Illinois

[Manxman]

Thank you Naugat. Your quote.. "Beyond that, even if you are fully within the law on a 20MPH e-bike, that does not prevent police from stopping you, arresting you, impounding your bike, costing you all kinds of time and money just to demonstrate to the court that they were wrong in doing so. In such a situation, it would likely be cheaper and easier to plea bargain a fine and probation/time served/community service than to take it into the court and fight, and put your freedom on the line over it."

Unfortunately in this county (clay), even though it had been 16 years when I got my last dui on a scooter, there was no plea bargain and they counted old dui's that had happened 25 years ago when one just got a slap on the wrist just as if they occurred yesterday and you were considered a low down wildman menace. I had a paid attorney and took it to bench trial with tons of testimonials and even though at the time I was considered a well kempt business man, the judge looked at and lectured me about his alcoholic father with the same contempt as the district attorney. Off to prison I went in a New York minute and I was told I was fortunate I didn't get 10 years.

So unfortunately, if this law is so undefined and if there's any possibility they can make a case of driving on revolked in Clay county on an ebike, there is absolutely no plea bargain and community service, it is off for 3 years. .... so with your comments in mind, even though legal, I'm probably better to throw away my rights and forget about the ebike deal and continue to walk. Ah!! thought for awhile I had a possible chance at a bit of freedom there, but it tis what it tis and no need complaining about it. Thank you all for your gracious comments. manxman

 

[Manxman]

As mentioned on another forum, I did call an attorney to see if he would research my question as to the legality of riding an electric bicycle as described in the new law and while being revoked. Been 24 hours now and no return call. Seems as mentioned previously in this thread, no one in authority or those in the legal field wish to give an opinion and especially a written one. I'll call tomorrow and see if there's any response. If not, I'll try another attorney as no matter the interpetition, no one should have to put themselves in harms way because no one wishes to interpet the law. Shame one hesitates to call local authorities for fear of having attention brought to them or of being singled out. mo. .. manx

 

[outlawbiker]

As mentioned on another forum, I did call an attorney to see if he would research my question as to the legality of riding an electric bicycle as described in the new law and while being revoked. Been 24 hours now and no return call. Seems as mentioned previously in this thread, no one in authority or those in the legal field wish to give an opinion and especially a written one. I'll call tomorrow and see if there's any response. If not, I'll try another attorney as no matter the interpetition, no one should have to put themselves in harms way because no one wishes to interpet the law. Shame one hesitates to call local authorities for fear of having attention brought to them or of being singled out. mo. .. manx

it all depends on "local authorities". i have mentioned here,my run ins and calls to my "local" police and they dont care about this MB situation,so if you ride in Elgin,carpentersville,west or east Dundee enjoy the ride(i too am revoked and thats why i built my MB to begin with),however other individual officers seem to make up their own rules as they go,and so far from all the info i have gathered,the people who have been busted by the cops dont seem to have a leg to stand on in court,even if they got it thrown out/dismissed,it seems that everyone is having a problem getting their MB's out of impound.

my attorney assures me after reading the law that if i was to get nailed on MB for any charges he could get me off the hook. but no one here is an lawyer,no one can give you solid legal advice here,so take this as a warning,we can all sit around here and ***** and moan about this retarded balance of this law,but its not gonna change a damn thing,for christs sakes this has gone on for 32 pages and its not getting any better,no one has craped out the magical golden egg that is going to make you safe to ride a MB in Illinois. if they want ya,they will come after ya,its just that simple. cops are cops,one can let you go,the next one can trump up charges,anyone that's been thru the system here should know that by now.ive been to the joint 5 times in the past 15 years in Illinois and every time made me smarter against their laws.dont just do the time,learn during that time.this law has been written up in such away you can contest it in court if you have a good.... **** even a mediocre attorney,but if your afraid to ride your MB or are not properly prepared to reap the consequences then sell it and find another way to get around because nothing that is said here is going to influence the discison of an a**hole cop with a 12 foot hard on if he wants to slam ya.

ride it or not,but even with this law,you better be ready to handle some bullcrap when he gets thrown in your lap.

