Street Registration Question

[Woozer]

Hello - Newbie here, first post. I just bought an AIPAS S1. Their web site pictures and words say it can be used on the street. It is almost completely street legal out of the box -- all it needs are mirrors, front turn signals, and, if being really picky, reflectors. It's even got a license plate frame. But it's 4000W and allegedly can go 50 mph, so I think it really needs to be registered and insured, even though I see unlicensed bikes just like it all over the place on the streets near where I live.

The problem I'm running into, it didn't come with an MSO (Manufacturer's Statement of Origin). I had no idea what this is, it's basically just a sheet of paper listing the manufacturer, the selling dealer, and the first owner. Signed by somebody in the chain above me. It's like a birth certificate/chain of custody to get any new vehicle (car, bike, truck, plane boat) into the system. I have an export certificate which lists the manufacturer. And the purchase invoice obviously lists the dealer and me. I tried to get AIPAS to generate me an MSO (I even dummied one up for them), and they refused.

I'm afraid to go to my DOL or my insurance agency because once you ask, it can't be un-asked. Has anybody run into this situation and might have a workaround?

Thanks in advance!!!

 

[RunForTheHills]

This is an e-bicycle forum. I am not sure, but I think in California, it needs to have a VIN number. A serial number might work. You would go to the DMV to register it in California. If you have a AAA membership, they may be able to help you.

 

[stompandgo]

In MA, an MSO is otherwise known as a title. It is a certificate that describes who made the vehicle, the VIN, date of manufacture, place of manufacture, and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. You cannot register even a non-powered vehicle (such as a trailer) without one in MA without going through a long and complex construction title process that is hit or miss.

 

[BlackHand]

Yeah, I think you're in a catch-22 situation. There isn't a clear process for these e-motos that were never sold as vehicles for use on public land. The WA legislature started a working group this spring to address rules and regulations for e-motos but it will be 2028 before anything is in place(at the earliest).

Did you try to submit a vehicle title application form? It looks pretty generic and can be submitted for 'title only'. I think if you get that you could then try to register as an ORV.

If you can get to that point, then you can deal with finding out if your insurance will even cover it, adding DOT approved equipment and finding a mechanic to certify it for highway use...

 

[RunForTheHills]

I thought I had read that some people had successfully registered their Sur-rons as mopeds in California.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Hello - Newbie here, first post. I just bought an AIPAS S1. Their web site pictures and words say it can be used on the street. It is almost completely street legal out of the box -- all it needs are mirrors, front turn signals, and, if being really picky, reflectors. It's even got a license plate frame. But it's 4000W and allegedly can go 50 mph, so I think it really needs to be registered and insured, even though I see unlicensed bikes just like it all over the place on the streets near where I live.

The problem I'm running into, it didn't come with an MSO (Manufacturer's Statement of Origin). I had no idea what this is, it's basically just a sheet of paper listing the manufacturer, the selling dealer, and the first owner. Signed by somebody in the chain above me. It's like a birth certificate/chain of custody to get any new vehicle (car, bike, truck, plane boat) into the system. I have an export certificate which lists the manufacturer. And the purchase invoice obviously lists the dealer and me. I tried to get AIPAS to generate me an MSO (I even dummied one up for them), and they refused.

I'm afraid to go to my DOL or my insurance agency because once you ask, it can't be un-asked. Has anybody run into this situation and might have a workaround?

Thanks in advance!!!

View attachment 209725

Kudos for trying to do the right thing with your e-moto. If you succeed in registering it, you plan to keep it in the car lanes and off bike infrastructure, right?

 

[harryS]

Here in Illinois, there is a circuitous path to register a vehicle without a vehicle identification number, VIN. Involves purchase documentation, and an inspection at the DMV by a cop. The latter is to prove it never had a VIN, but then you get into safety. Probably get rejected if the tires don't have DOT approval, lights aren't good enough, cop doesn't like your brakes.

Every state will be slightly different,





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