California vehicle code

GoodJuan · Post by **GoodJuan** » Wed Apr 06, 2005 6:44 am

after spending a good amount of time on the dmv's website www.dmc.ca.gov i was able to find some info that was just beweildering.

"21224. (a) A person operating a motorized scooter is not subject to the provisions of this code relating to financial responsibility, registration, and license plate requirements, and, for those purposes, a motorized scooter is not a motor vehicle." http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d11/vc21224.htm

So this means I don't have to register, insure, or get lisence plates for my Spree?

"407.5. (a) A "motorized scooter" is any two-wheeled device that has handlebars, has a floorboard that is designed to be stood ( )1 upon when riding, and is powered by an electric motor. This device may also have a driver seat that does not interfere with the ability of the rider to stand and ride and may also be designed to be powered by human propulsion. For purposes of this section, an electric personal assistive mobility device, as defined in Section 313, a motorcycle, as defined in Section 400, a motor-driven cycle, as defined in Section 405, or a motorized bicycle or moped, as defined in Section 406, ( )2 is not a motorized scooter.

(b) A device meeting the definition in subdivision (a) that is powered by a source other than electrical power is also a motorized scooter."
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d01/vc407_5.htm

So a spree is def. classified as a motorized scooter. And NOT a moped (which has the option of pedaling power)

"NOTE: Starting January 1, 2005, a Class C license is required to operate a motorized scooter.

Class C
You may drive:

any 2-axle vehicle with a GVWR of 26,000 lbs. or less.
any 3-axle vehicle weighing 6,000 lbs. or less gross.
any housecar, 40 feet or less.
a vanpool vehicle, ...
a motorized scooter. " http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/hdbk/pgs03thru06.htm

So I need a class C lisence to ride my Spree around? How a motor scooter gets grouped in with a housecar is beyond me.

Has anyone come across the same information in riding their spree (encounters with Johnny Law etc.?) Who here has registered or insured their Spree?

thanks

Post by **noiseguy** » Wed Apr 06, 2005 12:43 pm

The "moterized scooter" that they are referring to is otherwise known as a "goped," i.e. a motorized kick scooter.

A class C license appears to be just a "normal" driver's license. A "housecar" is an RV, and, yes, in most states you can drive one with a regular driver's license.

GoodJuan · Post by **GoodJuan** » Wed Apr 06, 2005 5:28 pm

Motorized Bicycle

406. (a) A "motorized bicycle" or "moped" is any two-wheeled or three-wheeled device having fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power, or having no pedals if powered solely by electrical energy, and an automatic transmission and a motor which produces less than 2 gross brake horsepower and is capable of propelling the device at a maximum speed of not more than 30 miles per hour on level ground.

(b) A "motorized bicycle" is also a device that has fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power and has an electric motor that meets all of the following requirements:
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d01/vc406.htm

From the looks the vehicle code, a Spree is better defined as a motorized scooter (because they state that it can be a motor other than electric) and not a moped or motorized bicycle. (which require the option of pedaling)

So it looks like, in California, you only need a regular driver's lisence to ride a spree, and not an M2?

Post by **noiseguy** » Thu Apr 07, 2005 12:32 pm

No, by the above the Spree could be a moped. It doesn't need pedals if it has an auto trans (the Spree has a single ratio trans) and is below 2 hp. The Iowa model would be below 2 hp, which is why everyone derestricts them.

Tippmann98 · Post by **Tippmann98** » Sun Apr 10, 2005 1:30 am

yea, Iowa's pretty much blow...

vette76 · Post by **vette76** » Sun Apr 10, 2005 3:24 pm

um, shhh noiseguy has an iowa.

BluPhire · Post by **BluPhire** » Mon Apr 11, 2005 11:12 am

GoodJuan wrote:Motorized Bicycle

406. (a) A "motorized bicycle" or "moped" is any two-wheeled or three-wheeled device having fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power, or having no pedals if powered solely by electrical energy, and an automatic transmission and a motor which produces less than 2 gross brake horsepower and is capable of propelling the device at a maximum speed of not more than 30 miles per hour on level ground.

(b) A "motorized bicycle" is also a device that has fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power and has an electric motor that meets all of the following requirements:
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d01/vc406.htm

From the looks the vehicle code, a Spree is better defined as a motorized scooter (because they state that it can be a motor other than electric) and not a moped or motorized bicycle. (which require the option of pedaling)

So it looks like, in California, you only need a regular driver's lisence to ride a spree, and not an M2?

What about my "Motorized Bicicle"? www.freewebs.com/bluphire

Ozzimo · Post by **Ozzimo** » Tue Apr 12, 2005 5:48 pm

I know in Washington State its registered as a Moped even though it has no pedals. Can even lock it to a bike rack if I wanted.