 

[Manxman]

Guess I have to agree with you outlawbiker. I did get a call from the attorney. He told me they cannot convict me with driving on revoked and I'm good to go as the federal and state says this is bicycle and not a motor vehicle, flat period. Now he says as you, that this doesn't mean some idiot cop isn't going to arrest you, but the justice system hasn't a leg to stand on and can't convict. (I'm not sure about that as from experience seems they can just about do what they want.)

I say ok. Will you tell me that you are advising me to purchase this $1700 pizz azz electric bike I don't particularly like just so I can ride my azz to walmart instead of having to walk a mile and I'm definitely legal and you're going to be there to defend me when the cop 3 houses down who doesn't like me even though he doesn't know me and has threatened that if he catches me on anything illegal is going to see that I get 3 years in idoc for driving on revoked?

Lawyer tells me I have rights in the State of Illinois and I better damn well use them or people like me will wind up not having any rights at all and he would definitely suggest I quit being a whimp and purchase the bike, abide by the bicycle rules and get on the thing and ride it and quit making a big thing of nothing.

Anyway, the attorney faxed me a copy of the fed and state laws along with another paper with his signature and told me to carry the copies at all times and to stay off the sidewalks. He also jokingly added as a last resort, I might be able to get around on a segway.

So I ordered the electric bike even though I would liked to have a gas one, but afraid it will draw attention as the cops generally don't want to see anyone revoked get anywhere unless they walk or strickly pedal a standard bike. They don't care if you go 40 mph on a standard bike as long as you pedal only, but don't get on anything that goes 5 mph if it's got a moter and they can't punish you further by making you pedal.

Well, I may be a dammmmm fool as that's what got me the revoked in the first place, but if it's my right to ride a legal ebike 1 mile to the office, I suppose I'll be a dammmm fool again and see what happens. I may be one of the first test cases because I do have the dollars to take it to court.

Probably a bit too much bravo as I didn't plea bargain the last time.... and I lost and they stuck it to me.... Wish I didn't live in such a small town. Oh well!!! Can't wait for the bike to arrive even though they may shut me down in a hurry. I'm just going to stay away from uptown, drive around at 10, 15 mph and ghost pedal when I see one and hopefully they won't pay attention to me as I'm surely not dangerous and not much important at all anyway. mo... manxman

 

[outlawbiker]

Manxman,actually the worst part of this is going to be someone who has a MB in Illinois to sacrifice themselves in our situation,go to court and beat it. then it will be added to the Illinois compiled statues book to be brought up again for reference every time the cops want to lock up our fellow MB brothers on this topic.example, the state of Illinois vs (my last name). it wont hit a resonating note till it gets drafted in stone,but i swear to god,if i was still in Illinois i would still be riding and waiting for the day i would have to take this to court,cause when i would beat it,id turn as fast as a top to file a civil suit and sue the s**t out of them.

good luck to you.

 

[Manxman]

Hey outlawbiker. ... I talked to the manufacturer and the owner of the Bussetti bike told me that they are required to make these electric bikes according to federal standard and assured me that the bike will legally fit the Illinois requirements of a low speed electric bicycle. Course I know he would tell me that anyway, but he did say it is a manufacturing requirement in the states. So if I'm ok as far as the legality of the electric bike and I'm riding completely legal, my attorney says I can't lose the case on a charge of "driving on revoked." (as the law stands now and I can keep nougat from lobbying for drivers licenses) :>)

I don't care about some other piddley charge, it's the driving on revoked that scares the helllll about as in this county they're sending people up (revoked in vehicles) for 3 years, no in betweens, you're gone. So good bike and driving according to the rules, I've got to take the chance because the value of personal freedom to ride can't be measured if one is looking at walking or pedaling the rest of your life.

