Vehicle type definitions — Delaware Permit Test

In Delaware, a two- or three-wheeled vehicle with working pedals still counts as a bicycle when its electric motor is under 750 watts and it tops out under 20 mph on the motor alone.

A rider on a strong e-bike could claim bicycle rules while moving at moped speeds.

The term bicycle also includes a two- or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 hp), whose maximum speed on a paved level surface, when powered solely by such motor while ridden by an operator who weighs 170 pounds, is less than 20 mph.

Delaware defines a moped as a two-wheeled cycle whose gas engine displaces less than 55 cc, or whose electric motor is rated between 751 and 2,000 watts.

Without a size line, a small motorcycle could be ridden as if it were a moped.

a pedal or nonpedal bicycle having 2 tandem wheels, either of which is 10 inches or more in maximum diameter, and having an internal combustion motor characterized in that the maximum piston displacement is less than 55 cc, or an electric motor rated between 751 watts and 2,000 watts.

In Delaware, a school bus is a motor vehicle painted national school bus chrome yellow with the words SCHOOL BUS displayed on it.

A driver who cannot tell a school bus from a plain van will not know which one makes traffic stop.

“School Bus” means every motor vehicle painted with national school bus chrome yellow, and which has the words “SCHOOL BUS” displayed on the vehicle.

Delaware's definition of a motor vehicle covers any self-propelled vehicle built for the roadway, except farm tractors and off-highway vehicles.

A farmer moving a tractor a short way down the road would otherwise need the same papers as a car.

“Motor Vehicle” includes any self-propelled vehicle designed to operate on a roadway, except farm tractors and OHVs.

In Delaware, a pedal vehicle with an electric motor still counts as a bicycle when the motor is under what power?

Under 750 watts. A rider on a strong e-bike could claim bicycle rules while moving at moped speeds. Delaware Driver Manual, p.11: “The term bicycle also includes a two- or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 hp), whose maximum speed on a paved level surface, when powered solely by such motor while ridden by an operator who weighs 170 pounds, is less than 20 mph.”