When Does A Bicycle Become Classed As A Motorcycle?

[BSRU]

Waiting to turn off a main road a guy on a bicycle was stopped in front of me, waiting to ride up the same road.
I could hear an engine running but could see where it was.
As the other bicycle started to move off I saw a small petrol engine on the seat tube. The cyclist started peddling like mad then the engine kicked in, clouds of smoke and the rider stopped peddling and whizzed of under the power of the engine.

I was wondering is it a bicycle or a motorcycle?

 

[Over The Hill]

To make Motorcycle you put "Motor" onto "Cycle" so I would think that about sums it up in reality too. I would say as soon as a petrol motor is added in any form it is a motorbike and needs a licence.

More common are the electric type but oddly they could have the same power as the little petrol motor but they seem to still be a bike and not need a licence.

I guess the rules are 50 years out of date.

 

[Andy_R]

What you're describing sounds like a good old fashioned moped!

 

[BSRU]

The top picture shows the petrol tank on the crossbar, the bottom picture shows the engine.

 

[Deleted member 23692]

Plenty for sale on Ebay - http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/deanleeworld/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686

IIRC these will need all the usual stuff like tax MOT insurance and even an SVA to make them road legal... Just the same as those god awful mini-motos

 

[BSRU]

A video where the engine can be clearly heard.


View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTzq3xrZJCw

 

[gavintc]

Quoted from wiki:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorized_bicycle#United_Kingdom

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, purchasers of new-construction ICE motorized bicycles must meet a host of regulatory requirements and pass inspections from the DVLA and MSVA in order to register such machines for operation on public roadways. Owners must obtain an EC-type Motorcycle Single Vehicle Type Approval Certification (MSVA), and in order to obtain a DVLA-required insurance certificate, must provide proof from the original seller of the bicycle and engine that both the bicycle and the engine are new and unused. ICE motorized bicycles that are amateur-built, which meet MSVA safety and regulatory standards,[21] and which meet the definition of low powered mopeds (engines of proven output of less than 1 kW (1.34HP) and capable of 25 km/h (16 mph) or less) face considerably fewer regulatory requirements.[22]

A web site selling powered bikes - but limited information on the legal aspect.
http://www.transformercycles.com

A blog from someone who has made the transformation and with some comment on the legal issues:
http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~pattle/nacc/arc0497.htm

 

[Sara_H]

On holiday in Gozo last summer, I noticed quite alot of the young lads had those small engines on their bikes.
Having just become the owner of an ebike, I wouldn't compare it to my bike which is limited to 15mph and doesn't reach that uphill.

 

[02GF74]

I would concur with what has been said - if the bicycle is powered fully or parlty by an internal combusiton engine (petrol or diesel)* then it is classed as a motorcycle so needs licensing and insurance.

* probably applies to nitro engines - those used in model planes.

 

[vernon]

I was wondering is it a bicycle or a motorcycle?

Whatever it was it was illegal. It looks like a bolt on conversion kit available off eBay. It would have to be subjected to an MOT test and I doubt that it would pass because there is a large expanse of unprotected transmission chain amongst other failings.

There were legal version from the 1950's with the engines perched on the fork, built into the wheel and if not direct drive, transmitted the engine power via rollers onto a thick treaded tyre.

Velosolex were once very popular. I came across three of them ridden in a group by some French pesioners on Eurovelo Six last year. The bikes were from the 1960's

 

[Deleted member 1258]

Whatever it was it was illegal. It looks like a bolt on conversion kit available off eBay. It would have to be subjected to an MOT test and I doubt that it would pass because there is a large expanse of unprotected transmission chain amongst other failings.

There were legal version from the 1950's with the engines perched on the fork, built into the wheel and if not direct drive, transmitted the engine power via rollers onto a thick treaded tyre.

Velosolex were once very popular. I came across three of them ridden in a group by some French pesioners on Eurovelo Six last year. The bikes were from the 1960's

I remember the clip on motors in the 50's like this one
http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~pattle/nacc/arc0119.htm
my Dad had a couple.
Your right the one the OP saw is illegal, its probably dangerous as well.

 

[marzjennings]

Used to see them all the time in Holland, bromfiets...

 

[Deleted member 20519]

Isn't a motorcycle classed as a motorcycle if it's powered by a motor and has no pedals?

 

[Deleted member 1258]

Isn't a motorcycle classed as a motorcycle if it's powered by a motor and has no pedals?

I understand that if it's got an engine and pedals its a Moped.

 

[ComedyPilot]

It is classed as a motor vehicle (bike) if it is powered by one of the following:
Gas
Oil
Petrol
Electric
Diesel
Steam

Just think GOPEDS