Boy, if I don't come out on this, I'm going to get hosed, because I called the manufacturer back and reordered the newest bike they've got coming out next week adding disc brakes, front end suspension, additional battery, covering to camaflouge the battery and back packs that will cover the battery that's already covered. Cost me another 500, but it's going to be a dang rolls royce, I hope, but if I can ride this thing for a few years, it's worth it to me. I'm excited and feel a little bit free for a change..... I know you know what I mean. (still would like a gas bike, but don't wish to push it if I can do this one legally)

Btw, are you going to be able to ride in ca? Really hope so. ... and thanks for responding. mo. ... manxman

 

[Manxman]

Thanks nougat. I'm hoping I won't have any issues, but I admit to being worried about the young cop down the street that testified against me back in 2006.

I'm absolutely not in taunting the cops as I'm not really a bad guy and have been alcohol free now for 5 years come June 28. I just want to get on my bike and ride at 10 to 15mph in town 2 miles to walmart and 1 mile to my office or 5 miles to the river if I want to fish without having to beg someone to take me. Actually, one just gives up fishing.

It would be nice when getting out of town to be able to open it up at 20mph as I've read reviews that they will easily do. Imagine that!!!! 20 mph.

I don't know if it's all, but I've noticed on this thread that most guys arrested tend to hide any incriminating facts and seem to be riding a bike that may be outlawed or in the least one that the legality is difficult to determine and don't try to lower their profile. Still with revoked, it might not make a difference.

I also think the problem is that alot of guys on revoked are getting the gas bikes that automatically draw attention and then skirt the legal limits and they may be successful in shutting it down for everyone in my situation that just want the freedom to ride and legally abide by the rules. I'm thinking they make it more difficult even for the biker with a drivers license as far as being hassled now and then.

Anyway, will keep in touch with the thread as to how it goes. mo. .. manxman

 

[jeff3cbikes]

(625 ILCS 5/1‑148.2) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 1‑148.2)
Sec. 1‑148.2. Moped. A moped is a motor‑driven cycle, with or without optional power derived from manually operated pedals, whose speed attainable in one mile is at least 20 mph but not greater than 30 mph, and is equipped with a motor that produces 2 brake horsepower or less. If an internal combustion engine is used, the displacement shall not exceed 50 cubic centimeter displacement and the power drive system shall not require the operator to shift gears.
(Source: P.A. 96‑554, eff. 1‑1‑10.)

 

[jeff3cbikes]

(625 ILCS 5/1‑148.2) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 1‑148.2)
Sec. 1‑148.2. Moped. A moped is a motor‑driven cycle, with or without optional power derived from manually operated pedals, whose speed attainable in one mile is at least 20 mph but not greater than 30 mph, and is equipped with a motor that produces 2 brake horsepower or less. If an internal combustion engine is used, the displacement shall not exceed 50 cubic centimeter displacement and the power drive system shall not require the operator to shift gears.
(Source: P.A. 96‑554, eff. 1‑1‑10.)

 

[jeff3cbikes]

(625 ILCS 5/Ch. 11 Art. XV heading)
ARTICLE XV. BICYCLES

(625 ILCS 5/11‑1501) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11‑1501)
Sec. 11‑1501. Application of rules. (a) It is unlawful for any person to do any act forbidden or fail to perform any act required in Article XV of Chapter 11 of this Code.
(b) The parent of any child and the guardian of any ward shall not authorize or knowingly permit any such child or ward to violate any of the provisions of this Code.
(Source: P.A. 82‑132.)

(625 ILCS 5/11‑1502) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11‑1502)
Sec. 11‑1502. Traffic laws apply to persons riding bicycles. Every person riding a bicycle upon a highway shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this Code, except as to special regulations in this Article XV and except as to those provisions of this Code which by their nature can have no application.
(Source: P.A. 82‑132.)

(625 ILCS 5/11‑1503) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11‑1503)
Sec. 11‑1503. Riding on bicycles. (a) A person propelling a bicycle shall not ride other than upon or astride a permanent and regular seat attached thereto.
(b) No bicycle shall be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed and equipped, except that an adult rider may carry a child securely attached to his person in a back pack or sling.
(Source: P.A. 82‑132.)

