05/20/2026
As with much of California, e-scooters (both standup and sit-down models) and e-bikes are revolutionizing the way in which we get around. Much the way introduction of automobiles in the 1900s resulted in an increase in traveling injuries, community members have similar concerns with e-scooters and e-bikes.
California law distinguishes between electric stand-up scooters (“motorized scooters”), sit-down scooters/mopeds, and electric bicycles (“e-bikes”). Each category has different operational, licensing, and equipment requirements. Know the laws so you can make the most informed decisions.
Electric Stand-Up Scooters – defined in California Vehicle Code (VC) §407.5 / §21235
Examples include Bird, Lime, and most stand-up e-scooters.
Current California laws generally require:
•Riders must be at least 16 years old. §21235(b)
•A valid driver’s license or learner’s permit is required. §21235(b)
•Maximum legal speed is 15 MPH. §22411
•Riding on sidewalks is prohibited in the City of Lakeport. §21235(g)
•Scooters may be operated in bike lanes and on roads with speed limits of 25mph or less. §21235(b)
•Riders under 18 must wear a helmet. §21235(c)
•No passengers are allowed. §21235(e)
•Registration and insurance are not required.
Electric scooters are treated as low-speed mobility devices with relatively limited licensing and equipment requirements.
Sit-Down Scooters / Mopeds – defined in VC §406
Sit-down scooters are often legally classified as mopeds or motor-driven cycles depending on speed capability and motor size.
California laws for mopeds/sit-down scooters generally require:
•DMV registration and license plates. §5030
•An M1 or M2 motorcycle license endorsement. §12804.9
•Helmet use for all riders, regardless of age. §27803
•Compliance with motorcycle equipment standards.
•Operation on public roadways similar to motorcycles.
These vehicles are treated much more like motorcycles under California law and are subject to stricter operational requirements.
Electric Bicycles (E-Bikes) – defined in VC §312.5
California classifies e-bikes into three categories:
•Class 1: Pedal-assist only, up to 20 MPH. §312.5(a)(1)
•Class 2: Throttle-assisted, up to 20 MPH. §312.5(a)(2)
•Class 3: Pedal-assist, up to 28 MPH. §312.5(a)(3)
General e-bike laws include:
•No driver’s license, registration, or insurance required. §24016
•Riders under 18 must wear helmets on Class 1 and 2 bikes; ALL riders on Class 3 bikes must wear helmets. §21213
•Class 3 riders must be at least 16 years old. §21213
•E-bikes are generally permitted in bike lanes and on many bicycle paths, although local restrictions may apply. §21207.5, 21207.6
•E-bikes retain operational rights similar to traditional bicycles in most circumstances.
Illegal E-Bikes in California
Certain electric bicycles are illegal to operate on California roadways because they fall outside the statutory definition of an e-bike.
Examples include:
•E-bikes capable of speeds greater than 28 MPH with motor assistance.
•E-bikes modified (“unlocked”, “jail-broke” or “tuned”) to exceed legal speed limitations.
•Electric bikes with motors exceeding 750 watts. §312.5
•Electric motorcycles or dirt bikes being operated as e-bikes without registration.
•E-bikes lacking required manufacturer classification labels. §312.5(c)
•Vehicles marketed as “stealth bikes” or high-powered off-road electric bikes operated on public streets without proper registration and licensing.
•E-Bikes without functional, operable pedals.
When an electric bicycle exceeds California’s e-bike specifications, it may legally become classified as:
•a moped, §406
•motor-driven cycle, §405
•or motorcycle. §400
At that point, the operator may be required to have:
•DMV registration,
•license plates,
•motorcycle endorsement,
•insurance,
•and DOT-compliant safety equipment.
