GOPEDS/MOPEDS/ELECTRIC VEHICLES

• My husband saw on the news last night that golf carts were allowed on the county roads in the state of Michigan. Is this true? What are the requirements?
• I have a Polaris Ranger and want to know if I can operate it on the road?
• Where can I legally ride a goped?
• Can someone tell me what the laws in Michigan are for riding pocket bikes?

Question: My husband saw on the news last night that golf carts were allowed on the county roads in the state of Michigan. Is this true? What are the requirements?

Answer: In late 2006 the Michigan Legislature amended MCL 257.25b and modified the definition of a low speed vehicle to conform to federal standards. As now defined, a low speed vehicle means a four-wheeled motor vehicle whose speed attainable in 1 mile is more than 20 mph but not more than 25 mph on a paved level surface.

A low speed vehicle must be equipped as necessary under both federal standards and Michigan Law. 

The operator must have a driver license and the vehicle must be registered and insured.

If the cart is not equipped as necessary it can only be legally operated on a highway, (including the right-of-way) in the state of Michigan, under very strict circumstances. In those situations it would be defined as an ORV found in   MCL 324.81101  and circumstances allowing operation on a highway while severely limited can be found in the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act,  MCL 324.81122 .

Local municipalities can authorize situations where an ORV can be operated on a highway within their jurisdiction.   MCL 324.81131  defines those situations.

Question:  I have a Polaris Ranger and want to know if I can operate it on the road?

Answer:  A number of questions have been received concerning use of motor vehicles on public roads that were originally designed and manufactured as off-road vehicles.  As a result, we published Traffic Services Section Field Update #21 that discusses this question in depth.

Readers must be aware that if they retro-fit an ORV and make false statements, or provide false information to law enforcement or the Michigan Department of State when having the vehicle inspected, and as a result improperly register the vehicle, they can be charged with a violation.

Question: Where can I legally ride a goped?

Answer: A goped, while not specifically defined in the Michigan Vehicle Code, does fall under the definition of a moped  (MCL.257.32b) . Mopeds are required to have certain equipment such as; a headlight, brake light, seat, horn, muffler, and brakes on each wheel, in order to be legally operated on the roadway. In addition, the operator of a moped must be at least 15 years of age, have a moped license or an operator/chauffeur license, and the vehicle must be registered with the Department of State and display a valid registration plate. Finally, a person operating a moped must wear an approved crash helmet if they are under 19 years of age.

Because gopeds are not equipped with the required equipment they cannot be legally driven on the roadway. Also, by definition they are a motor vehicle and therefore cannot be driven on a sidewalk constructed for use by pedestrians.

Question: Can someone tell me what the laws in Michigan are for riding pocket bikes?

Answer: If the "pocket bike" has an engine displacement of 50cc's or less, produces 2.0 brake horsepower or less, is capable of a top speed of no more than 30 mph, and the operator is not required/allowed to shift gears, then it may be legally classified as a moped. The document titled "Moped Requirements" lists the operational and equipment requirements for such motor vehicles. Most "pocket bikes" will not meet those requirements and therefore will not be street legal.

If the "pocket bike" has an engine displacement greater than 50cc's then it is classified as a motorcycle and must meet the requirements applicable to that type of vehicle.  Again, most "pocket bikes" will not meet these requirements