Treehugger's Top 7 Electric Mopeds

Hey Dana,

Do you need to have a motorcycle license to drive your R Martin? I recently learned that with 50cc (gas burning) mopeds and scooters you don't need one but for 150cc you do. I'm not sure how that gets determined with electrics (maybe top speed?).

Hello all. this is Randall with R Martin Limited. I want to reply to the issue of licensing. It does vary by state.

We have recently had two states that we sent information to because they have never classified electrics under their motor vehicle laws. You may run into this with any electric that needs to be licensed. We provide a letter that describes the EVD to the state by request.

Some states use the number of CCs and/or cylinders and the HP rating while others use the MPH. The HP rating is normally on the MCO (Manufacture Certificate of Origin) provided with the product. If you purchase from a dealer, they use this document to apply for a Title (You know - the tax,title,license charge). If you purchase directly from an importer or distributor, you will have to apply for the Title yourself with the MCO. You will pay the tax and licensing fee directly to your tax office.

Now the numbers for our EVD. Like all electrics, there are zero cylinders and zero CCs. Less than 50 CCs is classified as a moped in some states. There are zero cylinders. The HP is rated at 1hp for 750 watts. So our EVD at 3000 watts is 4hp. The federal classification for this is a "motor driven cycle". Some states will use this and call under 5 hp scooters mopeds.

The final parameter that states use is the speed. Our EVD reaches 50 mph and soon we will have a model that does 60 mph. This makes the EVD a motorcycle in many states.

The best thing to do is to check with your DMV or tax office. Tell them the product you want to license is under 50 CCs and the HP. Also tell them the speed. They should be able to let you know the classification for your state.

Randall from R Martin Limited

www.rmartinbikes.com

www.electricbikedistributor.com

Hi. I'm 14 and I was wondering if I could drive a Moped in california (around Coto de Caza large gated communtiy and Rancho Santa Margarita) Please Reply back thanks! Please mention other laws too!!

The vehicle code is really easy:12500.  (a) A person may not drive a motor vehicle upon a highway, unless the person then holds a valid driver's license issued under this code, except those persons who are expressly exempted under this code.

(b) A person may not drive a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle upon a highway, unless the person then holds a valid driver's license or endorsement issued under this code for that class, except those persons who are expressly exempted under this code, or those persons specifically authorized to operate motorized bicycles or motorized scooters with a valid driver's license of any class, as specified in subdivision (h) of Section 12804.9.

With regard to whether the California Motor Vehicle code is enforceable upon any private or semi-private roadway, in general, motor vehicle laws are enforceable on the roadways in gated subdivisions and neighborhoods. There are exceptions truely privately owned and manitained roads that are not dedicated to public use and are clearly marked with signs that they are private; but most are considered public for the purposes of the vehicle code and emergency vehicle access.  The likelyhood of a citation is related to whether you have frequent police patrols in the neighborhood or if the neighbors complain to authorities.  The use of ATVs, motorcycles and mopeds on private land and privately owned driveways however is clearly allowed.

Basically it comes down to the fact California regulates who may operate motorized bikes, mopeds and motorcycles the same as for any other motor vehicle.  You can get a learners permit at 15-1/2 years if you enroll in drivers education.  I'm not sure if the links will reproduce, but many provisions of the vehicle code applicable to motorized bikes are below:

Edited by cirquerider - Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:55:40 GMT

Great info Cirque! Thank you