(625 ILCS 5/11‑1504) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11‑1504)
Sec. 11‑1504. Clinging to vehicles. No person riding upon any bicycle, coaster, roller skates, sled or toy vehicle shall attach the same or himself to any vehicle upon a roadway.
(Source: P.A. 82‑132.)

(625 ILCS 5/11‑1505) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11‑1505)
Sec. 11‑1505. Position of bicycles and motorized pedal cycles on roadways ‑ Riding on roadways and bicycle paths.
(a) Any person operating a bicycle or motorized pedal cycle upon a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall ride as close as practicable and safe to the right‑hand curb or edge of the roadway except under the following situations:
1. When overtaking and passing another bicycle,

motorized pedal cycle or vehicle proceeding in the same direction; or
2. When preparing for a left turn at an intersection

or into a private road or driveway; or
3. When reasonably necessary to avoid conditions

including, but not limited to, fixed or moving objects, parked or moving vehicles, bicycles, motorized pedal cycles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or substandard width lanes that make it unsafe to continue along the right‑hand curb or edge. For purposes of this subsection, a "substandard width lane" means a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle or motorized pedal cycle and a vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.
4. When approaching a place where a right turn is

authorized.
(b) Any person operating a bicycle or motorized pedal cycle upon a one‑way highway with two or more marked traffic lanes may ride as near the left‑hand curb or edge of such roadway as practicable.
(Source: P.A. 95‑231, eff. 1‑1‑08.)

(625 ILCS 5/11‑1505.1) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11‑1505.1)
Sec. 11‑1505.1. Persons riding bicycles or motorized pedal cycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than 2 abreast, except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for their exclusive use. Persons riding 2 abreast shall not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic and, on a laned roadway, shall ride within a single lane subject to the provisions of Section 11‑1505.
(Source: P.A. 83‑549.)

(625 ILCS 5/11‑1506) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11‑1506)
Sec. 11‑1506. Carrying articles. No person operating a bicycle shall carry any package, bundle or article which prevents the use of both hands in the control and operation of the bicycle. A person operating a bicycle shall keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times.
(Source: P.A. 82‑132.)

(625 ILCS 5/11‑1507) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11‑1507)
Sec. 11‑1507. Lamps and other equipment on bicycles.
(a) Every bicycle when in use at nighttime shall be equipped with a lamp on the front which shall emit a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front and with a red reflector on the rear of a type approved by the Department which shall be visible from all distances from 100 feet to 600 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful lower beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle. A lamp emitting a red light visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear may be used in addition to the red reflector.
(b) A bicycle shall not be equipped with nor shall any person use upon a bicycle any siren. This subsection (b) does not apply to a bicycle that is a police vehicle or fire department vehicle.
Every bicycle shall be equipped with a brake which will adequately control movement of and stop and hold such bicycle.
(d) No person shall sell a new bicycle or pedal for use on a bicycle that is not equipped with a reflex reflector conforming to specifications prescribed by the Department, on each pedal, visible from the front and rear of the bicycle during darkness from a distance of 200 feet.
(e) No person shall sell or offer for sale a new bicycle that is not equipped with side reflectors. Such reflectors shall be visible from each side of the bicycle from a distance of 500 feet and shall be essentially colorless or red to the rear of the center of the bicycle and essentially colorless or amber to the front of the center of the bicycle provided. The requirements of this paragraph may be met by reflective materials which shall be at least 3/16 of an inch wide on each side of each tire or rim to indicate as clearly as possible the continuous circular shape and size of the tires or rims of such bicycle and which reflective materials may be of the same color on both the front and rear tire or rim. Such reflectors shall conform to specifications prescribed by the Department.
(f) No person shall sell or offer for sale a new bicycle that is not equipped with an essentially colorless front‑facing reflector.
(Source: P.A. 95‑28, eff. 8‑7‑07.)

