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Common Questions and Answers on Mopeds, Gopeds and Electric
Vehicles:
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Question:
My husband saw
on the news last night that golf carts were allowed on the county roads in the state of Michigan. Is this true? What are
the requirements? |
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Answer: Assuming your
golf cart is electric powered, then it may be possible to register it as a low speed vehicle. The document titled "Low Speed Vehicle" lists
the operational and equipment requirements that must be met.
If the cart is other
than electrically powered it can only be
legally operated on a highway, (including the right-of-way) in the state of Michigan, under
very strict circumstances. In those situations it would be defined as an ORV found in MCL 324.81101
and circumstances allowing operation on a highway while
severely limited
can be found in the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, MCL 324.81122.
Local municipalities can authorize situations where an ORV can
be operated on a highway within their jurisdiction. MCL 324.81131 defines those situations.
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Question:
Where can I
legally ride a goped?
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Answer: A goped, while
not specifically defined in the Michigan Vehicle Code, does fall under the definition of a moped (MCL.257.32b). Mopeds are required to have
certain equipment such as; a headlight, brake light, seat, horn, muffler, and brakes on each
wheel, in order to be legally operated on the roadway. In addition, the operator of a moped
must be at least 15 years of age, have a moped license or an operator/chauffeur license, and the
vehicle must be registered with the Department of State and display a valid registration plate.
Finally, a person operating a moped must wear an approved crash helmet if they are under 19
years of age.
Because gopeds are not equipped with the required equipment they
cannot be legally driven on the roadway. Also, by definition they are a motor vehicle and
therefore cannot be driven on a sidewalk constructed for use by pedestrians.
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Question:
Can someone
tell me what the laws in Michigan are for riding pocket bikes? |
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Answer: If the "pocket
bike" has an engine displacement of 50cc's or less, produces 2.0 brake horsepower or less, is capable of a top speed of no more than 30
mph, and the operator is not required/allowed to shift gears, then it may be legally
classified as a moped.
The document titled "Moped Requirements" lists the operational and equipment
requirements for such motor vehicles. Most "pocket bikes" will not meet those requirements
and therefore will not be street legal.
If the "pocket bike" has an engine displacement greater than
50cc's then it is classified as a
motorcycle and must meet
the requirements applicable to that type of vehicle. Again, most "pocket bikes" will not meet these requirements.
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Click here for
Equipment Requirements and Laws Regarding Mopeds
Click here for
More Moped Safety Information |
