§ 175.172. Steering.

 (a)  Condition of steering components. The steering assembly and steering mechanism shall be in safe operating condition as described in §  175.190 (relating to inspection procedure).

 (b)  Steering head. The steering head shall be provided with a bearing or similar device allowing the steering shaft to turn freely in a rotating fashion.

 (c)  Handlebars. The handlebars or grips may not be higher than the operator’s shoulder level when the operator is properly seated upon the vehicle.

   (1)  The handlebars shall be of sturdy construction and adequate in size and length to provide leverage for steering and shall be capable of withstanding a minimum force of 100 pounds applied to each handle grip in any direction.

   (2)  The handlebars shall be designed so as not to restrict front fork movement and shall be capable of vertical adjustment.

   (3)  The handlebar design shall provide a minimum of 18 inches between ends, after final assembly.

   (4)  The handlebars shall be equipped with grips of nonslip design and materials.

   The provisions of this §  175.172 amended under the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S. § §  4103, 4301, 4501, 4521 and 6103.

   The provisions of this §  175.172 adopted December 8, 1978, effective December 9, 1978, 8 Pa.B. 3495; effective date delayed April 28, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1402; amended October 29, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3862; corrected November 12, 1982, effective February 1, 1983, 12 Pa.B. 3947; readopted December 2, 1988, effective December 3, 1988, 18 Pa.B. 5362; amended November 13, 1998, effective May 13, 1999, 28 Pa.B. 5670. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (221304) to (221305).