E-Bike Laws
Important information from the Ventura County Sheriff's Office Regarding E-Bikes. California Vehicle Code 312.5 defines an E-bike as: (a) An “electric bicycle” is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. (1) A “class 1 electric bicycle,” or “low-speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle,” is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour. (2) A “class 2 electric bicycle,” or “low-speed throttle-assisted electric bicycle,” is a bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour. (3) A “class 3 electric bicycle,” or “speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle,” is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour and equipped with a speedometer. New E-bikes are required to have a class identification marker permanently affixed, which labels the type or class of E-bike you have purchased or are riding. Everyone riding an E-bike is required by law to abide by the California Vehicle Code just like the driver of a motor vehicle or a standard bicycle. Surron, Talaria, Explorer, and similar make electric motorcycles are NOT Electric Bicycles and are NOT street legal. They are sold as Electric Dirt Bikes or Electric Motorcycles and are classified by the California Vehicle Code as motorcycles (400 CVC). These motorcycles must be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles, insured, and the operator must have the proper driver’s license endorsement to operate them on public streets. If these motorcycles are operated on city streets, sidewalks or public places, the rider is subject to receiving a citation and the vehicle can be impounded. A general rule of thumb to follow: If an E-bike has pedals and is able to be propelled by human power and assisted by an electric motor, then it falls within a class I, II, or III E-bike. If there are no pedals and no way for the vehicle to be propelled by human power, only an electric motor, then the vehicle is classified as an electric motorcycle and subject to all the same rules and regulations as a standard motorcycle utilizing a gas engine. | 
