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Motorized toys restricted in LSLDuring the June 16 Lake Saint Louis Board of Aldermen meeting, Board President Harry Slyman (Ward 1) and other aldermen told Police Chief Michael Force that incidents of motorized bicycles and other play vehicles observed being operated on city streets are being reported with more frequency since the end of the school year. Force issued a statement to remind residents that all motorized bicycles, play vehicles and pocket bikes, are severely restricted from use on city streets and sidewalks. Force said improper use of these vehicles has become a serious safety hazard throughout the community. Several Missouri statutes regulate the use of motorized bicycles or mopeds, Force said. The term ‘motorized bicycle’ is defined by law as any two- or three-wheeled device having an automatic transmission and a motor with a cylinder capacity of not more than 50 cubic centimeters (50cc) which produces less than three gross brake horsepower and is capable of propelling the device at a maximum speed of not more than 30 mph on level ground. Specific equipment requirements exist for motorized bicycles that ensure minimum safety standards are met. Drivers of mopeds not property equipped may be issued citations for equipment violations, Force said. Additionally, state law and local ordinances prohibit the operation of a motorized bicycle on any highway or street in the state unless the driver has a valid operator’s license. Operating a motorized bicycle on an interstate highway is prohibited even to licensed drivers. Violation of these statutes constitutes a class C misdemeanor. Operating a motorized bicycle on a sidewalk is prohibited by state law, Force said. Statutes also require that operators of motorized bicycles must ride only astride the permanent, regular attached seat, Force said. Passengers are prohibited unless the vehicle is designated to carry more than one person. To be considered so, the vehicle must be equipped with a passenger seat and footrests. All bicycles and motorized bicycles must be equipped with a braking device that will enable the driver to stop the vehicle within 25 feet from a speed of 10 mph on dry, level, clean pavement. While appropriately licensed individuals who operate motorized bicycles on public streets or highways are granted all the rights of drivers as specified by law, they are equally subject to the applicable duties, Force said. Just as is the case with people riding bicycles, those operating mopeds or similar motorized vehicles are required to obey all traffic laws.
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