(625 ILCS 5/11‑1507.1) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11‑1507.1)
Sec. 11‑1507.1. Lamps on mopeds. Every moped, when in use at nighttime, shall be equipped with a lamp on the front which shall emit a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front, and with a red reflector on the rear of a type approved by the Department which shall be visible from all distances from 100 feet to 600 feet to the rear when in front of lawful, low‑powered beams of head lamps on a motor vehicle. A lamp emitting a red light visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear may be used in addition to the red reflector.
(Source: P.A. 96‑554, eff. 1‑1‑10.)

 

[FileStyle]

at 20 mph. your only putting out less than 1 hp. Bottom Line.

 

[Catfisher]

Sorry FileStyle, I don't like beating a dead horse, but that is the type of mis-information many of us have been refuting / re-educating for some time now.

Nougat said it best; What your bike, i.e. engine is putting out at 20 MPH is not relevant. If it's capable of more than 20 MPH - whether you actually break that speed limit or not - it's a moped. If it's more than 1 HP - it's a moped.
​

prussian, here's your link:

illinois general assembly - full text of public act 096-0125



that is the definition of a gas MB in Illinois. If it's capable of more than 20 MPH - whether you actually break that speed limit or not - it's a moped. If it's more than 1 HP - it's a moped.

There's no word on cc's in this piece of legislation, but the rules surrounding mopeds vs. Motorcycles make the distinction. Between 50cc and 150cc, a class l license is required. Under 50cc, less than 2 HP, and between 20 and 30mph, any driver's license is required (moped/scooter). So it seems clear that a MB with an engine of more than 50cc is a class l motorcycle.

I'm not saying the legislation is reasonable. It's not. You're correct that it was ripped from federal statues, and apparently without any understanding of what these bikes actually are. What court cases there have been have most certainly involved people who were not interested or equipped to fight for a reasonable judicial interpretation of the law. The "test case" still needs to happen, or if it already has, we need to hear about it.

This really says it all, unpopular and unfair as it seems to the working guy trying to save a few bucks and have a little fun. Because Illinois law is based on Federal law (tied to Federal highway funds); the law as written will not be changed easily. If anything it is just as kikely to become even more restrictive.

Please read what Nougat put together so logically, and please stop denying the law as it is written.

I'm very glad some communities tolerate china girl bikes, but in some areas like Decatur; members have been ticketed and the bikes impounded because they are clearly capable of exceeding 20 MPH etc, etc, etc. We all know the language by now, just please quit justifying bikes that clearly violate the intent and specific wording as Nougat explained it.

 

["the prussian" Shop Dogs]

I know this has run on too long but I have to disagree.
As I see it there are several contrdictions in the law and each of us is looking at it from a different perspective.
No bike with a motor added on will ever be a moped under Il. State law ,thats super clear in that it was not manufactured as one and does not and canot have fed trans safety sticker .
The horsepower claims are not based on anything deff. By the IL. Vec code.
Long story short the type of device was made legal and is not a motor vec and does not need a DL to operate. Everthing else is still highly debated.
This thread has had 27,000 views and may never die . Its (imo) time to move on!
This is one of those times when we all need to look back to what we all have in common and try and build something from that.

 

[Catfisher]

I agree with you. I don't want to harp on one topic or belittle anyone for what they choose to believe. Unless really provoked (ya-right), I won't bring up the speed/HP issues of the approximately 66 cc China Girl bikes.

I want to give one more nod to Nougat's many posts. He has spent more time actually communicating with the Sec. of State's office than anyone I know. In addition, Nougat has read and re-read all of the associated material, some of it connected, much of it not easy to find; on IL government pages, news pages, links from all over and more goggle searches. I value his knowledge and his research.

As I have said repeatedly, I would love to see the 66 cc engines somehow listed as approved. Unfortunately I don't see that happening. What I fear is losing my right to ride a 25 cc bike without a license because the cheaper China Girls will get so much bad press that the new changes of 1 year ago will be repealed.

