New York laws

[pechroc1]

I don't agree with the so called safety options you guys refer to, these drivers are very aggressive and a turn signal won't mean a thing to most of them. Maybe Upstate NY their ( drivers) are more reasonable but down here your just in the way. If your not really careful you will be involved in an accident. I drove NYC bus for over 30 years and even the bus they had little regard for.

tell me about it... took a header into the trunk of a carolla two days ago on the service road of the LIE cuz he needed to jam on his brakes to grab a parking space... the bike is fine... i have a sore shoulder .... but the carolla needs a new trunk lid... HA!

as for the cops in queens... they dont bust chops... i actually had a conversation with one while i was riding around last week. manhattan cops will bust balls if they feel like it. i carry a couple of PBA cards anyway.

 

[bobby]

wow i never knew motorized bicycles were illegal in ny wtf

 

[Dave31]

Upper East Siders Want More Regulation of Electric Bikes
By Amy Zimmer January 12, 2011

Community Board 8 members want to see electric bicycles subjected to registration and licensing.

UPPER EAST SIDE — Residents worried about the proliferation of deliverymen zipping along their streets on electric bicycles are calling for increased regulation of the battery-powered two wheelers.

"I’m inclined to believe that anything that has a power-assist should be licensed and registered," said Jonathan Horn, co-chair of Community Board 8's Transportation Committee, at a joint public safety, transportation and street life forum on electric bikes Tuesday night.

Committee members passed a resolution calling for registration of the bikes and licensing of the operators. The community board resolution is only advisory.

Electric bikes are not entirely legal, according to the Department of Motor Vehicles and the city's Administrative Code. While federal law allows electric bikes under 750 watts limited to 20 mph, New York City does not allow those bikes that can exceed 15 mph.


Read more: Upper East Siders Want More Regulation of Electric Bikes - DNAinfo.com

 

[Dave31]

New Yorkers Fed Up With ‘Motorized Bicycles’


NEW YORK (CBS 2) — There’s a new type of vehicle on New York City streets and sidewalks that slips through the cracks of city and state regulations.

And CBS 2′s Magee Hickey reports, both pedestrians and politicians are demanding action.

They dart in and out of traffic and occasionally jump up on the sidewalks. A new breed of motorized bicycles delivering take-out food zipping around town and scaring pedestrians.

“They’re quite frightening. They’re in such a hurry to make deliveries. They’re very dangerous,” Riverdale resident Sue Ashley said.

Read More... New Yorkers Sound Off On Motorized BicyclesCBS New York

 

[buzbikebklyn1]

Yet another example of the few screwing it up for the many!
I live, work and ride in NYC and I've seen the phenomena in question in action and the person quoted is correct, it is scary!
I'm not going to comment on the nationality of 99% of these delivery guys... suffice it to say English isn't there first language, nor the ability to read it, thus understand(or care about) the traffic rules.
The ruthlessness of there riding habits is atrocious!
Jumping curbs, riding on the sidewalk, riding against traffic, running red lights and stop signs and a general disregard for other people seems to be there norm.
The back lash is what I'm worried about... they tend to throw baby out with the bathwater around here instead of punishing the ones who perpetrate the crime.
I've been riding motor bikes all my life and I've only been stopped by the police once, and that was to check out my ride.
Obey the traffic laws, ride responsibly, wear a good helmet, eye protection and gloves.
But most of all be considerate of others... it always pays off.
As for the Kamikaze delivery guys?
I say impound there bikes and fine them.

The HighwayMan is watching.
BBB

 

[Ursus]

Here in Flushing. it's the opposite. most of the delivery shops have electric bikes or actual scooters. They do obey traffic rules and don't dart out in front of anyone. I myself make sure to ride safely and obey all traffic regulations. I don't ride on sidewalks or against traffic. It' really sad that some politician who really doesn't care will use this to make an easy name for themselves. When i was a kid we had to take a safety course to get our bicycles licensed we had registered stickers and it was a one time fee of 10.00 . I just think that if nyc legislators were smart they'd create a registration system for these vehicles. I'm sure people wouldn't mind paying 20 or 30 bucks a year to use these bikes without the fear of harassment. I'ts a win win in my book. More people would most likely get one for themselves. Revenue for the city would would increase.

