City of Roseville, CA

19/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 20/08/2024 22:12

Rules for: E Bikes, E Scooters, & E Motorcycles

Electric bikes, electric motorcycles, and electric scooters have become very popular. Because these bikes, scooters and motorcycles are self-propelled, they are subject to the California Vehicle Code (CVC). These include rules regarding the age about riders, where they can be ridden, and helmets.Be sure to know the rules before you go!

E-Bikes

Different classifications of e-bicycles have different rules regarding their use, age of riders, what they need to be equipped with, etc.. Each e-bike is required to have a sticker indicating their classification at the time they are sold. If the sticker has been removed, please review the owner's manual for your bike to determine the type.

Learn more about how to ride an e-bike safely! The California Highway Patrol recently developed a free online e-bike safety course for e-bike riders to learn the rules e-bike use and how to safely maneuver these vehicles. Visit the CHP Electric Bicycle Safety and Trainingto learn more!

E-Scooters

There are a few key things that e-scooter riders (and their parents, if under 18) need to know:

  • In California, e-scooter riders must have a valid California Learner's Permit or Driver's License. (CVC 21235)
  • Minors must wear a helmet when riding on an e-scooter (CVC 21235).
  • Riders must not exceed 15 mph on their e-scooter (CVC 22411).
  • E-scooters may not be ridden on sidewalks. They can be used on bike trails and bike lanes. (CVC 21235 and CVC 21229).
  • E-scooters are for solo riders ONLY. Tandem riding is not allowed. (CVC 21235)

Mopeds/Motorized Bicycles

Mopeds/Motorized bicycles are considered any two or three-wheeled device with fully operative pedals or having no pedals if powered solely by electrical energy, and an automatic transmission and a motor that produces less than 4 gross brake horsepower. These devices have a maximum speed of 30 miles per hour.

Any other self-propelled device, whether it is gasoline or electric powered that goes faster than 30 miles per hour is considered a motorcycle, a motor driven cycle or a pocket bicycle. These may not be ridden on trails, bike lanes, or sidewalks. These vehicles must have a license plate issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles to be driven on the street. Riders must have a California Driver's Licensed with a M1 or M2 endorsement and carry insurance. Riders and passengers, regardless of age, must wear at DOT approved helmet. These vehicles are subject CVC 400(a)/(b), CVC 405, and CVC 473(a).

Failure to comply with California Vehicle Codes regarding motor drive cycles may result in towing or impounding of your vehicle.

E-Motorcycle

Any self-propelled device, whether it is gasoline or electric powered that goes faster than 30 miles per hour is considered a motorcycle, a motor driven cycle or a pocket bicycle. Only e-motorcycles registered with the DMV may be ridden on roads or at off-highway vehicle (OHV) parks. These vehicles may not be ridden on trails, bike lanes, or sidewalks. These vehicles must have a license plate issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles to be driven on the street. Riders must have a California Driver's Licensed with a M1 or M2 endorsement and the driver's must carry insurance. Riders and passengers, regardless of age, must wear at DOT approved helmet. These vehicles are subject CVC 400(a)/(b), CVC 405, and CVC 473(a).

Please note that certain e-motorcycles, typically those marketed as off-highway electric motorcycles, are not easily registered in California and must be registered to be used on streets. E-motorcycles, classified as off-highway or not, may not be used on sidewalks, bike trails, bike lanes, or bike paths.

E-motorcycles do not have pedals, though there are some after-market kits being sold to add pedals to e-motorcycles. Be aware! Adding these do not change an e-motorcycle to an e-bike.

Many e-motorcycles perform and have features similar to dirt bikes (off-road motorcycles). E-motorcycles that do not have headlights, tail lights, blinkers, mirrors, reflectors, or a horn may not be driven on the street (and they cannot be used on sidewalks, bike trails, bike lanes, or bike paths). They must still be registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

Failure to comply with California Vehicle Codes regarding e-motorcycles may result in towing or impounding of your vehicle.

For questions regarding e-bicycles, e-scooters, motorized bicycles, mopeds, or motorcycles, please contact Traffic Sergeant Mike Ryland at [email protected].

Note: information taken from the City of Folsom