The definitions of motor bicycle and moped

What it does

Summary by the Legislative Reference Bureau, the Legislature's nonpartisan drafting office. It's their wording, not ours.

Under current law, a "moped" is defined to include a bicycle-type vehicle, which has fully operative pedals and an engine that is an integral part of the vehicle, that is capable of a speed of not more than 30 miles per hour with a 150-pound rider on a dry, level, hard surface with no wind. A "motor bicycle" is defined as a bicycle to which a power unit not an integral part of the vehicle has been added to permit the vehicle to travel at a speed of not more than 30 miles per hour under the same conditions. Certain legal consequences follow from the classification of a vehicle as a moped or a motor bicycle. For example, a motor bicycle is exempt from the requirement of vehicle registration with the Department of Transportation (DOT), while a moped must be registered with DOT in the same manner as a motorcycle.

Also, with exceptions, mopeds are generally treated similarly to motorcycles for purposes of traffic regulation and vehicle equipment requirements, while motor bicycles are generally treated similarly to bicycles. However, a person must possess a valid operator's license to operate on a highway either a moped or a motor bicycle.

Who's behind it

5 senators are its authors⁠. 3 are Republicans and 2 are Democrats.

5 more lawmakers signed on in support⁠.

What it would cost

State agencies filed a cost estimate. Each opens as a PDF from the Legislature.

• Fiscal Estimate From DOT