I spoke with enforcement at the dmv and motored bikes are illeagal in RI yes ILLEAGALcan only operate on private property
***§ 31-19.1-1**License required to operate. – No person shall operate a motorized bicycle or motor scooter upon a highway in this state unless the person has a valid license as an operator under the provisions of chapter 10 of this title and shall be at least sixteen (16) years of age.
(l) "Motorized bicycles" means two (2) wheel vehicles which may be propelled by human power or helper power, or by both, with a motor rated not more than four and nine-tenths (4.9) horsepower and not greater than fifty (50) cubic centimeters, which are capable of a maximum speed of not more than thirty (30) miles per hour.
***(g) "Electric motorized bicycles" means a motorized bicycle which may be propelled by human power or electric motor power, or by both, with an electric motor rated not more than two (2) (S.A.E.) horsepower, which is capable of a maximum speed of not more than twenty-five (25) miles per hour.
So in other words...***(s) "Motor vehicle" means every vehicle which is self-propelled or propelled by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires, but not operated upon rails, except vehicles moved exclusively by human power, an EPAMD and electric motorized bicycles as defined in subsection (g) of this section, and motorized wheelchairs.