Connecticuts odd 49cc Laws.

[Chris0381]

Just looking at Connecticut's scooter laws for 49 cc's and I just cant figure them out.

http://www.ct.gov/dmv/cwp/view.asp?a=810&q=430480

For the bike not to be registered:

Less than 50cc
2 HP or less

Its used to be Less than 50cc and 30 MPH then changed to <50cc 5HP and now stands at <50cc and 2HP.

Looking at specs of a lot of scooters new out of the shipping container, I see most of them are over 2 HP.

Does that mean a lot of dealers are selling illegal bikes from the start here in CT? I think TaoTao's are 3.5 HP new and a lot of other bikes also.

So how does a LEO know if your bike is over 2 HP at 49 cc? Does the LEO see you traveling at say 40 MPH and automatically assume your bike is over 2HP ? Can a 2HP bike weighing 150 lbs do 40 MPH? Does the LEO impound your bike and send it to be put on a Dynamo to test the HP?.

I cant figure out our laws and I am afraid to ask the authorities as they themselves are probably unaware and I dont want to tune them in or have then go back to the 30 MPH restriction. But DMV did send me an email confirming the 2HP restriction.

And the funny thing is, I don't believe you can register a 49 cc VIN Number if it was over 2HP anyways. I called DMV and they said no. Id like to get plates to go out for an occasional ride in RI.

Then we can add this to the equation for more confusion:

http://www.scooterunderground.com/knowledge/HorsepowerRatings.htm


 

[tortoise]

Connecticut's scooter laws for 49 cc's

Per Title 14 Chapter 246 14-1 definitions:

"(52) “Motor-driven cycle” means any motorcycle, motor scooter, or bicycle with attached motor with a seat height of not less than twenty-six inches and a motor having a capacity of less than fifty cubic centimeters piston displacement"

A law enforcement officer would have to cite against a specific city-county-state statute . . but under the state definition, an Aprila 50 or 49cc shifter would be legal.

[Chris0381]

Im seeing Restricted SR50’s make just under 2 horsepower. So legal restricted.

Im seeing the 49cc shifter max HP 3.0 so possibly illegal in CT.

So the question is did you de-restrict it. Mine came from the dealer with the smooth boss so maybe I have an argument. Im just wondering how in CT can they enforce the Scooter laws and what do they have to do to say your scoot your driving is over 2 HP.

We have a big Ruckus group in CT and all have fancy exhausts etc and can do 45 MPH and the girl I know who has one gets pulled over a lot as she's real tiny and looks like a kid. She hasn't been cited yet and one cop said she shouldn't be doing over 30 MPH proof that the LEO are not up to date on the scooter laws.

[Jeopardy4100]

Can a 2HP bike weighing 150 lbs do 40 MPH?
Years ago I had a bike and moped shop in Saginaw, MI.  My personal moped was a 1979 Motobecane 50V with 49cc 1.5hp and weighted 165 lbs.  I weighted 220.  Given a half mile run up, it would do an honest 60 mph.  Scary now thinking back.  I did polish the exhaust port, gutted the exhaust, and rejetted the carb.  I know I did more to her than that.  Never had the hp rerated, but it was probably nearer to 3.  What is important for legal reasons it what is stamped on the DOT/VIN plate.

[Chris0381]

Thanks

I can can see that was a nice bike.