[PattiMichelle]

I am getting up the courage to buy a 6kW wheel-hub-motor setup to convert my Yamaha Riva 200cc to electric.  I found a 125 Riva, which has already been done by http://www.evalbum.com/835...   But I'm wondering what the law says - I'm sure it varies by state (I'm in California) - what does the DMV say about these conversions?  I know when I first registered my scooter, they recorded the engine ID number plus the frame ID number - but during a conversion the engine ID goes away...   do we have to re-register the vehicle?  Do electric vehicles even *need* to be registered?  One of the reasons I'm asking is that the 125 has no registration...  if I put a small motor in it - maybe it doesn't need to be registered?

If anyone has good link(s) to information of this type, I'd appreciate knowing...

THANKS!
Patti  

[mKlRivPwner]

If you want to drive it on the freeway, it still needs to be registered.  I know some places, like MD, you don't have to register vehicles if they can't reach certain speeds.  This will allow things like Mopeds and Bicycles (in most state laws bikes are considered motored vehicles) to not require registration.

Although I'm not 100% on if this is based on speed, or a combination of speed and power source (i.e. self-propelled ==> register, pedling ==> no register) so maybe someone who's been in here longer can answer too.

Worst case scenerio, however, you get your vehicle registered as a "Hobby" or "Special Interest" or whatever they decide to call it.  They'll test your EV for road-worthiness and give you a tag.  But you'll never have to get it inspected because there's no standard to test it against.  Same idea as a "Street Rod" tag, except those have to have DOT approved engines, a VIN, and are only allowed to run to and from shows and on weekends.

[frodus]

in most states, to be highway legal, it must have a license plate and adhere to all motorized vehicle requirements (lights, safety devices, must wear helmets).

For motorcycles or scooters over 35mph (in most states, some are 25mph), you have to register the vehicle and have it insured. If I limited my motorcycle to 35mph, i could register it as a scooter, because legally it fits the definition of a scooter (automatic transmission or one gear, 35mph limit, all lights, no highway riding).

for a scooter to be converted, just make sure it adheres to the definition of scooter. If you make it faster, realize you can get a ticket, or you'll need to register it as a highway capable scooter. Getting the title changed isn't as much of a problem as it is with insurance.... start with insurance. DMV just changes the fuel type to electric....

[PattiMichelle]

I guess that's why I was thinking of converting my 200cc Riva - it's already street legal, and capable of 70mph on the freeway, so I guess I'm just changing fuel to "electric."  The 125cc Riva I just bought for $300 is another story... 

[frodus]

but that one would be fun to convert to like 48V with hub motor and use it for fun.....

[bentoronto]

In as much as I'd like to put together a  street and highway-going Zero clone, I'd like to be clear on the licensing requirements. In my case, Ontario, the Nanny Province of Canada. Since no other jurisdiction is within double the driving range, I guess Ontario is it.

Any back-door path to registration through converting a registered IC bike?

Anybody know or know where I can look?

Actually, I plan to investigate this long enough to realize that buying a Zero is a better idea than DIY. But just in case.