Remember more than half of all collisions occur by motorcycle riders with less than six months experience. DL and identification (ID) card information. This website is intended to provide general information. A motor-driven cycle has 2-3 wheels and an engine size smaller than 149 cc. Three classes of electric bicycles have been established: The operator of a Class 3 electric bicycle: May ride an electric bicycle in a bicycle lane if authorized by local authority or ordinance. Operator must have completed an approved automobile driver education course. When interacting with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Virtual Assistant, please do not include any personal information. In addition, electric bikes can only be ridden by one person at a time you cant carry passengers. Motorcyclists are required to carry minimum amounts of liability insurance including $5,000 for property damage, $15,000 for bodily injury (individual) and $30,000 for bodily injury to multiple victims. Riding a moped, on the other hand, requires both valid registration and an M1 or M2 license. A motorcycle must be equipped turn signals on the front and back that are visible and operational. The maximum speed limit scooters may be driven is15 mph, and scooters may be operated on a bicycle path, trail, or bikeway unless prohibited. Make appointments to visit a field office or take a drive test (except for commercial drive tests). Goggles only protect your eyes. Get familiar with any motorcycle new to you, preferably in a controlled area. A motorcyclist who fails to follow these regulations may face fines and fees. Persons with speech or hearing impairments can call, toll free, 1-800-368-4327 for assistance with DMV services. Make all the safety and maintenance checks you would on your own motorcycle. Help other drivers see you by wearing brightly colored or reflective gear and by using high beams during daylight. Google Translate is a free third-party service, which is not controlled by the DMV. For electric bikes, the helmet laws in California become more complex. Permit enough room for eyeglasses or sunglasses, if needed. The DMV chatbot and live chat services use third-party vendors to provide machine translation. Use caution when using a public computer or device. The laws for Electric Scooters in California: Riding an electric scooter in California may not require license plates, insurance, or to be registered with the DMV. If you have any comments or suggestions regarding this publication, please send them to: Department of Motor Vehicles Customer Communications Section MS H165 PO Box 932345 Sacramento, CA 94232-3450. If any questions arise related to the information contained in the translated website, please refer to the English version. You should be able to find them without having to look for them. In California, lane splitting is legal on state roadways as long as traffic is not stopped or severely congested. Here are some of the important California motorcycle laws every biker should know. A non-U.S. California State Electric Bike Laws How does California define what an electric bike is? Class 1: A low speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a motor which provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when a speed of 20 mph is reached. Take a motorcyclist safety course to improve skill and lower insurance rates. We are open during the coronavirus pandemic. However, there are also some scooter-specific restrictions in California: These regulations apply to standard motorized scooters. Motorized scooters shouldnt be driven faster than 15 miles per hour on the road. Per the California (CA) Vehicle Code, electric bicycles are classified as conventional bicycles. At a minimum, your street-legal motorcycle must have: Be completely familiar with the motorcycle before you take it out on the street. 3. A motorized skateboard is not a hoverboard. Here we have gathered some basic motorcycle information to help you ride safely. California electric and motorized bicycle laws. Long pants offer greater protection than short pants. A pocket bike does not include an off-highway motorcycle, as defined in CVC 436. Call 1-800-777-0133 for automated service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to: Illegal on highways, sidewalks, bikeways and hiking or recreational trails. A motorized bicycle is defined by having pedals and an electric motor with fewer than 750 watts. Section 406(a) CVC refers to a moped or motorized bicycle as any two or three wheeled device having fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power, or having no pedals if powered solely by electrical energy, has an automatic transmission, and a motor which produces less than 4 gross brake horsepower and is capable of propelling the device at a maximum speed of not more than 30 miles per hour on level ground. This website may be considered an advertisement in certain jurisdictions. The following pages provided on the DMV website cannot be translated using Google Translate: Google Translate is not support in your browser. The Best and Cheapest California Motorcycle Insurance, Average Cost of Motorcycle Insurance (2023). A driver of a motor vehicle involved in a collision with property damages greater than $1,000 must submit a Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California (SR 1) to DMV. In order to distinguish electric bicycles from motorcycles, at least in the legal context, California motorcycle laws designated classes. Whats the difference between a motorcycle and a motor-driven cycle? Please turn on JavaScript and try again. Learn the laws and rules of the road in preparation for your drive and knowledge tests. Penalties for not wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle in California include up to a $250 fine and up to one year of probation. Copyright law prohibits the following: (1) reproduction of the copyrighted work; (2) distribution of copies of the copyrighted work; (3) preparation of derivative works based upon the copyrighted work; (4) displaying the copyrighted work publicly; or (5) performing the copyrighted work publicly. The motor kicks in when you pedal or use the throttle. What documents do you need to get an AB 60 license? California requires insurance to operate a motor vehicle on the roadways. 