I fully admit my DUI and lack of a license are my fault. I just want to putt around at the 20 MPH they will allow on something like a 25 cc or 32 cc 4 stroke.

If you are a regular reader in this thread, I would appreciate knowing your stance in general. No animosity. I like hearing from "the prussian" Shop Dogs and everybody who has a well-read belief. If I thought I could ride un-noticed here on a China Girl, I would. It would fit my budget and be lots of fun. I'd be here saying, " Yes, I know my engine is technically bigger than the law allows, but it's all I can afford. I hope the police don't mess with me." But here the police will stop bikes even if they don't have a motor. They like to trip on everybody because they can. So I have to be extra careful; and if you have followed the thread, you know I could not get a straight answer from the Judge or the States Attorney here in Peoria.

Peace to all, I'll keep reading the thread. I look forward to honest studied reactions either way. I'm done rambling, I'll try to keep my big trap quiet.

 

["the prussian" Shop Dogs]

Catfisher ,nougat , filestyle and all other ilinites.
I know of no other thread on this forum( at least in laws and legg) that has run this long. The sprit with witch file started this debate shows were all intrested in rideing legal. The most informed people in the state are here to discuss our rights and privagles , and it's to bad we disagree on some basic points. However we have learned some absolutes that can't be avoided. So bear with me and letts see what the real debate is about.
A: I feel that the cc's as it relates to horsepower has been covered , even the SAE backs my research, there is no direct corelation.
B: this type of "device" has been expressily removed from the deff of a motor vec. And ( even as cool as it would be ) canot EVER be any type of motor vec.
It would not become a moped or motorcycle it would simply be ilegal to operate.
C: anyone stoped by police and issued ANY motor vec ticket is invalid. That. In no way limits the police from stoping you for a bicycle insp. Or issuing any tickett they want . But the DL issue is clear and has no bering on mb operation. Weather revoked for life or whatever.
D: the requierments setforth in the new laws is an attempt to define a horsepower minute for a new class of Devices now legal in IL. The law makers are not enginers or in any way informed as to the types of motors we use. They simply copy and pasted from the fed law so as not to pass a law that might endanger the state from receving federal hiway funds. So just like if a state lowers the drinking age ,it's legal to do so if ratified , but you lose fed funding if you do something they don't approve of.
E: each person operating an mb is responsible for there own actions ,just like driving a car, if you speed or disregard traffic rules ( or drink and ride) ,then you can be stoped and cited . However the state bears the burden of proving the infraction and must take action on a rider by rider basis . Not with some assumption that all mb's are ilegal or that everyone who rides one is commiting a crime. That is simply not the case!
F: as with many laws on the books there are many direct condrdictions involved with MB's and none of these is debatable by us or the police. Only a judge or the state sen. Can rule on or make an adaptation to that law as it stands.

It is a case of some police overstepping there legal bounds when stopping people riding an MB just for the fact there riding along following the rules of the road. The law states they are to witness an infraction or have probable cause to stop ANYONE for anything. A good portion of the debate cirlces around if your unlicesend or revoked, and this has NO effect on your right to operate an MB in IL. Thats made clear in the instructions to police and (imo) is a case of profiling people they have had interactions with in the past.

I've spent the last six years interacting with everyone who will speak to me or were I can send a letter too ( not an attempt to devalue what nougat has done ) and have gone to the mountian top several times . I have spoken with sen. Seterns, sen. Link the current IL. States attny. The former IL. States attny. Many of the local judges ,my local PD. And several laywers. Including the top DL reinstatement laywer in the state. They all give the same basic result.
We are legal ,there are contrdictions, and chalenges will have to be made in court or on the senate floor.
I still feel that the way forward is in self regulation , not one of the people I've ever talked to thought that the law as written is an attempt to give problem drivers (drinkers) a loop hole to circumvent any law, they were trying to meet public demand and created what one sen. Called a "hobby class" of devices to allow people in IL. The same rights that many other states and countrys have.we argued the DL. Requirement for three years!!!
There is presadence for self regulation ( just look at what the NHRA has done in IL.)and we as a group need to form a dealer/inspector class and issue our own safety/driver permit here in IL. Whats wrong with getting a voulentary insp. And takin a simple test to insure your bike and brain are up to par? The law makers have enough to do! Were the people affected and most concerned ! The very people following this thread are the perfect group to start such an action
I appolige if at any time I may have belittled any one opnions or insulted anyone, that was never my intent. But I cannot and will not lett this issue rest as MY rights are in question . Thanks for hearing me out ,please comment on selfregulation as I highly value the opnoins presented here and like to think I'm working to better the legal situation for all riders everywere.

