A recent Florida law change makes it legal for people to ride bicycles on the street if upgraded with a gas-powered engine.
Previously, Florida law allowed for bicycles outfitted with electronic helper engines on the streets as long as they did not go faster than 20 mph, but gas-powered engines were illegal. The new law allows gas-powered engines as long as they are below 50-cc and classifies them as a moped.
Before people can legally ride their gas-powered motorized bikes on the street, they must first have the bikes inspected and registered through the Florida Division of Motorist Services. The local inspections office for Okaloosa and Santa Rosa counties is in Pensacola and the office for Walton County residents is in Panama City.
So far this year, no motorized bicycles have been registered in Okaloosa County, said Tax Collector Ben Anderson. The registration fee in Okaloosa County is $63, while the inspections cost $40. The bikes do not require a title.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Bicycles with gas-powered engines allowed on streets