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!

Learn more about E-Bikes

Learn more about E-Scooters

Learn more about Moped/Motorized Bicycles

Learn more about E- Motorcycles

	Bicycle	Class 1 E-Bike	Class 2 E-Bike	Class 3 E-Bike	E-Scooter	Moped/ Motorized Bicycle	E- Motorcycle
Pedal Operated	Yes	Yes	Optional	Yes	No	No	No
Maximum Motor Assisted Speed (MPH)	N/A	20	20	28	15	30	None
Used on Class I Bike Path1	Yes*	Yes *	Yes *	Yes*	Yes *	No	No
Used on Class II Bike Path2	Yes*	Yes*	Yes*	Yes*	Yes*	Yes*^	No
Minimum Age (Years)	N/A	N/A	N/A	16	16	16	16
Driver's License	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
License Plate	No	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes
Electric Motor Power Limit	N/A	750 Watts	750 Watts	750 Watts	No Limit	4 Gross Brake Horsepower (3000 Watts)	No Limit
Headlight/ Taillight Required	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Helmet Required	Under 18	Under 18	Under 18	Yes	Under 18	Yes (DOT Approved)	Yes (DOT Approved)
Vehicle Code Definition	CVC 231	CVC 312.5(a)(1)	CVC 312.5(a)(2)	CVC 312.5(a)(3)	CVC 407.5(a)  CVC 21235	CVC 406(a)	CVC 400  CVC 436
(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: (a) Bike paths or shared use paths, also referred to as “Class I bikeways,” which provide a completely separated right-of-way designated for the exclusive use of bicycles and pedestrians with crossflows by motorists minimized. (b) Bike lanes, also referred to as “Class II bikeways,” which provide a restricted right-of-way designated for the exclusive or semi-exclusive use of bicycles with through travel by motor vehicles or pedestrians prohibited, but with vehicle parking and crossflows by pedestrians and motorists permitted. (c) Bike routes, also referred to as “Class III bikeways,” which provide a right-of-way on-street or off-street, designated by signs or permanent markings and shared with pedestrians and motorists. (d) Cycle tracks or separated bikeways, also referred to as “Class IV bikeways,” which promote active transportation and provide a right-of-way designated exclusively for bicycle travel adjacent to a roadway and which are separated from vehicular traffic. Types of separation include, but are not limited to, grade separation, flexible posts, inflexible physical barriers, or on-street parking. *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

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 Training to 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 Tim Galovich at tgalovich@folsom.ca.us.