Definición y requisitos de bicicletas motorizadas en California

Explicación Simple

Una bicicleta motorizada es como una bicicleta normal, pero puede tener un motor pequeño. Si la compras, debes chequear si tu seguro cubre accidentes con ella.

Es como cuando compras un nuevo electrodoméstico y debes asegurarte de que tu garantía lo cubra. No quieres que algo salga mal y luego descubrir que no estás protegido.

Ejemplo Práctico

Imagina que Juan decide comprar una bicicleta motorizada para ir al trabajo. Antes de usarla, su amigo le dice que debe revisar su póliza de seguro, ya que podría no estar cubierto si tiene un accidente. Juan se da cuenta de que debe llamar a su agente de seguros para estar seguro.

Texto Original del Estatuto (Inglés)

Vehicle Code - VEH DIVISION 1. WORDS AND PHRASES DEFINED [100 - 681] ( Division 1 enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3. ) 406. (a) A “motorized bicycle” or “moped” is a two-wheeled or three-wheeled device having fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power, or having no pedals if powered solely by electrical energy, and an automatic transmission and a motor that produces less than 4 gross brake horsepower and is capable of propelling the device at a maximum speed of not more than 30 miles per hour on level ground. (b) Every manufacturer of a motorized bicycle or moped, as defined in this section, shall provide a disclosure to buyers that advises buyers that their existing insurance policies may not provide coverage for these bicycles and that they should contact their insurance company or insurance agent to determine if coverage is provided. The disclosure shall meet both of the following requirements: (1) The disclosure shall be printed in not less than 14-point boldface type on a single sheet of paper that contains no information other than the disclosure. (2) The disclosure shall include the following language in capital letters: “YOUR INSURANCE POLICIES MAY NOT PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR ACCIDENTS INVOLVING THE USE OF THIS BICYCLE. TO DETERMINE IF COVERAGE IS PROVIDED YOU SHOULD CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY OR AGENT.” (Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 568, Sec. 2. (AB 1096) Effective January 1, 2016.)