is a hi-power assisted-bike a 'motorcycle'?

[stillsearching]

I've been trying to answer a question for awhile but can't seem to find an answer to...

Federal law apparently restricts assisted bicycles to 750w of electric assist, or 2hp of gas assist, and a 20mph speed limit for both. Which is... almost absurd, as many people can pedal faster than that, but nonetheless thats what it is. Whats the legal classification of going over that? I see these high power electric assist bikes (some with 10-13kw which exceeds 125cc learner motorcycle power ranges) intended for "off road use" but wonder why you couldn't use one on the road...

If it's licensed as a motorcycle so what? Is there some kind of class for homebuilt or modified motorcycles that you could fall under for if you wanted to experiment with something a bit more than a typical bicycle but not necessarily what the normal motorcycles do, like say stick a 3.5hp china diesel into a cargo trike to move around town at 30-35mph and 200mpg? I've heard there are "federal safety standards" for motorcycles but that's a bit headscratching, it's not like they have seatbelts and a safety cage, everyone sorta accepts if you crash your screwed, and you stay off the sidewalk as the two main differences... i'm just curious whether there are places to explore in this range of high power bicycles and tricycles or even pedaled quadcycles to be road legal at least to the level of a 50cc moped is allowed to use the road anyways.

[razor02097]

In order to get a vehicle registered it needs to have a VIN of some sort. Bicycles have a serial number but I do not believe that would be sufficient as VINs also contain vehicle information. I hear that most of the USA electric bicycles even the powerful ones have a limited top speed to abide by the law and have clever marketing to get around the power classification.

Once you register a vehicle you have to pay the registration fee for tags and insure it. You also may need a license or endorsement on your license. Basically once you cross the path it's a crap shoot of fees and legal garbage.

If you want to have a custom hybrid or diesel or electric motorcycle start with a motorcycle. A motorcycle will have a registrable VIN and insurance companies will recognize it and insure it.

[stillsearching]

Okay thank you, at least that clarifies it.

Will look for a junky chinascooter with a blown engine or something to start from then.

[Grant-53]

Check with the state DMV for motorcycle definitions. States may allow homebuilt motorcycles. If the vehicles travel above 30 mph the major components such as brakes may have to be federally approved motorcycle parts. Some states allow powered bicycles up to 30 mph but others don't. A fully streamlined bicycle would allow you a comfortable cruise speed of 25 mph. In northern climes you want a liquid cooled engine and a heater core for your faired motorcycle to keep warm.