Bicycle With Motor California Laws
With rising gas prices environmental concerns and a suffering economy it s no wonder more.
Bicycle with motor california laws. Federal classification of ebike law hr 727. Bicycle law in california is the parts of the california vehicle code that set out the law for persons cycling in california and a subset of bicycle law in the united states in general pretty much all the same rights and responsibilities that apply to car drivers apply to bicycle riders as well. How an electric bike is defined. Scroll down to see the full breakdown.
You must possess a motorcycle license m1 or m2 and have a specialty license plate and id card for your motorized bicycle. There are many benefits to be had by using a motorized bicycle as your primary or secondary method of transportation. While there are many laws on cycling we believe the ones listed below are the most important california bicycle laws. Utah code 41 6a 102 7 9 16.
A motorized bicycle is defined by having pedals and an electric motor with fewer than 750 watts. California electric motorized bicycle laws. September 18 2014 february 16 2019 motorized bicycle hq. Motorized bicycle laws in california.
Top ten california bicycle laws every cyclist should know. These and other cycling laws can be found in the california vehicle code which we abbreviate as cvc we provide links to the each section of the code cited below. The motorized bicycle laws in california are pretty restrictive in comparison with most other states. In the united states motorized bicycle laws and requirements vary from state to state.
For the most part bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers cvc 21200. According to the california bicycle coalition governor jerry brown has signed one of the united states most progressive electric bicycle laws which allows 28mph capable electric bikes in bike lanes and allows low power pedal assist electric bikes to use bike paths except when prohibited by local law. The california vehicle code contains the state laws that specify where and how bikes must operate. The federal consumer product safety act defines a low speed electric bicycle as a two or three wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals a top speed when powered solely by the motor under 20 mph 32 km h and an electric motor that produces less than 750 w 1 01 hp.
The official laws posted by the state governments are difficult to understand and hard to find. Motor top speed is limited to 30mph on flat ground and must not exceed 4 brake horsepower. Motorized bikes also called electric bicycles are similar to mopeds but california law treats them differently. For more information on utah s electric bike laws click here.
Motorized bicycles in california.