how did you get plates? i live in So CAL and tried but they said its not considered a motorized bike unless it goes over 30mph, can be pedaled, hasa multiple gear transmission and something else but since i only have 1 gear they said its still considered a bicycle.
ive been pulled over before and i tell them that and there fine
Here are the official qualifications for what a "motorized bicycle" is in California.
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d01/vc406.htm
For our HT gas engines, here's what we need to qualify:
- No more than 3 wheels.
- Fully-operative pedals.
- Automatic transmission. Our engines only have one gear, so that qualifies as automatic. It's even okay if we have a clutch.
- Engine cannot produce horse-power over 2.
- Maximum speed of 30mph on level ground.
I got my plate and registration by filling out this registration application and sending it to the DMV with a check of $19.
http://dmv.ca.gov/forms/reg/reg230.pdf
In section A, you have to answer YES to 4 questions in order for your bike to qualify:
1. Two-wheel or three-wheel device?
2. Fully operative pedals for human power or powered solely by electrical energy?
3. Automatic transmission and a motor with less than 2 gross brake horsepower?
4. Maximum speed of 30 miles per hour on ground level?
If your bike has a 2 stroke motor like the rest of us do, you should be able to answer yes to all those questions, which means your motorized bike is perfectly legal and you're entitled to a plate.
Just a few weeks later I got an envelope in the mail with my registration and the plate. I used zip ties to fix the plate to my bike.
On that application, use your bike's serial number as the Vehicle Identification Number. It's usually on the bottom of your bike's pedal crank shaft. If it's not there, just make one up like "03D0057200". It would be a good idea to stamp the VIN number somewhere on your bike frame later if you make up a number. For the engine number, use the last 4 digits of your VIN number. You'll also have to write down your "make". Just make something up for that. I called mine a "scorpion". Don't leave the "make" space blank, or they'll send it back to you asking to correct it.
I think it's a good idea to get a plate if you can because it might mean you'll get pulled over by cops less often.