Kent
1 kW
Well, like many I was thinking about going legal with a plate and all. Now that I am crusing at 30-35mph and want to share the road with other vehicles, and get my right of way and respect, the concept is appealing. No more riding on the shoulder in the dirt, verring around potholes, being run off the road, etc. Most of my riding is around town with an occasional jaunt down a country road. Staying off the one and only bike path is no big deal. And of course i don't do sidewalks anyway.
So whats-up in vermont? I checked into the local DMV website and found out that the state recently had redefined its vehicle catagories. They did away with "scooter" and "moped" and now instead have a catagory called Motor Driven Cycle right on the registration form. And under type of propulsion there is a catagory for "electric". No shit.
This is what they say about "MDC":
"Cannot exceed over 30 mph on a level surface.Engine must operate without a need for clutching or shifting.Cannot possess an engine larger than 50 cubic centimeters.Restricted to two or three wheels."
So today I went up to the local MVD and tried to register it. The only bill of sale I had for the bike was the original sales receipt for the bike itself. I explained to the nice lady that she probably wouldn't find the value of my make in her vehicle blue book, (as they are importing so many Chinese mopeds now with crazy names ), so after looking she just did a perchantage of my original sales price of $575 (Jamis Komodo). Then she excused herself and went to speak to her suprevisor. I thought, oh no here it comes. Not in the book so can't do it, I thought. But she returned with my nice new plate-probably her first MDC plate shes issued, and off I went. $55.
Needless to say I was tickled. I have 15 days to get it inspected at a regular motorcycle/scooter shop and get my annual sticker. So i was looking up what they require on a MDC. Turns out it is the same as a motorcycle with proper lights, turn signals etc. plus full reflectors and, get this, horn button on the left handlebar. Go figure.
it turns out it was more hassle getting insurance with the endless questions including "was this moped professionally manufactured? :x Of course, I said! And what is the cc on it again? 49 I said. (since 50cc+ is considered by some insurance companies as a motorcycle) I didn't tell the insurance about the new Vermont MDC though. Didn't want to muddy the waters. Just called it a moped. No mention of electric conversion. Yup it came like that....
So now when i see a local cop in my mirror, its just 30mph especially since he's probably never seen a MDC plate before and will want to check me out.
Small price to pay.