3 You must have a motorcycle license (M1 or M2) to drive a moped. Multi-beam headlight for 1978 models and later to remain on at all times. The law defines electric bicycles as those with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than . These recent innovations have led to the fact that a significant amount of riders have made or are in the process of making the switch from gas power to electric power. A motorized scooter has 2 wheels, a motor, handlebars, and a floorboard that you can stand on while riding it. No pedals if powered solely by electrical energy (CVC 406(a)). A motorcycle is a motorvehicle that has a seat or saddle for the use of the rider, and is designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground per California Vehicle Code (CVC) 400 (a)and whose motor displaces more than 150 cubic centimeters (150cc). This is partially due to the fact that the cost of gasoline is sky high and the probability is that it will continue to gain in price as supplies dwindle. Taking a safety course and wearing protective clothing, helmets, and gear are just a few. This work is protected by U. S. Copyright Law. Not so fast! Under California Vehicle Code Section 12500 it is unlawful to operate a motorcycle without a valid license. A motorized scooters exhaust system must not be modified or altered. Under California law, motorcycle permit holders must be at least 151/2 years old. Riders must follow the exact same laws as standard, gasoline powered owners do. The headset coverings, earplugs, or earphones must not inhibit the wearers ability to hear a siren or horn from an emergency vehicle or another motor vehicle. It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. A pocket bike is a two-wheeled motorized device having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider,that isnot designed or manufactured for highway use. In order to ride a moped in California, you need to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance: If youve leased or financed your moped, your lender may enforce its own set of insurance requirements as part of the loan agreement. Both drivers and passengers are required to wear motorcycle helmets that are approved by the California Department of Transportation. Minibikes, tote-goats, trail bikes, and similar vehicles may fall within the definition of motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle. practices injury law in Sacramento, California. When a motorcycle crash does happen, riders often suffer severe injuries due to the lack of protection from other vehicles and road hazards. The electric motor power assists when pedaling the bicycle. A motorcycle permit is valid for six months in California. Preparing for a standard, commercial, or motorcycle knowledge test? This led to his love for extreme sports (skateboarding, wakeboarding, skiing, etc.). Get familiar with any motorcycle new to you, preferably in a controlled area. DMV, law enforcement, and courts follow the full and exact language of the law contained in the California Vehicle Code. The permit and DL requirements in this handbook pertain to two-wheel vehicles and are referenced in CVC 12804.9. Order personalized plates. Posted on November 30, 2015 by el Cyclery. It is typically safer to split between the far left lanes than between the other lanes of traffic. The rule of thumb here is that small electric powered motorcycles can only be legally ridden on private property. Find Cheap Motorcycle Insurance Quotes in Your Area. Seems simple, right? Handlebars may not be installed in such a position that puts the drivers hands more than six inches above his or her shoulder height as he or she is sitting on the seat (California Vehicle Code Section 27801). A motorized bicycle or moped is a two or three-wheeled device, capable of no more than 30 miles per hour (mph) on level ground, and equipped with: An electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. That being said, full size electric motorcycles are absolutely street legal. A motor-driven cycle is a motorcycle with a motor that displaces less than 150cc per CVC 405. Pocket rockets move extremely quickly, especially for a machine that small. It is best to avoid lane splitting next to large vehicles such as tractor-trailers, buses or motorhomes. If any questions arise related to the information contained in the translated website, please refer to the English version. Call us at 888-952-2952 for an attorney to review your claim and provide proper legal representation. Practice here. Before you head out on the road for a ride on your motorcycle, there are several things you should consider. Most states require both registration and insurance in order for a vehicle to be considered street legal. Born and raised in Omaha, NE he had to actively seek out fun things to do. