California
Here is what constitutes a moped in California
1. Two-wheel or three-wheel device
2. Fully operative pedals for human power or powered solely by electrical energy
3. Automatic transmission and a motor with less than 2 gross brake horsepower
4. Maximum speed of 30 miles per hour on ground level
Under this definition the Voloci is classifies as a moped here in California and should be registered as such.
How to apply for a motorcycle or moped driver license if you are over 18
In California, there are two classes of motorcycle licenses, Class M1 and Class M2.
* With a Class M1, you can operate any 2-wheel motorcycle and any motorized vehicle in Class M2.
* With a Class M2, you can only operate any motorized bicycle or moped or any bicycle with an attached motor.
Refer to the Motorcycle Driver Handbook for more information.
5036. A service fee of fifteen dollars ($15) shall be paid for the issuance or transfer of a special license plate for motorized bicycles, as defined in Section 406. Publicly-owned motorized bicycles are exempt from the fee.
Georgia
Mopeds
A moped is any motor driven cycle with an engine not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters (3.05 cubic inches) that can propel the cycle at a speed not to exceed 30 miles per hour (MPH) and does not require clutching or shifting.
Mopeds are exempt from the provisions relating to the registration and licensing of motor vehicles.
Rules to operate mopeds on Georgia roads and highways:
1. Must be 15 years of age and have in their possession a valid driver’s license, instructional permit or limited permit.
2. Must wear protective headgear (motorcycle helmet).
3. No tag is required.
4. Every person operating a moped upon a roadway must obey the same traffic laws governing drivers of motor vehicles.
5. May not use limited access highways or other roadways where the minimum speed limit is above 35 mph.
New Jersey
Link to DMV
Seems no-go for NJ. It needs to be insured, and might not be qualified as moped, because it doesn't have a pedal.
A moped (motorized bicycle) is defined by law as: A pedal bicycle with a helper-motor that has a maximum piston displacement of less than 50 cubic centimeters, or no more than 1.5 brake horsepower, and is capable of a maximum speed of no more than 25 miles per hour on a flat surface.
Report to the Driver Testing Center at the scheduled date and time with a registered, insured moped, to take the road test. Since mopeds are not permitted on some highways, it may be necessary to bring the moped in a station wagon or truck.
State B
etc. Let's get them organized, guys!
A review by Binky Bill:
Well, I broke down and bought a Retro today. Here's the pros and cons:
Pros:
*Either my little spedomoter was off or I was hitting 40mph on extended stretches of flat land. Did about 25 on reasonable hills. I weight about 170
*It is super cool quiet.
*To me it rides pretty smoothly.
*The engine, transmission ("centrifigal" they told me), shocks, brakes and general "guts" seem solid
*You really can take it out at night. The headlight is truly powerful enough. I did try to adjust it downward a bit, but had minimal success. It has a "highbeam" but I couldn't tell much difference.
*It looks pretty cool
Cons:
*The cosmetics (including the big front section is all inexpensive plastic. They would provide no protection if you were in a crash and will probably wear out pretty quick.
*I don't know which of the Pep Boys assembled mine, but I think it might have been Curly, Mo, and Larry. They just threw this thing together. Didn't really tighten nuts and bolts up. I put in about 10 minutes and it was good to go, however. They also seem to have ruined the attachment area for the right quarter panel. I'm going to try get it replaced tomorrow. Either that or they need to discount it.
*Documentation is poor. Clearly Engalese, that unique combination of English and Chinese. Almost nothing on how to actually maintain it (though it does have a schedule)
*As mentioned, the future of replacement parts is somewhat unknown.
So...to me it's worth $300 bucks (but certainly not the original price). I think it will be a lot of fun to drive to and from work (about 6 blocks for me, which is why I don't mind this only being electric). However, I doubt it is going to last more than a few years. My thinking is that if it dies in three years and I like riding one of these things, I might invest in a more substantial one.
My charger, btw, is 2.5 amps and I can already tell that they do get hot. A fan probably is a good idea.
I've been told that in Kansas this is classified as a moped and should be cheap to get tags for.
One more note: Pepboys does have 90 days same as cash, and so that's how I got mine.
I've only been playing with it one night, so I'll update you all later in the week on how I like it.