 

[buzbikebklyn1]

A few small problems with that bicycle registration thing Ursus.......#1, Bicycle licensing...the state DMV doesn't want to be bothered licensing all those riders and registering all those bicycles.
#2, bicycle theft, once a vehicle has been registered and paid for by its owner then the police have to do something about it once its stolen.
NYC still has one of the worst bicycle theft rates in the country, If that was enforced all the police would have time for would be looking for bicycles.
#3, bicycle insurance, once the rider is licensed, the bike registered you will see many more law suits due to bicycle accidents... lawyers will have a field day, riders will have to buy insurance, to keep from loosing everything they own.
Above and beyond all that, personally I feel that the government already has its sticky dirty little fingers to deep in our pockets... No way I'm volunteering to give them 1 cent more than I absolutely have to by law.
RIDE FREE!
BBB

 

[professor]

This is funny. Anything with a motor is required to be registered in NY.

Now, the politicians in the city want to see them regulated.
Do they realize they are part of New York state?

Do either the press or those politicians know there is a DMV website which lists (amidst myrad other rules) the regulations for assisted bikes?
That regulation states they cannot be operated on any street, sidewalk. or public parking area.
Maybe NYC is some privately owned place?

 

[buzbikebklyn1]

This is funny. Anything with a motor is required to be registered in NY.

Now, the politicians in the city want to see them regulated.
Do they realize they are part of New York state?

Do either the press or those politicians know there is a DMV website which lists (amidst myrad other rules) the regulations for assisted bikes?
That regulation states they cannot be operated on any street, sidewalk. or public parking area.
Maybe NYC is some privately owned place?

Lol tell me about it Prof...
I've gone threw the registration process a few times.... its not a big deal really, but it is a pain in the butt.
The point of the thread was these delivery guys are riding Kamikaze... it is dangerous, and makes us all look bad.
Ride Free-
BBB

 

[professor]

Isn't it amazing that before these guys discovered motors we didn't hear much about them. What are they called? Bicycle curriers? How come they don't make bicycle riders look bad? The power of spandex?

On my end of the state, the police have less to do, so non-legal motorized gizmos get confiscated or put away.

I mentioned this before, but I bought a basket case Puch moped and registered my bike as that moped after adding lights and numbers to it. Insured it too (cheap). There is no other way to ride one of these in NY.
The lower 2 classes of limited motorcycle do not require state inspection. The only good thing about NY laws is there is no cc limit on the (moped)bike- just a speed rule.

My bike looks like a pack animal- the engine is completely hidden. I want to look like a bicycle rather than a home- made contraption.
Because the HT kits are so visually well done, one of these in a bike frame could pass easily for a moped. If I wanted an exposed engine- that is the way to go.
Gosh. Did I talk myself into another bike?

 

[buzbikebklyn1]

I didn't see nothing... damn! that things slow(half choke)
I feel ya man... it really stinks some times...
Its a shame that a few will always ruin things for the many.
I will continue to ride and build big mufflers,
ride conservatively (till no ones looking), obey the rules of the road, have the proper equipment, the proper papers, proper safety gear and keep my thumb over the kill switch...(thats why we still have peddles... right?)

"DONT DO ANYTHING STUPID". No power wheelies, no jumping curbs, no running lights or signs, a ticked off cop with a reason to think your dangerous will use what ever he needs to to stop you... don't give them reason.
Keep em running!
BBB

 

[machiasmort]

I tried to contact Cabin fever, I sure wish him the best, I'm not sure what I've posted on this board yet? All I can say is that I know how to argue Law a little bit with these scumb bags in NY... I'll do the best I can to Help anybody! You need to trust me!

Sorry I have not been on, but will try to catch up!

 

[machiasmort]

I'm your Brother, whether you like me, dislike me or hate me for my views. Think I'm an idiot for my mechanical knowledge or think I'm a Pioneering Genius?

I'm still your Brother because I'm out here on NY streets the same as you! Ridding the same bikes as you. You need to trust me!

 

[Ibrahym23333]

If you live in NY and don't like the laws on homemade gas bikes in NY, why not just register your bike in an other state like NJ, PA, or CT, if you can.

Can you register your bike in another state? If so, I would say its better to register your bike in the state of your choice rather than worrying about riding your UNREGISTER gas bike in NY (if you have a registration, you're free to ride it in NY according to their DMV)

I'm planning to convert my mountain bike into a gas bike with a 4-stroke 49cc 2.10-2.23 hp engine from daemonbikes (www.deamonbikes.com if you want to check it out) in the summer (if I get a summer or part-time job) and I was wondering if that engine is legal in the states that I mentioned, including NY? I live in the city and I want a faster commute around town without worrying about the cops pulling me over, ticketing me, taking my bike away, or even arresting me. Please help me out guys!!!!!

