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72 °F Forecast | Road Cams Monday, August 30, 2004 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics Tempo AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map SPECIAL SECTIONS Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Prime Times Wellness Connection Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Wedding Guide Rogue Valley's Finest EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People MARKETPLACE Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Classifieds Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend July 14, 2004 Firefighter John Peterson uses his pocket bike to get to the fire station from his Rogue River home. The little motorcycles fall under the category of mopeds and are street-legal if certain conditions are met. Mail Tribune / Bob Pennell Really low riders Downsized motorcycles gain popularity in the valley; police say some bikes are illegal By DAMIAN MANN Mail Tribune Scrunching up his 6-foot-2-inch frame, Jordan Wine juts his knees out wildly as he settles into the seat of his miniature motorcycle, popularly known as a pocket bike. "They go 35 miles per hour, which is kind of insane because they are so low to the ground," said the 22-year-old Southern Oregon University student, who paid $450 for his 3-foot-long, 2- foot-wide bike. These little motorcycles, powered by tiny motors like those that run chain saws, cost as little as $200 and are seen more and more frequently scooting about the streets of the Rogue Valley and the rest of the country. Wine, who rides his in parking lots and has wrecked only once — while trying to do a "wheelie" — bought a pocket bike after he saw someone who had no legs riding one in downtown Ashland. Advertisement The bikes also have caught the eye of law enforcement officers. Sheriff’s Capt. Joe Puckett said the bikes appear to fall under the category of a moped, which has an engine size ranging from 35 to 50 cubic centimeters. "I don’t think we’ve had to deal with them too much," he said. Medford Police Lt. Tim George said the ones he’s seen cruising the byways of Medford are illegal and some drivers have been cited. "There’s nothing legal about them," he said. "They don’t meet any equipment requirements." The units George saw didn’t have lights and many of the riders didn’t have helmets or were underage. "There’s a million things wrong with them," he said. However, after a brief description of some of the bikes purchased by Jackson County residents that do have lights and turn signals, George said, "I’d have to look at it." Leaving aside the question of legality, George said, "Why do you want to ride a shrunken-down motorcycle? Why do you want to risk running down the road on one of those?" Citing something once said by motorcycle daredevil Evel Knievel, George said, "There are two types of motorcycle drivers: those that have been down and those that are going down." An official with the Ashland Police Department said the pocket bikes appear to fall under the guidelines of a moped because they have a larger engine and a faster speed than a scooter. Steve Pierce, co-owner of Valley Tools and Supplies in Medford, said he’s had a difficult time getting a straight answer from law enforcement officials over the legality of riding the bikes on the road. "The whole problem is you have 10 different policemen and 10 different answers," said Pierce, whose has had brisk sales of the bikes recently. When he’s asked by a customer about the legality of pocket bikes, Pierce said, "As far as I’m concerned, none of them are street legal." But, he adds, "Once you’ve paid for it, it is none of my business what you do with it." John Peterson, a Rogue River resident, rides his tiny motorcycle to work every day, and as far as he’s concerned it’s legal. With blinkers, headlights, a horn and front and rear disk brakes, the bike meets the requirements of motor-assisted scooters and mopeds, said Peterson. "I think the people who are acting stupidly are getting us in trouble," said the 23-year-old fireman. "A lot of these people are not of age and go on sidewalks." Peterson, who bought his Chinese-made bike over the Internet for $400, said "They’re cheap and fun." Peterson’s only complaint is that the bike is a little loud. "It’s a weed-eater motor," he said. Despite his bike’s tiny engine, Peterson can scoot around town at speeds of about 30 mph and gets about 70 miles per gallon. In California, law enforcement officials have clamped down on the bikes, which they consider motorcycles. Other communities throughout the country have passed laws banning the bikes. Wine said the popularity of the bikes is likely due to their racing look, and that they are low and fast. "I don’t think of it as cute," he said. "I want to think of it as mean." What the law says Oregon law lists a number of rules that owners of so-called pocket bikes must follow. These rules, which local law enforcement officials enforce, also apply to mopeds. The driver must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license, insurance and registration. Engine size must be between 35 and 50 cubic centimeters, with a maximum capable speed of 30 mph. If the pocket bike has an engine smaller than 35 cubic centimeters, it is considered a scooter, which doesn’t require a license or insurance. Lights must be on at all times, and bikes cannot be driven on bike paths or sidewalks. No passengers are allowed on the vehicle. If it is above 50 cubic centimeters or exceeds the maximum capable speed, it is considered a motorcycle. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities