Check your state and local laws, which vary. Around 15 states have classified these low-speed electric bikes as "bicycles" requiring NO driver's license or registration. In those states you need to keep the pedals installed to be a 'bicycle', otherwise you are a 'moped' or 'motor scooter'. Here are some links.
Wikipedia has links to many state laws: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_bicycle_laws
Green Flyers are allowed to use bike lanes in all jurisdictions, and to ride on the road shoulder where it is in good condition.
VIRGINIA
Virginia classifies the Green Flyer as an "electric power-assisted bicycle" when you have the pedals installed, which requires no driver's license, only that the rider be at least 14 years old. http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+46.2-908.1 In Virginia you can ride "electric power-assisted bicycles" on the bike paths and even on sidewalks, unless otherwise prohibited as long as you are careful and yield to pedestrians. http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+46.2-903 Some local municipalities require residents to register any moped or even regular pedal-power bikes, so check your local jurisdiction. http://leg1.state.va.us/000/lst/LS246845.HTM
Please encourage use and public acceptance of electric scooters by riding responsibly and politely.
MARYLAND
It is a bit unclear if Maryland classifies low-speed electric bicycles such as the Green Flyer as motor scooters even if the pedals are installed. We are trying to get a ruling on this. Maryland require a drivers license for mopeds and motor scooters but no registration, tags or insurance are needed. Berwyn Heights Maryland has a good website explaining the Maryland motor scooter laws, but it does not specifically address the 20 mph pedal-assisted moped category: http://www.berwynheightspd.com/motor%20scooters.htm
MD Traffic laws for bicyclists and motorists to know http://www.sha.state.md.us/exploremd/bicyclists/oppe/laws/acomo the_bike_laws1.pdf
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
DC defines a Moped as "a motorcycle or motorized bicycle equipped with functional pedals" http://dmv.dc.gov/pdf/NontraditionalMotorVehiclechart.pdf
and does not treat low-speed electric bikes differently from mopeds. DC oficially requires registration of any motorized bike including an electric bicycle, but MD and VA residents are allowed to ride their unregistered moped into the District, which honors your residency state law (you should have your driver's license along). I have never had trouble with this. Kudos to DC for having added more bike lanes and planning still more!
No special motorcycle permit is needed -- these are not "motorcycles" in any jurisdiction. The Federal Electric Bicycle law defines this category of "low-speed electric bicycles" that do not require any title or vehicle ID Numbers (VIN). Some electric bike dealers will tell you that this Federal Law means no electric bikes need a driver license, but we believe that the state laws cover licensing, operation and registration requirements. http://currietech.com/html/eBicycle_laws.html
Further definition low-speed electric bike 107th congress http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=107_cong_public_laws&docid=f:publ319.107
National Highway Traffic Safety page showing that electric bikes are NOT motor vehicles http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/CARS/RULES/IMPORT/FAQ%20Site/pages/page3.html
Please wear a helmet -- required by law for child passengers, recommended for all.