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Know Before You Go: E-Bikes, E-Scooters, and 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). Be sure to know the rules before you go!
Bicycle | Class 1 E-Bike | Class 2 E-Bike | Class 3 E-Bike | E-Scooter |
Moped/ |
||
Vehicle | Pedal Operated | Yes | Yes | Optional | Yes | No | No |
Maximum Motor Assisted Speed (MPH) | N/A | 20 | 20 | 28 | 15 | 30 | |
Used on Class I Bike Path1 | Yes* | Yes * | Yes * | Yes* | Yes * | No | |
Used on Class II Bike Path2 | Yes* | Yes* | Yes* | Yes* | Yes* | Yes*^ | |
User | Minimum Age (Years) | N/A | N/A | N/A | 16 | 16 | 16 |
Driver's License | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | |
License Plate | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | |
Headlight/ Taillight Required | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
Helmet Required | Under 18 | Under 18 | Under 18 | Yes | Under 18 | Yes | |
CVC Code | CVC 312.5(a)(1) | CVC 312.5(a)(2) | CVC 312.5(a)(3) |
CVC 407.5(a) |
CVC 406(a) | ||
(1) CVC 231.5: a "bicycle path" or "bike path" is a Class I bikeway, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 890.4 of the streets and Highway Code (2) SHC 890.4: As used in this article, “bikeway” means all facilities that provide primarily for, and promote, bicycle travel. For purposes of this article, bikeways shall be categorized as follows: *Rider must adhere to city bike trail speed limit of 15 mph. ^Only motorized bicycles displaying a CA DMV issued license plate may utilize bike lanes or bike trails per Folsom Municipal City Code Section 10.40 |
Not sure what class of e-bike you have? 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.
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. Drivers must have a California Driver’s Licensed with a M1 or M2 endorsement and 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).
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 Training to learn more!
For questions regarding e-bicycles, e-scooters, motorized bicycles, mopeds, or motorcycles, please contact Traffic Sergeant Tim Galovich at tgalovich@folsom.ca.us.