SuperTuning Pocket Bikes

For a pocket bike to be street legal, it will take a little bit of work. Straight out of the box, pocket bikes lack a few things to be allowed on the streets, although specific rules vary from state to state. It is also not uncommon for pocket bikes to disqualify simply because they are miniature in size.

Smaller models don’t really have much of a chance in becoming street legal simply because most bikes would be in a class with motorcycles. And according to the rules, the seat of a motorcycle must be at least 25 inches off the ground. A pocket bike obviously violates that simple test and raising the seat is not a viable mod for any bike.

Just being caught on the public streets on a pocket bike is considered reckless driving in most cases due to the obvious violation of safety regulations. In fact, if an officer does decide to write you up for the violations, there could easily be many and the fine could be as high as $2,000.

One other big feature that most bikes don’t have is the rear indicator lights for night driving. This is in addition to the lack of rearview mirrors, horns, or signal lights for turns. These are the design restrictions that keep pocket bikes hobby vehicles to be driven on private grounds and off the streets.

According to every state’s driving law, any vehicle operated on the streets must have valid registration. With so many missing requirements, pocket bikes cannot be registered and therefore are not eligible to be operated on the streets. Some bikes are run the risk of violating noise pollution regulations in some neighborhoods.

There are some models of larger pocket bikes, or ’super’ pocket bikes as they are referred to in contrast to mini bikes, that come with headlights, brake lights, turn signals, a speedometer and horn to meet nearly all the requirements.

In many cases small modifications such as adding a rear view mirror and brackets for a license plate will allow you to register the bike for legal street use in most states. With the few modifications the pocket bikes can sometimes be categorized as unique or home built vehicles.

Once on the public streets, the rider will usually be required to follow safety regulations imposed on motorcycle riders. The vehicle will need to be insured and the rider will need a valid state driver’s license and helmet. If the bike is classified as a motorcycle then a motorcycle license is required. If it is categorized with mopeds, then a regular driver’s license will suffice.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009 at 9:51 am and is filed under Pocket Bikes. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.