didja ever look up the definition of "register?"
reg·is·ter (rj-str)
n.
1.
a. A formal or official recording of items, names, or actions.
or, when you type in "motorize vehicle registration" into the DMV search to find the registration form, it says:
"This form is used to apply for original registration, transfer, duplicates, and substitutes for motorized bicycles (mopeds).
and if you look on my paperwork, it names me as "the registered owner."
you don't have to pay an "annual fee," but you still need to register it.
on the same page you found section 4020, here's this:
4001. All vehicles exempt from the payment of registration fees shall be registered as otherwise required by this code by the person having custody thereof, and he shall display upon the vehicle a license plate bearing distinguishing marks or symbols, which shall be furnished by the department free of charge.
anyways...
i called progressive,esurance, and a few other major players in the insurance racket, and they all asked if the bicycle manufacturer also manufactured the engine (no,) and did i buy the bicycle with the motor already installed (no,) and a few other things that i had to answer "no" to.
all of them denied me, saying that my bike didn't meet their definition of "moped."
i coulda lied, but if i was getting sued or filing a claim, it'd be pretty easy for them to find out that Colson didn't make a chinese bicycle motor in the 1930's.
the guy i went to was recommended to me by HB Scooters in Huntington Beach as their guy who registers the Whizzers they sell.
(edit) also, the cop gave me a "cheat sheet" they use so we can't weasel out of tickets, and on it it states: "16028(a) Financial responsibility required."
which is the basic "furnishing proof upon request" law when you get pulled over.