Where can i ride in the great state of Ohio?
- Thread starter reynolcj
- Start date
New to this and doing some homework for Ohio laws regarding a homemade motorized bicycle and making them street legal.... Reading this section makes me think this is a possibility. Lawriter has this to offer under Chapter 4501-23 Motorized Bicycles-Equipment and Testing;
4501-23-19 Assembly by person other than manufacturer.
Nothing in these rules and regulations shall prohibit a person other than a manufacturer from constructing, assembling, or equipping a vehicle so as to conform to the specifications of a motorized bicycle. Such person shall, however, comply with all of the rules contained in Chapter 4501-23 of the Administrative Code to the same extent as is necessary of a manufacturer.
R.C. 119.032 review dates: 09/12/2006 and 03/09/2011
Promulgated Under: 119.03
Statutory Authority: R.C. 4511.521
Rule Amplifies: R.C. 4511.521
Prior Effective Dates: 4/1/78
Making your own ride requires you to have it inspected by the DMV for certification and registration.
4501-23-19 Assembly by person other than manufacturer.
Nothing in these rules and regulations shall prohibit a person other than a manufacturer from constructing, assembling, or equipping a vehicle so as to conform to the specifications of a motorized bicycle. Such person shall, however, comply with all of the rules contained in Chapter 4501-23 of the Administrative Code to the same extent as is necessary of a manufacturer.
R.C. 119.032 review dates: 09/12/2006 and 03/09/2011
Promulgated Under: 119.03
Statutory Authority: R.C. 4511.521
Rule Amplifies: R.C. 4511.521
Prior Effective Dates: 4/1/78
Making your own ride requires you to have it inspected by the DMV for certification and registration.
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This is some good information and I too was able to find some of it at Ohio Department of Public Safety
My question may be ignorant but its only because some of the legal jargan went over my head. Lets say I dont want to be considered a moped or motor scooter or motorcycle. All I have to do is NOT have the Ohio Public Safety office say "It is" through their inspection process.
So if my bike (with a small motor) isnt technically inspected or registered...ect. by the authorities... Then am I legally, just another bicycle ?
Many of the roads where I live do not have shoulders. Though this doesnt keep people from jogging on them. A bicycle may not be noticed for short distances but 8-10 miles may bring the attention of every cop. whether you're trying to be safe or not.
I will go back and read the whole thread after posting, however, be forewarned that I haven't yet.
All of what I write is only my opinion and is given to the best of my knowledge and ability.
If the bike is not on the official moped list then it will likely be considered a motorcycle if you get pulled over. So, one would essentially be looking at the same violations as if one were to drive a motorcycle on the road and not register it. There may be violations related to not having a title for the "motorcycle" as well. There are also charges related to operating a motorcycle without a license, no insurance (F.R.A.), etc. Theoretically, they could really pile citations/charges on.
It is the same as if one were to modify a moped beyond the limits of the ORC's definition of a moped. It could then be classified as a motorcycle for citations and criminal charges!
The whole situation with MBs sucks in Ohio, IMHO.
All of what I write is only my opinion and is given to the best of my knowledge and ability.
AFAIK, in Ohio, there is no in between. If it is a bicycle and it has an internal combustion motor then it is either a motorcycle or a moped (motorized bicycle).
If the bike is not on the official moped list then it will likely be considered a motorcycle if you get pulled over. So, one would essentially be looking at the same violations as if one were to drive a motorcycle on the road and not register it. There may be violations related to not having a title for the "motorcycle" as well. There are also charges related to operating a motorcycle without a license, no insurance (F.R.A.), etc. Theoretically, they could really pile citations/charges on.
If it isn't on the official moped list (and if it is, it can't be modified beyond the motorized bicycle/moped limits) then it is considered a motorcycle in Ohio. There is no middle ground of which I'm aware.
It is the same as if one were to modify a moped beyond the limits of the ORC's definition of a moped. It could then be classified as a motorcycle for citations and criminal charges!
Even off road vehicles (with some exceptions like snowmobiles and agricultural use) have titles and registration now in Ohio. So, even using a motorized bicycle on the shoulder of the road like off road motorcycles can under some circumstances would place the motorized bicycle as a motorcycle being operated without a title, registration, or motorcycle license.
The whole situation with MBs sucks in Ohio, IMHO.
I wanted to add that the Ohio Digest of Motor Vehicle laws is a good place to start but one *really* must check the Ohio Revised Code to solidify any decisions.
Some of the things in these digests, including the Concealed Carry Digest, can be misleading in their paraphrasing. A really good example related to motor vehicles is the Odometer Tampering warnings. Intent is spelled out clearly in the ORC but the digests and website read like things are absolute!
Official Ohio Revised Code with link to OAC
Some of the things in these digests, including the Concealed Carry Digest, can be misleading in their paraphrasing. A really good example related to motor vehicles is the Odometer Tampering warnings. Intent is spelled out clearly in the ORC but the digests and website read like things are absolute!
Official Ohio Revised Code with link to OAC