Why not hold some sort of protest about NY's harsh laws about these bikes. I mean why did NY make electric bikes legal and not gas bikes? Technically, there are both considered motor-assisted bicycles. All motor-assisted bicycles are illegal in NYS. Why not just legalize all motor-assisted bicycles and not just have electric-assisted bicycles legalized and gas-assisted bicycles not legalized? Thats one big loophole you guys should remember and complain about. Why NY? Why NY is the only state in this country with the strictest laws you can ever imagine? This is why I plan to move to NJ in the future. At least they have a little more freedom, like lower sales tax and no tax on gas, unlike NY. This is why I mentioned these other states, thinking that they have at least a little more freedom. With these laws still in effect, NY SUCKS, HANDS DOWN!!!!!!!!!!

 

[fm2200]

I have a gas bike in New York City and it is registered with the DMV this is my 3rd year. The ONLY thing IS that you cannot register a HOMEMADE bike.

 

[fm2200]

Here is the New Jersey moped law Moped Laws by state after reading there much more restrictive requirements, you are just noy paying close attention. New York is less not more regulated.

 

[Ibrahym23333]

I have a gas bike in New York City and it is registered with the DMV this is my 3rd year. The ONLY thing IS that you cannot register a HOMEMADE bike.

Yeah that's the complaint that I have over this state, you can't register a homemade bike. I already know that you can register a gas bike, but according to this and maybe other states, the gas bike must be included in the approved manufacture list and it must be pre-made like a moped or motorcycle for example. NY just states that these homemade bikes are illegal and cannot be registered as a moped, motorcycle, or ATV because it doesn't have the right equipments. That's why I'm mentioning these other states.

 

[Ibrahym23333]

Here is the New Jersey moped law Moped Laws by state after reading there much more restrictive requirements, you are just noy paying close attention. New York is less not more regulated.

According to the NJ DMV website, the definition of a moped is a pedal bicycle with a helper motor, electric or gas-powered, and is exempt from inspection requirements. For a vehicle to qualify as a moped, it must meet all four of the following conditions:
Be classified as a pedal bicycle
Have a motor with less than 50 CCs
Cannot have more than 1.5 brake horsepower
Maximum speed cannot be greater than 25 MPH on a flat surface

Vehicles without pedals that are less than 50 CCs, cannot be registered as mopeds. They must be registered as motorcycles, regardless of engine size

Now the definition of a motorcycle is any vehicle (including motor bikes, BICYCLES and tricycles) WITH ATTACHED MOTORS.

I do pay close attention to the NY/NJ DMVs and try to spot loopholes like I mentioned before.

 

[Kiwegapawa]

It seems I have dug deeper into the point of the law and these motorized bicycles, then most here. As I did end up skimming through, as here in the north country of New York I've seen different. So I went the final mile of calling my local state police barracks and seeked their advice. This as what's listed at Motor Vehicle isn't all that specific. As I have seen a few of these motorized bicycles operating for literally decades here. I* was told by the State Police Dispatcher that they are viewed as bicycles. There in all the same laws apply. You can't be weaving through traffic, as in most! You remain to the right side of the road, hand signals or lighting indicators. After dark, you need a light and tail light. The same as an unmotorized bicycle. You do not need a license, nor registration, nor insurance.. I would suggest you do the same as I in your local area... I'm going on the information I gain through Law Enforcement, specifically my local state police! Oh, and no bicycles trails, you see that no motorized vehicles sign. Yea, this mean's you! Your beside the road, point in fact, SMT (slow moving traffic). No state parks, no Thruways, and no roads pedestrian traffic isn't allowed.

I've been shoppin around this last year, about now ready to purchase... Finding out before you head out, is the best way of keeping it fun. I'd suggest calling your local law enforcement office as I did. Wanna know the specifics, talk to the man who deal's with infractions 24 / 7...

 

[Ibrahym23333]

Thanks for the info, Kiwegapawa, but I doubt the the laws in the city will have the same as where you live because there is so much people living in the city and I would say that my local police won't give me that freedom that you have in upstate NY, but if I do get a job in the near future, I will ask the NY/NJ (I go to NJ a lot) where I can and can't ride these bikes if I don't have a registration and see if its possible if you can register these bikes in my tri-state area (NY/NJ/CT) and if you do need a license, title, or insurance if I don't get much freedom of riding these bikes. If you already have some info about these bikes in my tri-state area, just please let me know as soon as possible. Its alright if you don't have any info. I'm just checking if anyone has any additional info.

Thanks