Has Pa. lost its mind? By 89newbie (Read 916 times)

[89newbie]

Pulled bike from storage, remember we moved there last year, and went to register it. First thing said was its chinese so all the paperwork has to go to Hburg, that will take 6 to 8 weeks. Next thing is if data plate is not on steering column it is illegal in pa. Conclusion here is Harley has sure done a great job! Oh yes it no longer matters if there is a title from another state Pa starts all over again and if there is a problem with anything it is the scooter owners responsibility to get the Mfg to correct it so the bike can be registered. Second conclusion is Pa has just outlawed scooters! Why the JCL has the data plate under the seat, The wildfire has it mounted on the frame, the Ice bear has it on the frame so my conclusion is 4 grand was wasted unless I want to move states again!!!

[Bashan]

Now I see why Cookees was concerned about getting his new model OK'd by PennDot for sale in PA. I think you're right, somebody's got it in for scooters in the government. Rich

[kz1000st]

I would check with somebody else in DMV about the data thing. My former Honda Big Ruckus had the plate on one of the downtubes. I'm betting the Honda Reflex has it under the seat or someplace accessible. I'd like to see a Cop read it on the steering head of a Burgman, T-Max or Silver Wing which are in abundance in PA.

[89newbie]

May 9, 2012 15:25:27 GMT -6 kz1000st said:

I would check with somebody else in DMV about the data thing. My former Honda Big Ruckus had the plate on one of the downtubes. I'm betting the Honda Reflex has it under the seat or someplace accessible. I'd like to see a Cop read it on the steering head of a Burgman, T-Max or Silver Wing which are in abundance in PA.

Dont have to check with the dmv. Its in print, online. Even better one I read is Pa considers bkcyckes with an electric motor as a moped since it isw a power assisted bike, although electric, this is insane!!

[ccprof]

89- where are you in PA? First - there are a number of Wildfires titled here in PA (also a number of dealers". The dmv website does say that .....

"Motor Scooters

In order for a motor scooter(motor-driven cycle as defined by the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code) to be legally operated on roadways, it must be titled and registered in the commonwealth and have the proper insurance. In order to be titled and registered it must meet PA's equipment and inspection requirements for motor-driven cycles.

Many motor scooters do not have the necessary equipment, such as fenders, turn signals, lights, etc., to pass inspection. Individuals who are looking into purchasing a motor scooter for transportation purposes should verify that there is a manufacturer's certification label affixed to the scooter indicating the scooter meets the applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) for a motorcycle and the certification label is located on a permanent part of the scooter close to the intersection of the steering post with the handlebars and should be easily readable without moving any part of the vehicle except the steering system. Those not manufactured for highway use will not have a certification label and cannot be operated on highways.

Even if a motor scooter were properly equipped and could pass inspection, it still may not be appropriate for use on all roadways if it is not powerful enough to keep up with other traffic. According to Section 3364, Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law, no person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede the normal and reasonable flow of traffic. A motor scooter owner or potential owner should check with local law enforcement officials to ensure they can operate a motor scooter on their intended travel route."

You may have to get a "special inspection" to determine if it's ok to register but it can be done.

The problem is that there were so many "brands' of scooters that the state data base is incomplete.

Here's the "fact sheet" that also defines the "classes" of bikes including those with electric motors. The problem with those and the bicycles with motors is usually the lack of all req'd safety equipment.

When all else fails, call/email and talk with PennDot - see below
www.dmv.state.pa.us/contact_us/index.shtml

Good luck!

[nulldevice]

When I heard many years ago that Pennsylvania required the brake drums be removed to check the brake shoes for wear (pre disk brake era) I decided Penn. DOT are absolutely out of their mind. Statistical analysis showed they were causing more wrecks than they were preventing.

[89newbie]

CC. We just delivered a new E bike that a cutomer ordered through the company and I took a good look, small electric motor pedals, no lights, horn, signals, nothing, now Im waiting for it to come back because the owner got stopped. I understand all of the Pa situation because I have looked into it in depth. Went to the local Honda shop to look and all of their bikes have the data visible just as Pa wants. The really interesting thing is all the Hondas had an additional $330.00 listed to the price sheets for getting tagged in Pa, so honda is getting the same treatment although they have complied. I talked to the owner of the shop and he just gets the paperwork done as soon as stock comes in so that he can move units without a delay.I think I will just move the data plates to the visible part of the bikes and go through with it although the Mrs. is done with it and wants the trike gone says she wont ride it now because she doesnt need harrassed by the local cops. Have I mentioned that I was told I will not be able to get my 150 JCL tagged in Pa. in spite of it being tagged in another state because the seller did not pay the fees Pa. wants and pa does a check to determine who the seller is? I called the seller and it was explained Pa. wanted 350K to allow the seller to be a vendor in Pa. Long and short is I have a 150 that I supposedly can not get tagged in Pa. even though it was sold legally where I was but Pa. wont allow it here. Just typical Pa.

[ccprof]

Sorry about the delay. We had company all weekend. I still find it odd. My plate is actually in the center trunk under the seat. The E-bike could have problems because of the lack of safety features.
If the others were tagged in another state and you've owned them for a while, you should still be able to title/plate them in PA whether or not the seller had a PA vendor permit. If you just bought them, PA might want sales tax. Did you call PennDot or check with AAA?

[89newbie]

I have no choice and am going to end up with a 2300$ 49Cc. Ice Bear Trike before its over. Can't sell it on a C.O. so Ive got to go with it, or part it out or take a real bath. . Still can't believe that it will take 8 weeks but thats life! Lots of $ for 49Cc but thats what it is and it was the first bike bought because she thought it was cute! THe best part is the Police are letting 49Cc slide with no tags but since it is a trike it will be noticed so its got to be done. Also going to have to mod it a little to be able to do an honest 40 MPH since so many roads here are 40 or 45.

[ccprof]

Good luck!

[rapidjim]

I don't get why there is an issue with this trike. I have sold a few IB trikes to folks and PA and no one has ever come back and say theu can't get it registered. I will look thru my files and see if I can find out where one customer had to go because their local folks couldn't do it.


Jim/Owner
Rapid Repair