An article on Electric Bikes in Pa, does NOT mention they MUST be licensed

[happyslug]

Pennsylvania Traffic Code is quite clear, if it has an engine (gasoline, Diesel, or Electric) it MUST have a License and the operator MUST have a license.

The Article:
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10205/1074896-109.stm

Pennsylvania's definition of a "Motor Vehicle":
"Motor vehicle." A vehicle which is self-propelled except an electric personal assistive mobility device or a vehicle which is propelled solely by human power.

"Motor vehicle." A vehicle which is self-propelled except an electric personal assistive mobility device or a vehicle which is propelled solely by human power.

Pennsylvania Definition of Motor driven Pedal-cycle:
"Motorcycle." A motor vehicle having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground.
"Motor-driven cycle." A motorcycle, including a motor scooter, with a motor which produces not to exceed five brake horsepower.
"Motorized pedalcycle." A motor-driven cycle equipped with operable pedals, a motor rated no more than 1.5 brake horsepower, a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters, an automatic transmission, and a maximum design speed of no more than 25 miles per hour or an electric motor-driven cycle equipped with operable pedals and an automatic transmission powered by an electric battery or battery pack-powered electric motor with a maximum design speed of no more than 25 miles per hour.

Who MUST be license is as follows:
(3) Class C.--A Class C license shall be issued to those persons 18 years of age or older...who have demonstrated their qualifications to operate any single vehicle, except those vehicles requiring a Class M qualification, with a gross vehicle weight rating of not more than 26,000 pounds or any combination of vehicles, except combination vehicles involving motorcycles, that does not meet the definition of either Class A or Class B of this section....
(iv) The holder of a Class C license shall also be authorized to drive a motor-driven cycle with an automatic transmission and cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or a three-wheeled motorcycle equipped with an enclosed cab, but not a motorcycle unless the license is endorsed, as provided in this title.

(4) Class M.--A Class M license shall be issued to those persons who have demonstrated their qualifications to operate a motorcycle. A Class M license accompanied by an endorsement shall be issued to those persons who have demonstrated their qualifications to operate a motor-driven cycle. If a person is qualified to operate only a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle, he shall be issued only a Class M license or a Class M license with an endorsement, as applicable.

Between these two clauses in the Vehicle code it is clear to operate a motorized bicycle you MUST be licensed (at least a regular license for it is under the (3)(iv) exception.

Penndot's pamphlet on Motorized Pedal-cycles:
http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/pdotforms/pub_45/section_j.pdf

A the end it clearly says Pedal-cycles are NOT subject to Inspection.

There is only just over 7000 Motorized Pedal Cycles and Motor drive cycles in Pennsylvania:
http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/pdotforms/stats/ReportofRegistration2009.pdf

Together, any operator of a motorized Pedal-cycle MUST be licensed as should be the Motorized pedalcycle. No need for inspection for a Pedal-cycle (Required for Motor Driven Cycles BUT not a Pedal-cycle, yes, confusing being we are using the definitions of Penndot not out own).