04/10/2026
🚨 KNOW THE LAW: MOTORIZED BICYCLES (E-BIKES & MOPEDS) 🚲⚡
With the increase in motorized bicycles across California, we want to help keep everyone safe by clarifying the laws. We have seen an uptick in young folks carelessly riding these bikes in town. Just this week we had a juvenile struck by a vehicle while riding an E bike. The bikes are fast, the riders are typically young, and don’t follow the laws, and that is a dangerous combination. In an effort to educate both parents and young riders, please review the following:
CVC 312.5
🔹 E-BIKE CLASSES (California Vehicle Code):
• Class 1: Pedal-assist only (up to 20 mph)
• Class 2: Throttle-assisted (up to 20 mph)
• Class 3: Pedal-assist (up to 28 mph) – Helmet required & rider must be 16+
🔹 WHAT’S LEGAL:
✔️ Class 1 & 2 e-bikes allowed on bike paths (unless posted otherwise)
✔️ Class 3 allowed on roadways and bike lanes
✔️ No license, registration, or insurance required for e-bikes
🔹 MOPEDS / MOTOR-DRIVEN CYCLES:
• Require valid driver’s license (M1/M2)
• Must be registered with DMV
• Helmet required
• Cannot be operated on sidewalks or bike paths
🔹 SAFETY REMINDERS:
• Obey all traffic laws and signals
• Ride with the flow of traffic
• Use lights at night
• Parents: Know what your child is riding
👮♂️ ENFORCEMENT NOTE:
Operating an illegal or modified motorized bicycle (exceeding speed limits or classification) may result in citations or impound.
Our goal is education and safety—not enforcement. Let’s work together to keep our streets safe for everyone.
FEEDBACK REQUEST: Please let us know if a Bike Safety Rally for both parents and young people put on by the Police Dept would be beneficial