SF Bay Area law enforcement?

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RedRum
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Joined: Friday, May 18, 2007 - 14:44
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SF Bay Area law enforcement?

Just wanted to see if anyone in the SF Bay Area operating an electric scooter (25-40 mph) on the streets has every been pulled over by any local law enforcement? If so, why and what was the outcome?

reikiman
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Joined: Sunday, November 19, 2006 - 17:52
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Re: SF Bay Area law enforcement?

Yeah. I was riding my EVT scooter through Palo Alto on Middlefield. Despite the speed limit being marked 25 miles/hr the typical traffic speed there is 35+. I was riding in the bicycle lane partly because the EVT goes 30 miles/hr max, and partly because of the long ride ahead of me and I wanted to preserve juice.

A motorcycle cop (sargeant?sp?) stopped me and we had a chat.

He thought I was on a vehicle which didn't belong in the bicycle lane. It looks similar to a Honda Elite and those are supposed to be in traffic. Once I explained the vehicle (30 miles/hr max EV), he went through the books and realized California vehicle code has a special class of Moped (30 miles/hr max EV) which the EVT falls into. Even though it doesn't have pedals, it's a moped.

You said 25-40 ... CA vehicle code calls a 30+ miles/hr vehicle a motorcycle. Up to 30 miles/hr and it's still a moped.

CA vehicle code classifies these vehicles by their max speed and has different regulations based on speed. As I said, a vehicle with a max speed from 31 miles/hr and above is a motorcycle and is regulated as such. Including requiring the rider have a motorcycle learners permit or an M2 endorsement. This is spelled out very clearly in the motorcycle riders handbook the DMV publishes.

- David Herron, http://davidherron.com/

thejen12
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Re: SF Bay Area law enforcement?

I got pulled over once, much the same as Reikiman's experience. Sheriff saw me in the bike lane, but thought I was a gasser. As soon as he realized I was electric, he sent me on my way. He didn't ask to see anything.

I pass and get passed by tons of law-enforcement agencies on my commute (frequent speed-traps on Foothill Expwy) and that was my only encounter.

Jenn
Yellow EVT 4000e
Santa Clara, CA

Yellow EVT 4000e
Santa Clara, CA

Fechter
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Re: SF Bay Area law enforcement?

I've never been pulled over. My Vego goes about 30mph.

DonCristobal
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Re: SF Bay Area law enforcement?

Soon there is going to be lots of stats on this thread when my Z-20 shows up in the next two weeks. I plan on crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. Legally the CA Vehicle Code says that I can do it, assuming that the bike has enough pep to keep up with the flow of traffic (basic speed law). There are enough vehicles on the Golden Gate Bridge that actually go 45 mph (Z-20 top speed) so I am forecasting success. Also, I plan on having a copy of the Vehicle Code under my seat in case any cop decides to be not so nice. "Gee officer, I don't remember reading that in Section 400 of the California Vehicle Code, do you mind if we take a look?"

Don Cristobal
EVTA Z-20b
---
Ohm is where the heart is.

reikiman
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Re: SF Bay Area law enforcement?

I plan on crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. Legally the CA Vehicle Code says that I can do it Uhhh... The GG Bridge is part of a limited access highway (what some call 'freeway'). I know the speed limit ON the bridge is like 50 miles/hr but the speed limit of sections before/after the bridge is more normal for 'freeway's. A 45 miles/hr vehicle is inappropriate for use on regular freeway's.

I just found this other reply to you: Re: Recognize this scooter? ... he said it much more clearly than I just did.

The GG Bridge is in a section of U.S. 101 which is a limited access freeway.

DonCristobal
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Re: SF Bay Area law enforcement?

The last exit that comes onto the Golden Gate Bridge comes on in a section that is 45 mph. The speed remains at 45 mph just past the first exit coming off of the bridge. Yes, the GGB is a private bridge and they can control access (pedestrian and bicycle) as they see fit. The roadway itself is governed by the California Vehicle Code which is not a "registration code" as indicated in a different thread but rather it is state law. I am not going argue whether or not you might get pulled over for what you look like, but I am going to argue that once you cite state law you should be able to ride away. All of this comes down to performance of course, and it remains to be seen whether or not the Z-20 will be able to safely keep up with the flow of traffic and "not endanger the safety of persons or property."

At the end of the day, yes, you could get a ticket but you'll beat it in court.

Don Cristobal
EVTA Z-20b
---
Ohm is where the heart is.

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