Let's Talk Cycles
With an amendment to the Vehicle Code which took effect July 25, 2016, Pennsylvania joined the ranks of states that recognize a new category of vehicle: the autocycle. These vehicles are motorcycles, not cars, but they operate more like cars than motorcycles.
Confused? Here are very brief descriptions of the various types of cycles defined under Pennsylvania law:
Motorized Scooter
A motorized scooter is a two-wheeled vehicle powered by an engine or an electric motor and does not have a seat or saddle for the driver. These vehicles do not comply with the equipment standards and inspection requirements for motor vehicles and cannot be titled or registered within the Commonwealth. They cannot be operated on Pennsylvania roadways or sidewalks.
Pedalcycle
A pedalcycle with an electric assist is a vehicle equipped with operable pedals, weighing less than 100 pounds, with two or three wheels more than 11 inches in diameter, and an electric motor rated at not more than 750 watts. Pedalcycles cannot travel faster than 20 miles per hour on a level surface when powered by the motor source only. They are considered bicycles and do not require titling, registration or insurance.
Moped
A moped is a motor-driven cycle with operable pedals that is designed to travel no faster than 25 miles per hour. The motor can be rated at no more than 1.5 brake horsepower with a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters, or can be an electric motor powered by a battery. A Class C non-commercial driver's license is required to operate a moped. A moped does not require a safety inspection.
Motor-Driven Cycle
A motor-driven cycle is a motorcycle with a motor that produces no more than five brake horsepower. These vehicles are registered as motorcycles and are required to have a safety inspection. However, a motor-driven cycle which has an automatic transmission and a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters can be operated by a driver with a regular, non-commercial driver's license. A Class M (motorcycle) license is required to operat a motor-driver cycle with an engine capable of producing more than five brake horsepower.
Motorcycle
A motorcycle is a motor vehicle having a seat or saddle for the rider and traveling on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground (with the exception of the addition of two stabilizing wheels on the rear of the vehicle). These vehicles are registered as motorcycles and require the operator to have a Class M (motorcycle) endorsement on his or her driver's license.
Autocycle
An autocycle is a three-wheeled motorcycle that has a steering wheel and seating that does not require the operator to straddle or sit astride the vehicle. Although an autocycle is registered as a motorcycle, these vehicles have seats, seat belts, and gas and brake pedals similar to a car. A Class M (motorcycle) driver's license is not required to operate an autocycle. However, all motorcycle laws and regulations, including the motorcycle helmet law, apply to autocycles.
Confused? Here are very brief descriptions of the various types of cycles defined under Pennsylvania law:
Motorized Scooter
A motorized scooter is a two-wheeled vehicle powered by an engine or an electric motor and does not have a seat or saddle for the driver. These vehicles do not comply with the equipment standards and inspection requirements for motor vehicles and cannot be titled or registered within the Commonwealth. They cannot be operated on Pennsylvania roadways or sidewalks.
Pedalcycle
A pedalcycle with an electric assist is a vehicle equipped with operable pedals, weighing less than 100 pounds, with two or three wheels more than 11 inches in diameter, and an electric motor rated at not more than 750 watts. Pedalcycles cannot travel faster than 20 miles per hour on a level surface when powered by the motor source only. They are considered bicycles and do not require titling, registration or insurance.
Moped
A moped is a motor-driven cycle with operable pedals that is designed to travel no faster than 25 miles per hour. The motor can be rated at no more than 1.5 brake horsepower with a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters, or can be an electric motor powered by a battery. A Class C non-commercial driver's license is required to operate a moped. A moped does not require a safety inspection.
Motor-Driven Cycle
A motor-driven cycle is a motorcycle with a motor that produces no more than five brake horsepower. These vehicles are registered as motorcycles and are required to have a safety inspection. However, a motor-driven cycle which has an automatic transmission and a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters can be operated by a driver with a regular, non-commercial driver's license. A Class M (motorcycle) license is required to operat a motor-driver cycle with an engine capable of producing more than five brake horsepower.
Motorcycle
A motorcycle is a motor vehicle having a seat or saddle for the rider and traveling on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground (with the exception of the addition of two stabilizing wheels on the rear of the vehicle). These vehicles are registered as motorcycles and require the operator to have a Class M (motorcycle) endorsement on his or her driver's license.
Autocycle
An autocycle is a three-wheeled motorcycle that has a steering wheel and seating that does not require the operator to straddle or sit astride the vehicle. Although an autocycle is registered as a motorcycle, these vehicles have seats, seat belts, and gas and brake pedals similar to a car. A Class M (motorcycle) driver's license is not required to operate an autocycle. However, all motorcycle laws and regulations, including the motorcycle helmet law, apply to autocycles.