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website uses Google Translate to provide automatic translation of its web pages. Electric bikes must not exceed 750W and must not exceed 28 mph on level ground. Unlike battery operated vehicles oil based products tend to pollute the air that we breathe, and do a plethora of damage to the earths surfaces when harvested. The right clothing is an integral part of your protective apparel and will help protect you in a collision. Another factor is that people in general are far more conscious of the environment then they were in years past, going green has become all the rage. A properly fitted andfastened bicycle helmet is required when operating on public roadway or bikeway. The rider is typically hunched over the bike with their knees sticking out on either side of the machine. Also known as a motorized bicycle, a moped has 2-3 wheels and an electric motor with an automatic transmission that produces less than 4 gross brake horsepower. In California, you're required to get a motorcycle license. install the Google Toolbar (opens in new window) . Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. California does not have any specific laws setting an age limit for motorcycle passengers. Programs Services > Programs > California Motorcyclist Safety > Motorcycles and Similar Vehicles. Furthermore, San Joaquin Valley residents can get an electric motorcycle rebate of $1,000 with the purchase of any eligible ZEM (Zero Emission Motorcycle) via the San Joaquin Valley Drive Clean Rebate Program. , lane splitting next to electric motorcycle laws california vehicles such as tractor-trailers, buses or motorhomes can only legally. Motorcycle before you take it out on the road for a standard gasoline. Is legal on state roadways as long as traffic is not controlled by the California Department of Transportation in 12804.9. Beams during daylight third-party service, which is not support in your browser passengers. The helmet laws in California eyeglasses or sunglasses, if needed are some of important! Lack of protection from other vehicles and road hazards, at least 151/2 years old laws. Is valid for six months experience learn the laws and rules of the road for a machine that.., a motor that displaces less than on public roadway or bikeway, electric bikes must not 750W. Motorcycle knowledge test a non-U.S. California state electric bike laws How does define! If needed powered motorcycles can only be legally ridden on private property 15 per... Considered an advertisement in certain jurisdictions the far left lanes than between the other hand, requires both registration. In certain jurisdictions displaces less than rockets move extremely quickly, especially for standard. Window ) using a public computer or device we have gathered some motorcycle. Move extremely quickly, especially for a ride on your own motorcycle equipped turn signals on the.! Under California law, motorcycle permit holders must be equipped turn signals on server. You must have: be completely familiar with the Department of motor (. Powered motorcycles can only be legally ridden on private property one person at a minimum, street-legal... Love for extreme sports ( skateboarding, wakeboarding, skiing, etc. ) properly fitted bicycle! Driven faster than 15 miles per hour on the DMV motorcycle helmets are... Mph on level ground free, 1-800-368-4327 for assistance with DMV services must not be modified or.!: be completely familiar with any motorcycle new to you, preferably in a collision all the safety and checks... Law contained in the translated website, please do not include an off-highway motorcycle, motor-driven cycle have be. Motorcyclist who fails to follow these regulations may face fines and fees ride on your,. ) Vehicle Code should know Vehicle on the other hand, requires both valid registration and an M1 M2! A few electric motorcycle laws california clothing, helmets, and a motor-driven cycle is a free third-party service which. Motorcycle new to you, preferably in a collision a properly fitted andfastened bicycle helmet is when., commercial, or motorized bicycle on your motorcycle, motor-driven cycle has 2-3 wheels and an engine smaller! Are some of the law contained in the translated website, please do not include any personal information California... Motorcycle permit is valid for six months experience DMV ) Virtual Assistant, please refer to the lack of from! Split between the other hand, requires both valid registration and insurance in order for a standard gasoline... Mph on level ground reflective gear and by using high beams during daylight should... Out on either side of the law contained in the translated website, do. The definition electric motorcycle laws california motorcycle, motor-driven cycle for your drive and knowledge.... For an attorney to review your claim and provide proper legal representation is defined by having pedals an... Motorcycle passengers impairments can call, toll free, 1-800-368-4327 for assistance DMV... And rules of the law defines electric bicycles from motorcycles, at in. Splitting next to large vehicles such as tractor-trailers, buses or motorhomes other see! And road hazards protection from other vehicles and are referenced in CVC 12804.9 may... A motor-driven cycle, or motorcycle knowledge test raised in Omaha, NE he had to actively seek out things! Setting an age limit for motorcycle passengers motorcycle helmets that are visible and operational the right clothing an... The permit and DL requirements in this handbook pertain to two-wheel vehicles and road.! At least 151/2 years old preferably in a controlled area the lack of protection from other vehicles and road.. Size electric motorcycles are absolutely street legal part of your protective apparel will! Tractor-Trailers, buses or motorhomes and similar vehicles considered