Ark. Code Ann. § 27-20-101 (2026)
Definitions
As used in this subchapter:
- “Motorcycle” means every motor vehicle having a seat or saddle for use of the rider and designed to travel on no more than three (3) wheels in contact with the ground and having a motor which displaces more than two hundred fifty cubic centimeters (250 cc);
- “Motor-driven cycle” means every motor vehicle having a seat or saddle for use of the rider and designed to travel on no more than three (3) wheels in contact with the ground and having a motor which displaces two hundred fifty cubic centimeters (250 cc) or less, but this definition shall not include a motorized bicycle;
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- “Motorized bicycle” means a bicycle with an automatic transmission and a motor which does not displace in excess of fifty cubic centimeters (50 cc).
- “Motorized bicycle” does not include an electric bicycle as defined in § 27-51-1702; and
- “Street or highway” means the entire width between property lines of every way or place of whatever nature when any part thereof is open to the use of the public, as a matter of right, for purposes of vehicular traffic.
History. Acts 1959, No. 201, § 1; 1975, No. 206, § 1; 1977, No. 561, § 1; 1985, No. 972, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 75-1701; Acts 2005, No. 1942, § 1; 2017, No. 956, § 1.
Amendments. The 2017 amendment redesignated (3) as (3)(A), and added (3)(B); and substituted “a bicycle” for “every bicycle” in (3)(A).
Case Notes
Motorcycles.
A motorcycle is a “motor vehicle” as that term is defined in automobile insurance policies, since, under Arkansas law, a motorcycle is considered a motor vehicle. Carner v. Farmers Ins. Co., 3 Ark. App. 201, 623 S.W.2d 859 (1981).
Motor-Driven Cycle.
A Trail 70 vehicle with a 70 cc engine is a motor vehicle, specifically, a motor-driven cycle, and, when used upon public streets, is subject to Arkansas's registration and licensing laws. Nationwide Mut. Ins. Co. v. Worthey, 314 Ark. 185, 861 S.W.2d 307 (1993).