For Immediate Release
Date: November 24, 2004
Contact: Jessica Robinson
Phone: (573) 751-8222

Motorized Bicycles in Holiday Ads may be Illegal to Operate

(Missouri) – Recently, motorized bicycles (like pocket bikes and some scooters) have become very popular and have been featured in several holiday ads, but unless you have a valid driver license, they’re illegal to operate on public streets and highways. 

Many of today’s trendy scooters and pocket bikes--gas or electric--qualify as motorized bicycles, and Missouri law explicitly prohibits the operation of a motorized bicycle on a public street unless the driver holds a valid license to operate a motor vehicle (307.195.1, RSMo).  Operating motorized bicycles on interstate highways is also prohibited (307.195.2,RSMo).   Violation of these laws is a class C misdemeanor. 

A motorized bicycle is, "Any two-wheeled or three-wheeled device having an automatic transmission and a motor with a cylinder capacity of not more than fifty 50 cubic centimeters, which produces less than three 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" (Sections 301.010.30 and 307.180.2, RSMo). 

State law does not require motorized bicycle operators to wear helmets, but helmets are recommended.  State law also does not require motorized bicycles to be titled or licensed. 

Local ordinances may prohibit the use of motorized bicycles on sidewalks.