Electric Bikes, Scooters, and Motorcycles
With the popularity of e-bikes, e-scooters, and e-motorcycles due to their affordability, convenience, and fuel efficiency, they have been more prevalent on city streets, including in South San Francisco.
The South San Francisco Police Department has seen an increase in e-bikes, e-scooters, and e-motorcycles violations and incidents, especially by unlicensed juveniles. Many riders do not realize these two-wheel electric vehicles have specific laws and can carry serious penalties when ridden improperly. Our priority is to protect the safety of those who share the road through education and prevention.
Important information about e-bikes, electric motorcycles, motorized bicycles, motorized scooters, and motorized boards:
E-Bike (312.5(a) CVC):
- Class 1 and 2 are 750 watts or less of power, max speed 20 MPH
- Class 3 is 750 watts or less power, max speed of 28 MPH – Rider must be 16 years old or older
- DOT Helmet required for anyone under 18 and all ages for Class 3
- Driver’s license is not required
- All classes of e-bikes must have fully operable bicycle pedals
- Exempt from registration, license plate, and insurance requirements
Motorized Bicycle and Moped (406(a) CVC):
- Still must have pedals for human propulsion
- Does not have to have pedals if powered by electric energy only
- Operator must have a driver’s license with M1 or M2 endorsement
- DOT helmet is required to operate
- DMV registration-specific to mopeds is required
Motorcycle / Electric Motorcycle (400(a) CVC):
- A motorcycle is a motor vehicle with a seat or saddle for the rider and is designed to travel on not more than three wheels
- Not limited to speed requirements of e-bikes, mopeds, and motorized motorcycles
- Operator must have a driver’s license with M1 or M2 endorsement
- DOT helmet required to operate
- To be legally used on street or highway – must have required mechanical equipment (headlights, taillights, brake light, signals, mirrors, horn, license plate holder)
- Vehicle registration is required if it has street-legal mechanical equipment
- If not street legal (does not have required equipment), then it can be registered as an off-highway vehicle (OHV)
- OHV cannot be operated on public streets, highways, or off-street public parking facilities
Motorized Scooter (407.5 CVC) and Motorized Board (313.5 CVC):
- Operator of motorized scooter must have a driver’s license
- Minimum age is 15.5 for motorized scooter and 16 for motorized board
- Not permitted to drive on sidewalk except on certain locations for motorized board
- Permitted to drive on highways with 35 MPH speed limit for motorized board / 25 MPH for motorized scooter
- DOT Helmet required for anyone under 18
RESOURCES:
California DMV Handbook on Two-Wheel Vehicle Operation (California DMV)
Registration of motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters (California DMV)
ONLINE TRAINING:
CHP Electric Bicycle Safety and Training Course
California E-Bike Incentive Project Training Course
The mission of the South San Francisco Police Department is to ensure the safety and legal compliance of these electric vehicles for our residents. It is important to verify the specifications and requirements of any vehicle before purchase or rental, especially for juvenile drivers. If you have questions or concerns, please contact our Traffic Division at (650) 829-3934.