Gas-powered, electrical, motorized: Bicycles with many shapes bring many laws

BOISE, Idaho (KBOI) — Boise Police say they've noticed an uptick in the number of motorized bicycles that have been cruising around local streets, but they say not all riders have been following the rules. The bikes themselves aren't illegal, but officers say if they catch you without a license and a proof of insurance then you could find yourself in some trouble.

Lance Wollenburg, a Boise Resident, says he's been riding his motorized mountain bike for three years. He's never run into a problem on his gas-powered bike until he was pulled over by police after swerving to miss a stick laying in the road.

"I was on Curtis coming back to the house," Wollenburg said. "Curtis and Bethel just before you hit Franklin. He pulled me over right there just after I crossed over the train tracks."

Wollenburg admits his driver's license was expired at the time, but he says he didn't think he needed one since he was on a motorized bike that went less than 30 miles an hour. Officers say that's a common misconception many riders have.

"Anything that is motorized, that's on the road, must have to have a driver's license and you have to have valid insurance," said Bise Police Lt. Stan Niccolls.

Motorized bikes are not allowed to ride in areas such as bike lanes and parks. Niccolls says the bikes need certain safety devices, as well.

"He needs a headlight that shines 500 feet forward. He needs a tail light that can be seen from 500 feet behind. He needs a horn. He needs brake lights," Lt. Niccolls said.

Although you do need a license, insurance and safety lights, Lt. Niccolls says if the motor on the bike has less than 55 CCs of power, then it does not have to be registered with the state.

However, electric bicycles are different. According to the federal Consumer Product Saftey Act, the low-watt, powered bikes can be used without a licenses and can use bicycle lanes.