcycle" and then applied it to a "moped". They also added the critera to include bicycles with electric assist motors.
The interesting part is the final criterium which states that inspections aren't required.
This seems to be backed up by the "ENHANCED VEHICLE SAFETY INSPECTION
SELF-STUDY TRAINING AND REFERENCE GUIDE" located
here.
In it, they define a "moped" as above, however, in the "APPLICATION FOR RECONSTRUCTED, SPECIALLY CONSTRUCTED, COLLECTIBLE, MODIFIED, FLOOD, RECOVERED THEFT VEHICLES AND STREET RODS", there isn't a check-mark to indicate that a "moped" is being inspected. There is a check mark for a both a motor cycle and for a motor-driven cycle "
A motorcycle, including a motor scooter, with a motor which produces not to exceed five brake horsepower."
To me, it is clear that the intent of the legislature was to differentiate 3 types of vehicles, those with engines or motors less than 1.5hp and 50cc (i.e. moped), those under 5hp (motor driven cycle), and those over 5 hp (motorcycle).
I'd be interested in your experiences with an "enhanced vehicle inspector" and whether one does in-fact require an inspection.
Has anyone gone through the process of getting their motorized bicycle "legal" in Pennsylvania yet.
Regards,
Ken
