| Pocket bikes are about a quarter of the size of a | | | | horns, signaling lights for turns. All of these are essential |
| typical motorcycle but have enough power to carry a | | | | requirements of vehicles to be street legal. Since they |
| person of average weight up to 40mph out of the box | | | | cannot be registered, the pocket bikes cannot have |
| in the case of most models, and up to 75mph or more | | | | plates and unregistered vehicles cannot be operated |
| depending on the modification. These are some real | | | | on the public streets. Pocket bikes also cannot be |
| power packing machines when you consider the | | | | insured, and with such small mufflers, there is a chance |
| power output to the relatively small size. And mainly | | | | of violating noise pollution regulation in some areas. |
| because of their miniature stature, most pocket bikes | | | | There are some models of larger pocket bikes, or |
| are not street legal out of the box if ever. | | | | 'super' pocket bikes as they are referred to in contrast |
| Although the details vary from state to state, for the | | | | to mini bikes, that come with headlights, brake lights, |
| most part, pocket bikes are not street legal in the | | | | turn signals, a speedometer and horn to meet nearly all |
| United States. There are necessary requirements of | | | | the requirements. In many cases small modifications |
| motor vehicles for use on public roadways and most | | | | such as adding a rear-view mirror and brackets for a |
| models will not meet these requirements. Pocket bikes | | | | license plate will allow you to register the bike for legal |
| usually fall in the category with motorcycles and most | | | | street use in most states. With the few modifications |
| states require the seat of a motorcycle to be at least | | | | the pocket bikes can sometimes be categorized as |
| 25 inches off the ground. Just being caught on the | | | | unique or home-built vehicles. |
| public streets on a pocket bike is considered reckless | | | | On the public roadways, a legally registered pocket |
| driving in most cases due to the obvious violation of | | | | bike will be treated much the same as a motorcycle |
| safety regulations. In fact, if an officer does decide to | | | | and will require some form of insurance as well as |
| write you up for the violations, there could easily be | | | | drivers license. If the bike is categorized as a |
| many and the fine could be as high as $2,000. | | | | motorcycle then a special motorcycle license is |
| Just to name a few of the legal violations according to | | | | required, otherwise it will be in a class with mopeds |
| the most common regulations among various states, | | | | and in such case a regular driver's license will be |
| pocket bikes don't come with rear indicator lights for | | | | enough. |
| night driving. Nor do they come with rear-view mirrors, | | | | |