Q: Interest in electric bicycles and other such motorized or electric vehicles is on the rise, and On the Road has received quite a few inquiries about them. Readers Bruce Adams of Redlands and Will Plunkett of Alta Loma were the latest to email several questions about e-bikes and motorized scooters. “From a practical standpoint, the scooter guys seem to make up their own rules as they go along,” Adams said. Plunkett asked about laws relating to licensing, training and insurance for e-bikes. He also asked if modified golf carts are considered a “motorized vehicle,” and what rules apply to them.
A: This is a very broad, complex issue. Regulations regarding motorized bikes, scooters, skateboards and golf carts vary depending on the type and there are many types on the market. The information On the Road provides is a guide. It’s the rider’s responsibility to know how to ride these vehicles legally and safely. If the rider/owner is a minor under 18, then their parents should be up-to-date on laws and safety guidelines. You can ask the seller or your local city police department for information pertaining to laws in the locations you intend to ride.
RELATED: Some Inland Empire cities worry about e-bike safety
Here are a few points to know, from the California Bicycle Coalition website: “Mopeds and high-speed electric bikes are not like regular bikes. Gas-powered bicycles and type 3 electric bicycles (with top assisted speeds of 28 mph) may not be used on trails, bike paths, or bike lanes unless allowed by local authorities. They may be used in bike lanes or separated bikeways adjacent to the roadway (California Vehicle Code Section 21207.5). They require helmets and may not be operated by people under age 16 (CVC Section 21213). Low-speed electric bicycles are almost like regular bikes. Type 1 and 2 electric bicycles (with top assisted speeds of 20 mph) are allowed wherever regular bikes are allowed unless a sign specifically prohibits electric bicycles.”
In most cases, e-bikes and e-scooters are not allowed to be ridden on sidewalks. Insurance and a driver’s license are not required for e-bikes, but they are for mopeds; motorized scooter drivers need a license or a permit but not insurance and they must be 16 or older.
Here are some helpful online resources:
• Department of Motor Vehicles website for road rules for bicyclists and pedestrians
• California Bicycle Coalition website about bikes and e-bikes
• DMV and California Highway Patrol for requirements associated with mopeds, motorized scooters and motorized skateboards
• The DMV explains e-scooters and e-bikes
• Neighborhood electric vehicles and golf carts
Do you commute to work in the Inland Empire? Spend a lot of time in your vehicle? Have questions about driving, freeways, toll roads or parking? If so, write or call On the Road and we’ll try to answer your questions. Please include your question or issue, name, city of residence, phone number and email address. Write ontheroad@scng.com or call us at our new phone number, 951-368-9995.