 

[FileStyle]

well, all I can say to that is ghost pedal and keep it under 20mph. and ride it like a bicycle not a motorcycle. I do this hobby to save fuel. I have lights and reflectors, I wear a helmet, gloves, safety glasses. I have a liscense! and as long as I ride 20mph through town, what can they say! when does a corvette become a racecar? it's capable of going 160mph. but the law says to not exceed the speed limit. people do this everyday, speeding at least 10 over on any roadway.will they impound their cars or just give a ticket? Bottom Line is ride like you have some sense in your head, use your hand signals, and make sure you have something between your legs that is SAFE. remember its a bicycle first, you cant register or liscense it! what do you do?
That horse dont look good!

 

[FileStyle]

I like your post Prussian! I concur.

 

[benevolent tyrant]

I am a former Illinois (suburban) cop who graduated from ISP, not the local academies (Lincolnland, Champaign, C.O.D. etc.) like 95% of the police you will encounter in Illinois.

There is a lot of bad advice and wishful thinking going on in this thread.

I do not personally have any DUI or licensing issues, I actually have my own motorcycle, I was just interested in these small engines since they seem like fun, not to use for transportation.

I can tell you guys that if you move to Virginia, Maryland or the District of Columbia, there is no -
1) Drivers Lic
2) Insurance
3) Registration
4) Inspection

required for any scooter or moped under 50 cc and it can legally be operated on any public highway very economically as long as you are not specifically under other previous legal action (DUI, fleeing/eluding, too many points on lic.) prohibited from operating on public roadways.

A)
In Illinois, Go-carts, Snowmobiles, Gopeds etc.. do not require any drivers lic to operate but if you operate them on a public road, without a drivers lic or AFTER your license has been stripped from you by court action,

you CAN be cited and convicted of NO valid DL, or Driving Susp/Revoked, and I have seen this many times.

B)
There is a distinction that a lot of posters are ignoring between someone who never had a drivers lic at all, (16 year old kids are eligible to operate these bikes) -
..and someone who from prior court action has been deliberately stripped of their right to operate a motorized vehicle on a public roadway..

I really doubt that the Courts are going to view the l/s MB gas engine as other than a internal combustion engine for someone who has been suspended from operating I/C powered vehicles on public roadways.

C)
Suing the cops-
Although it may seem unfair, ask your attorney and he will confirm that it is not a 'seizure' of your person under Illinois law to stop you for traffic violation(s), arrest/confine you for traffic violations, or even detain passengers in/on a motor vehicle.

Its very hard to sue police over what you perceive to be a unfair traffic stop unless the actual BASIS/cause of the suit is, say.. illegal use-of-force (you were hit/beaten) and this is the basis for the suit subsequent to the stop..
or you are claiming discrimination as protected class, and asserting that was the reason the stop was in fact conducted-
While I believe you that some cops are unfair to you, your suit is going nowhere 99.9% of the time, and no one will take it pro-bono (free) unless something other than the stop is the actual grounds for the suit.

D)
I actually read this whole thread for some reason, and when i saw one poster gloating over a entire pack of Low-Speed M/B meeting up for a road rally, and then repeatedly drawing police attention and traffic stops along the way, during which they as a group whipped out computer printouts of the state law to display to police,
I knew that this type of person would rather rapidly ruin for everyone the ability to responsibly and QUIETLY operate a cheap, quick, fun form of limited transporTation without the licensing/title/insurance requirements..

