E-Bicycle Laws & Safety
If you are under 18 years of age and riding an electric bicycle (aka: "e-bike," "motorized bicycle"), you are required by law to wear a helmet. The same law that applies for helmets to be worn while using bikes without motors also applies to electric bikes.
It's the rider's responsibility to go with the flow of cars, as you're expected to share the road with them. It is essential for those operating electric bikes to watch out for pedestrians who want to use Roseville roads, too.
Different classifications and models of e-bikes have different rules regarding their general use, minimum age requirements, whether licenses are needed to operate them, what materials they must be equipped with, and where they can be used.
E-Scooter Laws & Safety
If you are under 18 years of age and riding an electric scooter (aka: "e-scooter," "motorized scooter"), you are required by law to wear a helmet. The same law that applies for helmets to be worn while using scooters without motors also applies to electric scooters.
Additionally:
- The maximum speed allowed is 15 mph.
- Other than the operator, no passengers are allowed on a motorized scooter.
- Motorized scooters cannot be operated on a sidewalk, expect as necessary to leave or enter a property.
- Any motorized scooter operator must have a learner’s permit or license.
It's also the rider's responsibility to go with the flow of cars, as you're expected to share the road with them. It is essential for those operating electric scooters to watch out for pedestrians who want to use Roseville roads, too.
The Roseville Police Department prioritizes your safety, and that includes while operating e-bikes, e-scooters, and e-motorcycles. The next time you and/or your kids are riding in Roseville, remember to Ride Safe and Ride Smart.
E-Motorcycles are a No-Go
Any self-propelled device, whether gasoline or electric powered, that goes faster than 30 miles per hour is considered a motorcycle, a motor driven cycle or a pocket bicycle. Due to their self-propelled nature, they are subject to the California Vehicle Code (CVC).
E-Motorcycle Laws & Safety
Only e-motorcycles registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may be ridden at off-highway vehicle (OHV) parks. These vehicles may not be ridden on trails, bike lanes, or sidewalks. Riders and passengers, regardless of age, must wear at DOT approved helmet. These vehicles are subject CVC 400(a)/(b), CVC 405, and CVC 473(a).
Certain e-motorcycles, typically those marketed as off-highway electric motorcycles, are not easily registered in California.
Even though e-motorcycles do not traditionally have pedals, adding pedals does not change its classification from "e-motorcycle" to "e-bike". They must still be registered with the DMV.
Failure to comply with California Vehicle Codes regarding e-motorcycles may result in towing or impounding of your vehicle.
Please direct questions regarding e-motorcycles to Roseville Police Traffic Sergeant Mike Ryland at mryland@roseville.ca.us.