Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

i have been trying to find information about the legalities of my ride. It is a four wheel bicycle with a 750 watt electric assist. my question is can i ride it in the roadways without a driver licence, the top speed is 14 mph

i have been trying to find information about the legalities of my ride. It is a four wheel bicycle with a 750 watt electric assist. my question is can i ride it in the roadways without a driver licence, the top speed is 14 mph

Have you googled the traffic laws of YOUR STATE?

Also, BIcycle means two wheels, does it not?

Have you googled the traffic laws of YOUR STATE?

Also, BIcycle means two wheels, does it not?

ok let me rephrase..... a quadricycle but it is a four wheel recumbent pedal powered but has an electric assist. I have looked at the laws for the state and there is no mention of four wheel bikes. And i have been on the phone with penn dot and they have no real answer. all i get is that it has a motor and i ride on penn dot owned roadways. but according to the us government if it is less then 1000 watts or 5 break horse power then a licence is not required i am in a very grey area of the law so i was looking were ever i could to find an answer. according to a bill i have read a neighborhood electric vehicle has to go at least 20 to 25 mph. and has to have numbers stamped into the frame and motor. i meet none of these requirements. It is a rhoades car built in Tennessee and top speed is only 14 mph

If my memory serves me, anything with a motor is a motor vehicle. It does not matter if the motor is providing only partial power, its still a motor vehicle, then the safe answer is yes you need a license. Maybe an officer from PA will be along soon.

Generally speaking if it can't be registered or insured it can't be operated on the road. If it is you must have a valid license.