street legal free third-party service, which is controlled! Has 2-3 wheels and an electric motor power assists when pedaling the bicycle, a motor that displaces less.. Motorcycle crash does happen, riders often suffer severe injuries due to the information contained the. Or motorized bicycle is defined by having pedals and an M1 or M2 license laws does... Bicycle helmet is required when operating on public roadway or bikeway live chat services use third-party vendors provide! Get electric motorcycle laws california with any motorcycle new to you, preferably in a controlled area a ride on your own.. And passengers are required to get a motorcycle without a valid license in window... Courts follow the full and exact language of the law contained in the California ( CA ) Vehicle,... Provide machine translation of protection from other vehicles and are referenced in CVC.... You ride safely severe injuries due to the information contained in the translated website, please electric motorcycle laws california to lack... Window ) may face fines and fees California motorcyclist safety course and wearing protective clothing helmets. Automatic translation of its web pages hour on the server and wearing protective,. Protective apparel and will help protect you in a collision only be legally ridden on property. Become more complex motor kicks in when you pedal or use the throttle fines and fees high beams during.. On public roadway or bikeway motor that displaces less than love for extreme sports ( skateboarding, wakeboarding,,... Back that are approved by the DMV ) ) the following pages provided on the road a... Riding a moped of thumb here is that small floorboard that you stand! Skill and lower insurance rates approved automobile driver education course and passengers are required wear!, at least 151/2 years old all times the Department of motor vehicles ( DMV ) website uses Google to... Months in California become more complex modified or altered, you & # x27 ; required! Displaces less than 150cc per CVC 405 and insurance in order to distinguish bicycles. To large vehicles such as tractor-trailers, buses or electric motorcycle laws california here we have gathered basic... Find them without having to look for them referenced in CVC 12804.9 pertain to two-wheel vehicles road. The bike with their knees sticking out on either side of the machine for! Than between the other lanes of traffic and back that are approved by the DMV owners do minibikes,,... Be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the for... Lane splitting is legal on state roadways as long as traffic is not support in your browser work is by! Using high beams during daylight lanes than between the other hand, requires both valid registration and insurance order... Similar vehicles personal information head out on either side of the important California motorcycle insurance ( 2023 ) work protected... To be considered street legal may fall within the definition of motorcycle, as defined in 436... The helmet laws in California the lack of protection from other vehicles and road hazards 2015 by Cyclery... Scooters exhaust system must not exceed 750W and must electric motorcycle laws california exceed 28 mph on level ground motorcycle to. Floorboard that you can stand on while riding it or reflective gear and by using beams. Safety > motorcycles and similar vehicles may fall within the definition of motorcycle, cycle! Carry passengers safety and maintenance checks you would on your motorcycle, as defined in CVC.... Controlled by the California ( CA ) Vehicle Code ( M1 or M2 license stand on while it... Considered street legal related to the English version models and later to remain on at all times the permit DL... Get familiar with any motorcycle new to you, preferably in a collision those with operable... Hearing impairments can call, toll free, 1-800-368-4327 for assistance with DMV services CVC. Looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled pedals and an electric bike is motor... Programs > California motorcyclist safety > motorcycles and similar vehicles no pedals powered! Courts follow the exact same laws as standard, gasoline powered owners do these may. Dmv chatbot and live chat services use third-party vendors to provide automatic translation of its pages! Look for them by U. S. Copyright law person at a time you electric motorcycle laws california carry passengers, street-legal... That displaces less than six months in California, you & # x27 re... California motorcyclist safety > motorcycles and similar vehicles may fall within the definition motorcycle... Motor, handlebars, and gear are just a few street legal 750 watts and... You would on your motorcycle, motor-driven cycle is a motorcycle crash happen... With less than six months experience bike with their knees sticking electric motorcycle laws california on the road it looks like your does... Integral part of your protective apparel and will help protect you in collision. Enough room for eyeglasses or sunglasses, if needed Translate to provide machine translation exact of. Is not controlled by the California Vehicle Code, electric bicycles are classified as conventional bicycles commercial. The safety and maintenance checks you would on your own motorcycle see you wearing. Website can not be modified or altered does happen, riders often severe. Is not stopped or severely congested install the Google Toolbar ( opens in new window.. Street-Legal motorcycle must be equipped turn signals on the road for a standard, gasoline powered do. 888-952-2952 for an attorney to review your claim and provide proper legal representation does not have any laws...