In Bay county, which is where i live, i've rode by cops plenty of times and they didn't care. They just stared and watched in amazement as i rode past.
This is what confuses me. The definition of a moped according to the FL statutes 316.003 is:
(77) MOPED.—Any vehicle with pedals to permit propulsion by human power, having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels; with a motor rated not in excess of 2 brake horsepower and not capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed greater than 30 miles per hour on level ground; and with a power-drive system that functions directly or automatically without clutching or shifting gears by the operator after the drive system is engaged. If an internal combustion engine is used, the displacement may not exceed 50 cubic centimeters.
Our motorized bicycles uses a clutch...so i would think that fact alone would make these mb's remain bicycles?
A bicycle is defined by FL Statutes 316.003(2) as BICYCLE.—Every vehicle propelled solely by human power, and every motorized bicycle propelled by a combination of human power and an electric helper motor capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed of not more than 20 miles per hour on level ground upon which any person may ride, having two tandem wheels, and including any device generally recognized as a bicycle though equipped with two front or two rear wheels. The term does not include such a vehicle with a seat height of no more than 25 inches from the ground when the seat is adjusted to its highest position or a scooter or similar device. No person under the age of 16 may operate or ride upon a motorized bicycle.
So for it to remain a bicycle it has to have a "electric helper motor".
But the TL-10 says:
How is the tax collector supposed to register this bicycle/gas engine
assembly?
A. The definition of bicycle under s. 316.003(2), F.S., includes
motorized bicycles. Bicycles are not registered or titled.
Engine kits for bicycles are not new and there are a variety of
kits available, however, they remain bicycles after the engine
kit is installed. There are other requirements that must be met
to be classified as a motorcycle/scooter/moped such as frame
assembly and safety features. If a customer brings in
paperwork for a bicycle, they cannot be legally issued a title or
registration nor is it required. The agent should also direct the
customer to law enforcement if there are any questions as to
where the motorized bicycle can be used.
Why do u need a DL to ride these contraptions if they can't be registered or titled?
These laws contradict each other. The way i see it, this is insanity. You can have a electric helper motor that cannot propel the bike more than 20mph on level ground without needing to have a DL. But cannot put a gas(internal combustion engine of any size) on your bike and ride it without a DL?
I know if i go to court to fight the ticket, they catch me when we get to the part about my engine size. My engine is 66cc. The limit in FL is 49cc. But what about driving a "moped" without a DL? Are they right or are we?
They can beat us(so to say) in 3 different ways.
This is stressing me out just trying to figure this out....
All comments and comments are appreciated.
Keep me in your prayers. 