The same needs to be said for the poster who reports ''trying to tune up / 'dial in' his Two-Cycle M/B engine REPEATEDLY on the street in front of his house in Elgin..
I actually somewhat support a limited way for those who have revocations to operate a vehicle that allows them some form of mobility but ensures these persons are unable to operate a vehicle that they are not responsible to safely utilize in a manner that can hurt / kill others-

***If you want a real quick way to get a ton of regulations put in place on M/B, start ''DIALING IN'' your 2 cycle weedewacker engine on a bicycle sitting on a urban residential street in crowded Elgin...***

OR, crowd together in ROAD RALLIES with a whole pack of similarly situated persons, to draw a ton of attention and hassle down on yourselves -
for the couple 'ROAD RALLIES' you enjoy, I hope that is worth it when you have placed a target on your back by drawing all the attention of LE and the Public who dont care for 30 middle age DUI offenders on LOUD weedwacker powered bicycles blocking half the roadway in a herd,
and then sticking pieces of paper in the face of the cop getting all the complaints about this ''RALLY'', telling him its all legal when in fact, you are well aware this in not cut/dried.

OVERALL..
the same responsible personality type who managed to get a bunch of DUI's/ Drivers Lic. revoked etc..
is the same person who will try to take a loophole that sheer luck dropped in their lap, which was basically 100% motivated by the hippie/environmentalist types who wanted to encourage lowering gasoline consumption and increasing use of electric power,

and abuse that loophole almost immediately in attention-seeking ''ROAD RALLIES'' that for a days worth of Road Rally fun, ruin your ability to use this bike for practical local commuting purposes,
or are "Tuning-Up" their loud, screaming, 2 cycle bike engine REPEATEDLY on a residential street, but then blame the neighbors when they call the cops on you..
These types are there OWN worst enemies since they don't care about consequences until its too late, just like with the DUI's.

My advice to you all is, look at Skateboards if you want to see your own future with this type of stupid behavior being engaged in.

EVERY SUBURB/CITY has very detailed and strict Skateboard regulations/laws/penalties, for what is nothing but a slab of unpowered wood.
No engine, or noise,
but they are heavily penalized, restricted, and enforced..

WHY?? because a significant portion of users of skateboards go out of their way to annoy, piss off, or irritate others, and those who don't do these things pay the price along with those who do.

If you see a 50 year old DUI dude with a revoked lic trying to scoot around on a MB suggesting you all team up for a 25 mph road rally past the local fuzz,

or tuning up one of the loudest small engines known to man on a city street not caring what anyone else thinks about it..

that person will end up getting all the same restrictions placed on you that currently prohibit people from possessing a slab of wood with some rubber wheels on it in many municipalities-

just my two cents.

I fully admit my DUI and lack of a license are my fault. I just want to putt around at the 20 MPH they will allow on something like a 25 cc or 32 cc 4 stroke.

If you are a regular reader in this thread, I would appreciate knowing your stance in general. No animosity. I like hearing from "the prussian" Shop Dogs and everybody who has a well-read belief.

 

["the prussian" Shop Dogs]

I would simply like to see the letter of the law re: when your rights are "stripped" by the court where it states that you are not to operate an mb? It may be a loophole and I'm sure there will always be those who decide to break any law inacted , however unless or untill there is a spefic law re this type of device , how can one be cited for riding without a dl when one is not required ? All other debate aside I feel noone is addressing the matter of the profiling of MB riders by police with witch they have had prior contact?
The same can be said of riders like file who have a DL don't ride stupid and are still being harrased by police because of the type of transportation they pick vs an actual infraction?

 

["the prussian" Shop Dogs]

Forgot to mention that this is america and it is legal to protest police action as long as you dont break any law in doing so . With our right to assemble and defend ourselfs against unlawfull action by citing state law , sure sounds like the civil rights we all learned in school.